Read-taility Recs
Whether you’re looking for an easy beach read or a love letter to soul searching, The Retaility has you covered. We asked a few friends what they’re reading right now. Scroll on for a list of recommendations from the likes of author Caroline Kepnes, actress Ahna O’Reilly, costume designer Janie Bryant, “I Am A Voter” creator Mandana Dayani, designer Rachel Pally, and more…
“I realize now that I have a little bit of a tradition. Every May, I feel summer approaching and I crave an Anne Tyler book. Right now I'm midway through ‘French Braid.’ It's a Baltimore family saga, but mostly, as always, it's about Tyler's dialogue. The dialogue! I love her style, and the way she lets her characters breathe.”
— Caroline Kepnes, New York Times-bestselling author of “You,” “Hidden Bodies,” “You Love Me,” “For You and You Only,” and “Providence”
“I can't wait to read ‘Don't Call Me Home’ by Alex Auder. I've always been fascinated by the Chelsea Hotel and all the artists that came and went. Auder's mom was a Warhol Superstar, Viva, and her father was French filmmaker Michel Auder. I love a memoir and Auder's sounds like it will be catnip. But before I get to that, I'll be finishing up ‘Birnam Wood’ by Eleanor Catton. It's an environmental thriller, and I can't put it down.”
—Ahna O’Reilly, actress from “Where the Crawdads Sing”
“I just read Elise Loehnen's book, [‘On Our Best Behavior’]. It is INCREDIBLE!!!”
—Mandana Dayani, creator & co-founder of “I am a voter”
“I’m just starting to read ‘The Universal One’ by Walter Russell. I love learning more and more and more about Universal consciousness! I’m also reading ‘Journey of Souls’ by Michael Newton, PhD. [It’s] such a fascinating book about our souls and where we go after we pass on to the spirit world.”
— Janie Bryant, Emmy award-winning costume designer for “Mad Men,” “Deadwood,” “1883,” “Mayfair Witches,” and many more projects
“I’ve started the ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ [by Taylor Jenkins Reid]. I’ve been told by people that I remind them of one of the characters in the book, Celia St James. Excited to see how I like it and hopefully audition for the part when the book comes to life!”
— Larsen Thompson, dancer/model/actress from the upcoming film “Horrorscope”
“I just started reading ‘Still Life’ by Sarah Winman. I would recommend it because I love renaissance art, it’s predominantly set in Florence, post WWII, the characters intertwining stories evoked a sense hope, and passion guided by fate and luck. I’m loving it and looking up art pieces I’ve never seen before.”
— Emilie Goldblum, founder of Maison Goldblum
"Right now I'm reading ‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ by Rick Rubin. It's a collection of Rubin's thoughts on creativity and how to access it. I've found it incredibly inspiring and illuminating and it's helped me to get over some major blocks to my own creativity. I started listening to the audiobook, and felt compelled to also read the hard copy, as there are so many ideas I to revisit and highlight. It's not a book you read once and move on from. You have to live with it. I find it very meditative. I've gotten into a routine of starting my day by listening to it on my morning hike, and then going home and reviewing the day's section and sitting with the thoughts. I can't recommend it enough!"
—Mouna Traoré, actress and star of “The Porter”
Great minds think alike:
“‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ by Rick Rubin has been a tremendous source of inspiration and in many ways has put into words a feeling I have known in the depths of my soul for years that I have wrestled with. I find his narration of his own book on audible so peaceful and I have highlighted so many quotes that have really resonated with me. It’s a teacher for parents raising creatives and a pathway to anyone who is looking to find their own creative journey.”
— Angela O’Brien, founder of Cleobella
“I just finished the insightful and wise ‘Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age’ and felt as if author Katherine May might have been eavesdropping [on] my personal inner dialogue. She gives words to so many of the emotions and thoughts I've grappled with post pandemic, as I integrate the lessons and epiphanies of these last few upending years. Her previous book ‘Wintering-The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times’ is one of my all-time favorite books and her take on the importance of cultivating awe and wonder in our lives is even more revelatory. This book is a gift for anyone looking to inject more moments of connection, astonishment, and joy into their daily life.
