Megan's Reviews

Pok Pok Noodles boasts hearty recipes with 30-plus ingredients as well as more relaxed, anything-goes dishes where “virtually any vegetable is welcome.” Not to worry though; Andy Ricker is here to help. He includes tips on sourcing the right ingredients, an extensive vocabulary section, and the suggested utensils and flavor profiles for each recipe. This is an absolutely delicious collection for noodle-lovers like me! - Megan                                     

Chock full of fun projects (including a duvet cover, lampshades, and a hammock), varied dye techniques, and beautifully photographed step-by-step instructions, Hand Dyed is this season’s perfect craft book. There’s nothing like a messy, colorful project for a beautiful spring or summer day that you can enjoy outside. A great supplement to the muted neutrals of the natural dye trend, these dye projects will add a punch of vibrant color to your home and wardrobe. - Megan

Noma chef René Redzepi and director of fermentation David Zilber have been working to perfect a myriad of fermentation techniques for drinks, snacks, main dishes, and desserts. The Noma Guide is aimed at the ambitious home chef and has a clean and modern design, clearly laid out steps, and more than 700 instructional photos. - Megan

The newest book from Our Lady of Delicious Cakes, Christina Tosi (of Milk Bar fame) does not disappoint. You’ll find recipes for classics with a twist—like a raspberry bundt cake with a grapefruit glaze—as well as some less expected combinations that still sound oddly delightful, like Banana Green Curry. There are sections on cupcakes and mug- and crockpot cakes. I’m so excited about this book, I’m already filling my calendar with birthdays so I have an excuse to work through all the cakes! - Megan

Whether you’re planning a trip or are just on an armchair adventure, this book will keep you dreaming for hours. The description of each hike is accompanied by a stylized map, inspiring photos (as one would expect from Lonely Planet), a short essay on why the hike is amazing or special or tricky or relaxing, and a detailed list that includes the trip distance, suggested supplies, when to go, route planning to get to the location, and a list of three similar trips. - Megan

Because Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn were friends, their art has been compared before, but Yau’s new book explores the similarities in the expansive works of these two artists as they took inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes of California. With essays comparing individual pieces to each other as well as to those of other artists, California Landscapes gives a feel for Thiebaud and Diebenkorn’s relationship and their place in the arts community. - Megan

Known for her distinct graphic style and charming color palettes, Orla Kiely truly has lived a life in pattern. In this, her third publication, we get a fascinating look into her career in fashion and home design, starting with her ever-popular “stem” design that she made right in her apartment living room back in 1995. A fine book for those inspired by graphic design or the recent history of female entrepreneurship. - Megan

Maier is one of my favorite photographers of the 20th century. Her uncanny ability to create a beautiful, haunting, or visually intriguing image from everyday people and places makes her photos endlessly fascinating. The Color Work is the first conclusive collection of her color work and so has a very different feel than previous compilations of her black-and-white shots. A wonderful new glimpse into the enigmatic Maier. - Megan

This sweet collection of 30 embroidery motifs is focused on showing how to stitch charming things for the sole purpose of making life a little more beautiful. Yumiko stays true to the aesthetic of her previous books by way of zakka, a Japanese word meaning “miscellaneous things,” usually used to describe anything that improves your home or life. Add a little swimmer or a dandelion crest to your favorite bag or jacket and work your way to a more beautiful life. - Megan

Designer and illustrator Jason Logan wanted safer art materials for his kids, so he started looking into making his own from scratch. He got hooked on making ink—and you will likely, too, after reading his gorgeous book. Make Ink explores the plethora of materials—including rust, peach pits, and soot!—that can be used to make rich, vibrant inks, and turns going outside into a treasure hunt to find plants and materials. - Megan