non fiction mania

i tend to buy and read a lot of books. lately i've been reading a lot as its been so very cold and i think i've been procrastinating starting other things. below are three books that i've read and could recommend easily to you. for a change they are all non-fiction, which is very rare for me.

ok, i've never been one for self help books. but this year i've kinda been on a self discovery of sorts as i'm approaching my GAG late 20s, and i thought this one would be a good idea. gf gretchen is organized. shes a list-making, researching, inquisitive lady that i would like to be. this book was low on kitsch, inspiring and made question my own perception of what is happiness.

basically this book combines two of my great loves of all time: microhistory and veuve clicquot. in my 26 years i've drank dozens upon dozens of bottles and often wonder who can i thank, this book offers a face, a name and a story of audacity for just that purpose. i think it was well done, as long as it's read maybe with a glass or two.

i really loved this book. it has all of the makings for me of an interesting read: historical significance, both a ny and international setting, fashion, glamour, absurdity and a family story. it is Francine du Plessix Gray's story of her parents. her mother was a renowned saks designer of hats, and her stepfather was a writer at Vogue. it really was beautifully written and very honest.