I also haven't been able to put down ‘Flawless- Lessons in Looks and Culture' from the K-beauty Capital’ by Elise Chu. As a veteran of the beauty industry and and self proclaimed K-beauty stan, I thought there wasn’t much left for me to know about the topic. I couldn't have been more wrong. Elise spent four years in the bustling capital of Seoul, and in this book she documents that experience through the lens of foreigner, woman, and seasoned journalist. I learned so much about the intricacies of Korean beauty culture and its thriving global business through this painstakingly researched book. I feel like this book is an open invitation to discuss so much of what is right and wrong about society’s current relationship [with] beauty and its overall effects on [us] as human beings. Flawless, enlightening, personal, and chock full of fascinating and relevant facts and I loved every page.”
— Rachel Goodwin, make-up artist for Emma Stone, Alanis Morissette, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rose Byrne, Rachel Bilson, and many more of Hollywood’s leading ladies
“Much like my varied streaming watchlists, I like having a few reads on que based on my mood. The following are currently on my nightstand: 1. Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien-Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness by Tomas Streicher; My late father’s book, for connecting with him. 2. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano; My current backyard and beach read. 3. Antonio’s Girls by Antonio Lopez; An amazing fashion illustration book. 4. Soul Mates: Honoring the Mysteries of Love and Relationship by Thomas Moore; For going inward.”
— Kristie Streicher, Founder of KS&CO
“[I’m reading] ‘Normal Family’ by Chrysta Bilton – A striking, beautifully nuanced memoir about love, demons and what it means to be a mother. It’s rare to have a narrator that is so raw, so aware of her own faults, and it makes you fall in love with her, and her strange, dysfunctional family, even more.”
—Noora Raj Brown, Executive Vice President, Brand at goop
“I am currently addicted to Audible and Libby. I am so much happier to do the dishes or shlep across town or walk the dog or fold laundry when I can listen to a good book. I just finished ‘Gathering Moss’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer and I can't recommend it enough. I was so moved by every word and learned so much. I also just listened to ‘The Great Alone’ by Kristin Hannah and couldn't turn it off! Up next is ‘Horse’ by Geraldine Brooks and ‘Living Untethered’ by Michael A Singer. I love to mix it up between fiction and non fiction, so long as the read is riveting!”
— Rachel Pally, fashion designer
“I’ve been reading ‘September Letters’ by Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest. I would liken it to ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ for a new generation of soul searchers. It includes expert interviews from professionals within the mental health community in addition to beautiful essays by Anna Camp, Tom Hanks, and a handful of anonymous writers who wrote with such vulnerability. I also recently finished ‘Many Lives, Many Masters’ by Brian Weiss, which explores past life experiences. I love the idea that souls travel together throughout different lifetimes. The book was given to me by my friend Nola Singer and it’s brought me a lot of comfort. She also recently sent me the book ‘Signs’ by Laura Lynn Jackson, which I can’t wait to jump into next.”
— Lindzi Scharf, founder of The Retaility
“I just finished this beautiful book called ‘Into the Magic Shop’ by James R Doty MD. [It’s] a beautiful and moving memoir.. This book is a very powerful and inspiring story about a boy's journey, growing up with poverty and abuse, to becoming a top neurosurgeon. He details how is life changed when he was a 12 year boy, who walked into a magic shop and met Ruth. Ruth showed him kindness and taught him the ‘magic’ of manifesting. This is a beautiful story showcasing compassion and the link between our brains and our hearts. He shows the correlation between science and spirituality. This is a very interesting, unique, and beautiful story. I highly recommend this book.”
— Nola Singer, founder of Rescue Rosé as well as a stylist for Katherine Heigl and Mena Suvari
“Although I am known as the ‘optimism doctor’ and so much of my work looks towards the future, I am a sucker for nostalgia. Always have been. There is nothing like a nostalgic reread of a favorite book for me. I am super excited to carve out some time—(I don’t get that many free reading moments for pleasure these days)—to reread my [favorite]: ‘Kafka on The Shore’ by Haruki Murakami. [I read it] every few years. I always know when I need to pick it back up to catch some feelings and to be transported to fantasyland.”
— Dr. Deepika Chopra, the Optimism Doctor and founder of Things Are Looking Up
“I can’t wait to open up ‘Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries,’ which I bought a few months ago. Alan was my dear friend and work colleague and his journals were edited posthumously and published by his lovely wife Rima Horton. Alan [had] an extraordinarily droll wit and his writing reflects that. The few chapters I’ve sampled feel as thought he is in the living room chatting away and that is something I sorely miss. Another book I’m looking forward to is Minka Kelly’s ‘Tell Me Everything.’ We worked together on ‘The Butler’ [when] I hired her to play Jackie Kennedy. Minka has frequently discussed her difficult adolescence. I know the emotional work she has done on herself and I assume it is apparent in this autobiographical memoir, which [is now a] best seller. I doubt it’s light summer fare but I can’t wait to delve in.”
