Megan's Reviews

This terrific book is filled with home projects of varying skill levels, complete with materials lists, easy-to-follow instructions, and clear diagrams. Unique finishing details like concrete textured with Legos or pine with a pop of neon, make the hardest thing in this book the decision of what project to make first. HomeMade Modern is the book you need to get your modern-minimalist-industrial-loft-style hipster pad ready to impress all of your too-cool friends.  —Megan

When I’m not knitting, chances are I’m thinking, talking, or reading about knitting. In between reading the stories in Knitting Pearls, you could be knitting one of the many patterns that are part of the book. And as much as I think everyone in the world should learn to knit, these stories aren’t just for the knit-obsessed. These essays by some of my favorite creative people are about love, heartbreak, family, personal identity, and making sense of it all. —Megan

The second installment of the ever-popular Humans of New York series (complete with the quotes and stories we know and love) is a unique look into the hearts and minds of our fellow humans. Entertaining as it may be, hold on to your heart and prepare for it to warm, melt, even break, at some of the stories in this new collection. I’m a big fan of Louis, profiled on page 218. That kid is going places.  --Megan

This collection of quilt patterns, inspired by geometry in everyday life, is beautiful, modern, and accessible. I love quilting but I’m far from an expert. I can honestly say that not only do I want to make every quilt in this book, I feel like I can because the construction is so simple and clearly detailed. Try a few of Heather Jones’ patterns, then take inspiration from your own neighborhood and see what you come up with!  —Megan

Vacationing with her playboy father and his for-the-moment lover, Cecile is enjoying a self-indulgent summer of swimming and sunning in the South of France. Things go south when Daddy starts a new relationship with her dead mom's friend and head further south when Cecile takes it upon herself to break up the new couple. About six feet further south.

Unlike your typical detective mystery, this novel has more of a focus on character development than the crime at hand. Told from multiple points of view, the book is a mosaic of the human condition, with each story weaving through the others and connecting in ways you won't expect. The narrative definitely keeps you guessing.

Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s the funniest, quirkiest, most whimsical short story writer this bookseller has ever read. A bestselling author in his native Israel, Etgar Keret has quickly made his way to the top of the bestsellers list of my heart with his innate ability to take unremarkable situations and spin them slowly and surely into strange and magical tales.

Cirilia Rose is a crafter after my own heart. This collection of patterns is organized with 3 sections based on the three main types of knitting projects (Magpies, Homebodies and Nomads) and broken up further by smart and relatable personal essays on the creative process. No matter your knitting mood, you'll find a perfect pattern in this awesome book. 

This is such a cool book, I love it! Flipping through the drinks in this book, it's hard to decide what to make first. My favorite part is the variety of non-alcoholic drinks from refreshing lemonades and spritzers to satisfying flavored coffees and shakes. These handcrafted beverages are taken to a new level in this beautifully photographed collection of recipes.