Insights • Inspirations • Destinations • Design

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

NY's BookExpo (And Books To Buy In 2012)


Last week, I took a break from photographing New York for a new book and instead went and looked at other people's books. Lots and lots of them. I went along to the great, gargantuan, carnivalesque event known as BookExpo America (BEA), the publishing industry's big trade show.


There were 1200 exhibitors in the cavernous space, most of them publishers, and more famous authors than you could shake an e-reader at.


I walked past a gentlemen and thought: That looks like Tom Wolfe. It was. (Image via The Selby)


Ian McEwan and Michael Connelly were signing books, as was Robert Goolrick, one of my favourite new authors. I asked if they had credit card facilities to buy a copy. "Oh, the books here are free!" said the publicist. "Just stand in line." I did. I also nabbed a new James Patterson book, Zoo, that isn't out until September. (That was free, too.) I read it on the flight home. It was pacier than the 747. Barbara Kingsolver gave a talk about something. So too did Stephen Colbert, Zadie Smith, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snickert) and dozens of others. I missed them. I was stuck somewhere in the throng, being offered showbags of new books and wondering if I should buy another suitcase to cart them all home in? No wonder people love it.


There was lots of talk about First Lady Michelle Obama's new garden book American Grown. Michelle wasn't there. But I did see her hubby hot-footing it down Madison Avenue in a cavalcade. Perhaps he was off to buy a copy?


Three publishers featured my books among their displays. When I went to thank them, two didn't believe I was who I said I was. At that moment, shaking my head at the surreal scene of seeing my books on show at this extraordinary place, I didn't even believe who I was! I chatted to the editorial head of a huge French publishing house. "Oh, I've seen your Design in Black and White book!" she said kindly. Then we spoke about possible future projects. I was so humbled. I felt as though I'd landed a private audience with the Pope.


The biggest buzz of the show? The Fifty Shades of Grey series, which is published by a tiny Melbourne publisher and has sold more than 10 million copies. Taking a rest from the page-turning madness, I sat next to a Texas woman who reviews books for a living. She said erotic books will be big in the next few years. I think I might have to start writing erotica soon...

Here are some of the most beautiful new books shown at the show. All are being released later this year.



DIANE KEATON : HOUSE
Diane Keaton's memoir, Then Again, was a runaway bestseller. She's now on a roll, with two more books due out soon. House is the first. A beautifully designed project, it's Keaton's portrayal of the way we live now "in rusticated, reimagined, or repurposed spaces across the country". Keaton is an architecture and design lover, as many of you who have seen her homes will know (even the interiors in her films are slavishly copied), and this book taps into her passion for engaging spaces. Certain to be as stylish as its author. Published in Sept. (Rizzoli) (Image of DK via Elle Decor)



ROMAN AND WILLIAMS : THINGS WE MADE
I love Roman and Williams. Their loft library (above) is perhaps my favourite space in the world. So I will be waiting like a child at Christmas for their first monograph Things We Made. The talents behind the Ace Hotel, The Standard Hotel, the Royalton's lobby, and the homes of Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Stiller, the duo is arguably the hottest design firm in NY right now. Even Facebook asked them to design the company's food hall. I can't wait to see The Things They've Made. Published in Oct. (Rizzoli)



LA PERLA : LINGERIE AND SEDUCTION
La Perla is more than just a lingerie brand. It has all the drama of a Federico Fellini film! This new book, Lingerie and Seduction, focuses on La Perla's celebrated and drop-dead (or drop-into-bed) designs. Striking, sumptuous, sophisticated and oh-so-sexy. And the book isn't bad too... Published in Oct. (Rizzoli)


PARIS BY HOLLYWOOD
The cover of this caught my eye but it's the concept that I love. So original too.  It's a nostalgic volume examining Hollywood's fascination with the City of Light (and cinema). There are seminal films such as An American In Paris, Sabrina and even Woody Allen's studies, plus interviews with Martin Scorsese, Julie Delpy and Leslie Caron. Definitely one to put on the Christmas wish list! Published in Sept. (Flammarion)


KELLY WEARSTLER : CHROMATIC RHAPSODY
I think Kelly Wearstler should take a little break for work for a while. Her insane levels of productivity are making the rest of us look bad! Her latest book, Chromatic Rhapsody, shows off her distinctive 'mod baroque' projects, revealing the decadence and the attention to detail that has made her so famous (apart from her Playboy shoot!) It also follows the designer as she goes about her (very stylish) day. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be Ms Wearstler, buy this book. A fun, behind-the-scenes look at an intriguing design icon. Published in Oct. (Rizzoli)

21 comments:

  1. The enclosed library that looks like a butler's pantry has stolen my heart! The combination of books and french doors/windows says "You need this in your house!" Books need to be seen, not just read. Thanks!

