Bibliotaph: Publisher's Picks

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Dave Mahanes, Publisher, Sophisticated Living Nashville: I plan on reading The Last Days of John Lennon by James Patterson. Ever since my Dad brought home Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band when it came out, the Beatles have been my favorite recording artist. I started playing guitar six months after that and still do. I’ve read many books about the Beatles, but never one that focused on the last tragic days of John Lennon. I remember learning of his death that night in Cambridge Inn at Duke. It’s a must-read from me; James Patterson’s not too shabby either. James Patterson—The Last Days of John Lennon—paperback, Little, Brown and Company

Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief, Sophisticated Living Nashville: Ina Garten’s 12th Cookbook does not disappoint! I am enjoying making some new dishes-comfort food is key this time of year! Ina Garten—Modern Comfort Food— hardcover, 256 pages, Ten Speed Press. I am a huge fan of the Royals and their fashion choices! Especially fun to peruse since we are binge-watching the new season of The Crown. Elizabeth Holmes—HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style— hardcover, 336 pages, Celadon Books

Bridget Williams, Sophisticated Living Co-founder: Timely in this era of social justice awareness, I selected this book because it appeals to my interests in historical fiction and Native American history. Today, Simon Girty might be viewed as a defender of Native Americans, but in early America, he was as reviled as Benedict Arnold. Working between the blurred lines of truth and legend, author Richard Taylor relies on passages from diaries, travel accounts, and biographies to tell the story of this complex historical figure. Richard Taylor—Girty— 198 pages, University Press of Kentucky (kentuckypress.com)

Amelia Jeffers, Publisher, Sophisticated Living Columbus: Working internationally as an auctioneer and appraiser for 20+ years, I know many of the characters and objects referenced in Objects of Desire. Re-reading it has the effect of attending a family reunion - reminding me of people and events who are no longer active. It is a great read for anyone interested in understanding the high stakes world of art and antiques. Thatcher Freund—Objects of Desire: The Lives of Antiques and Those Who Pursue Them— Paperback, 304 pages, Penguin Books

Jeffrey Cohen, Editor-In-Chief, Sophisticated Living Indianapolis: I just started this memoir, which tells the story of the beloved house in New Orleans where the author and her family lived for decades. This is not an account of affluence, rather it’s the story of a family of 11 siblings and their single mother, who managed, at the age of 19, to buy a home in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods that became a haven for them, despite the inevitable grind and decay of poverty, until Hurricane Katrina destroyed all that they held dear. Hailed as a masterpiece of history, politics, sociology, and memory, it’s a must-read for me, as a New Orleans native. Sarah M. Broom—The Yellow House: A Memoir— hardcover, 304 pages, Grove Press

Craig Kaminer, Publisher, Sophisticated Living St. Louis: Every now and then a book comes along which combines my general interest in business, reminders of my own career, my personal life experiences, and one of the great brands I admire most. Leonard Lauder is one of the great stories of the beauty business and My Life in Beauty offers keen insights on honing ambition, leveraging success, learning from mistakes, and growing an international company in an age of economic turbulence, uncertainty, and fierce competition. This is a great read by the fire, on a beach, or wherever you will take refuge this winter. Leonard Lauder—The Company I Keep: My Life In Beauty —hardcover, 432 pages, Harper Business