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    1. Yes, I love that library too Mary! It's so different, isn't it? x

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  2. Aww I love the heart made out of pages!
    xo
    Sharon

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    1. Yes, it's cute. Pity the book (Fifty Shades of Grey) isn't as witty... (But I'm going to let people make up their own minds.)
      Thanks for dropping by Sharon. Lovely to hear from you.
      x

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  3. Oh how wonderful Janelle cannot wait for some of these books especially the Diane Keaton House one and Things We Made... - they look fabulous. So sorry have not been around for commenting recently and I am going to catch up soon on all your lovely posts as well. Do hope you are having a fabulous time still in USA. And that is so 'you' to thank the publishers for having your wonderful book on display - that's probably why they did not believe it was you - I would not imagine that many authors are as gracious and charming as you!!
    Take care and happy travels, Sarah xx

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    1. Hi Sarah,
      I can't wait for the Diane Keaton one too. She's developed a real interest in interior design and architecture lately, hasn't she?
      Thank you for your very kind comment, as always. You are so lovely.
      xx

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  4. Heavens, wandering around a beautiful book fest where they are all free sounds like bliss. I would have definitely been there with a wheelbarrow or two. As a greedy book-lover, one can never have enough books! What a hoot they didn't believe you were who you said you were. Talk about a moment of self-reflection!!

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    1. Yes, I felt very humbled by that, I can tell you! Nothing like not being recognised to make you realise there's nothing special about being an author!
      But it was a wonderful show, and I'm glad I went. So expensive, but worth the price. xx

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  5. Janelle...you are a superwoman! I have been following your posts and have been amazed at the content, one after another. You are on the move and you are making it happen. I hope you have a holiday planned on your return! Love all your sights and observations. So excited to see another by Diane Keaton coming out later in the year. Black and White by you! How did I miss this? I thought I had them all covered. You certainly have enough material in these past posts for a few books. As for erotica and The Fifty Shades of Grey...there certainly is a buzz in the air. I haven't read it, not sure if I want to but when it comes to a cinema near us, which I am sure it will one day, I have a sneaky suspicion I will be one of the many sneaking in...
    Best wishes Janelle...
    Safe travels as you wing your way home to Oz.
    Jeanne xx

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    1. No, no superwomen here Jeanne! Just a small-town writer with a camera and a laptop who "clicks and prays" when she takes a photo! (Although I don't think it's working as my images are getting worse every week...?)
      I hope Grey doesn't get to film. It somehow seemed a bit... grubby to me? But let me know what you think, if you read it.
      xx

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  6. Great post, what a fabulous event! I didn't know Grey (to use publishspeak)was published by a Melbourne firm. I havent read it though. Must be getting old, can't be bothered. Agree with Semi Expat, your good manners probably floored them !

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    1. Oh, how lovely you are! Do you know I was told off in NY for offering to help a B&B owner with her dishes and the general clearing up? She was quite annoyed. Said "I'd stepped over the boundaries of the guest/hostess divide". So now I don't know whether Australian manners are different to US ones? x

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  7. Oh Janelle! Yet another superlative post. You really are on a roll. I have been following your travels with great interest - you know I travel vicariously through you! Ooh, 'Paris by Hollywood' has me intrigued! J x

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    1. Oh Jane, your life is just as exciting. I wish I had 3 darling children to call my own! Hope hubby's jobs are not too exhausting, and the op was a resounding success. xx

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  8. Great picks and oh you must have felt so chuffed, well done!

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    1. Thank you Tabitha. I know how much you read so that means a lot, coming from you. xx

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  9. Janelle such a plethora of beautiful posts. You must have had the most wonderful day at the book fair. Like Jane, I am travelling vicariously.

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    1. Thank you Claire. You always write such lovely comments.
      xx

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  10. Dear Janelle

    Great post - must have been book lovers' heaven! Specially loved the Roman and Williams section and will also be looking for the Diane Keaton book. Today we called in at Colette and I was fascinated by a book by blogger Ari Seth Cohen. It's called Advanced Style, with wonderful pictures of older women (mostly in their seventies plus) who have amazing idiosyncratic styles. These are not beige on beige ladies. As a Nonna myself, though not quite as far down the track as most of these women, I so admired their spirit and originality that I couldn't resist the book.

    Have been putting your Paris bible to very good use. It was really helpful for our slow walk walk up Montmartre, stopping at the Bateau Lavoir and all the other places you suggested. We had a wonderful day, including at Marche Saint Pierre where we wrestled with bolts of toile de jouy and other lovely textiles (unbelievably cheap too)! Poor husband struggled along with many of their blue bags heavily laden. Have had a lovely time shopping today, Astier de Villatte, Mulberry, Colette, Jamin Puech etc.

    Best wishes, Pamela

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    1. Hi dear Pamela,
      I've seen 'Advanced Style'. It's great, isn't it? Those women are so beautifully put-together. I'm sure your wardrobe is just as sophisticated as theirs!
      So glad to hear the Paris book is useful. Do hope it's not too heavy to lug around? I love the Marche Saint Pierre! Hope you bought lots of beautiful fabrics.
      xx

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