— Hilary Shor, producer of “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” “Children of Men,” and Lee Daniel’s upcoming film “The Deliverance” with Glenn Close, Mo'Nique, and Andra Day
“I just finished reading Megan Rapinoe’s book ‘One Life’ and it is fabulous. If you love a biography, sports, and human rights you will love this book. I was a swimmer growing up and know what it takes to be an athlete. Megan is an absolute icon who never pretends to be anyone except her true self. She’s dynamic, brilliant and warm. I also just began Gary Jannetti’s ‘Start Without Me.’ I read his other book ‘Do You Mind If I Cancel’ and was laughing out loud on a cross country flight.”
— Aliza J. Sokolow, author of “This Is What I Eat”
“‘Just Kids’ is a memoir written by artist Patti Smith, who shares a deep, personal story about the highs, lows, and everything in between of what it’s like to be an artist living in New York City in the 60’s and 70’s. As someone who consumes a lot of media that was created in those years, reading Smith’s anecdotes about how her and other artists’ art was created in a world that a 21 year old girl like me will never experience was fascinating and inspiring. Smith had me listening to her music and reading her poems, finding new favorite songs she mentioned, researching niche things she referenced, and I left [with] tears on the final page. This is a great, extremely well written read about love, loss, trust, loyalty, sacrifice, adventure, and so much more. This is a great summer read if you are looking for something to inspire you to live life to it’s fullest potential.”
— Avrey Ovard, model and content creator
“I am currently revisiting, ‘Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years,’ by Sue Townsend. I often prescribe comedy to my clients as a way of healing and accessing creativity. In need of a laugh myself, I reached for Townsend’s book, which is one of the funniest things I’ve ever read. Comedy gold.”
— Erin Falconer, author of “How to Break Up with Your Friends: Finding Meaning, Connection, and Boundaries in Modern Friendships” and “How to Get Sh*t Done”
“[‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear] is deeply aligned with our passion and mission at west~bourne and for me personally - that small actions and a deep belief in who you want to be can compound and lead to transformation. The book's ethos is practical, approachable, and data backed, and for me it's fueled an empowerment that we can drive significant change through shifting small habits over time. Powerful for anyone looking to make a difference for themselves, their industry or the greater good.”
— Camilla Marcus, chef and founder of west~bourne
“I am reading ‘Joie’ by Ajiri Aki, a Nigerian by birth, raised in Texas, an expat of Brooklyn Heights and a current Parisian, owner of Madame de la Maison, a linen, housewares, antique store in Paris. … As I am literally obsessed with all things around the art of eating well from tablescapes to linens to flowers to serving pieces, to what actually goes on the plate - this book speaks to me. I could write an addendum addressing setting up the ideal pantry and what to create to put on the plate. An utter delight to read. [I’m] also reading ‘Daddy Diares’ by Andy Cohen. Though I have never watched an episode of any housewife series - I love Andy Cohen’s dailyish instaposts with his children. It compelled me to read his book. So, of his many accomplishments the thing that interested me most was his decision to find more meaning & connection in life at his age by choosing to have two kids. His daily life - his instagram addiction, his evening strolls w friends to and from dinner in the West Village… his humor, his self deprecation, and not, his abject honesty about becoming a dad, his negotiating techniques w his 4 year old son, his reasoning & logic as a Dad - and that of his clever son, Ben. It is truly the stuff daily life is made of - that we rarely share but which Andy is able to capture so poignantly and with oodles of charm.”
— Kathy Sidell, founder & owner of Sidell Hospitality Group + Saltie Girl
“Sourcing direct organic and specialty teas from various gardens around the world for the past two decades has allowed me to see how unity of foreign growing economies through entrepreneurship and innovation continue to rise in contrast to the battles of division we face here in the States. Ray Dalio[’s ‘Principles for Dealing with Changing of the World Order’] gives timeless wisdom on how to best prepare for change from lessons over the centuries for those seeking wisdom beyond the news.”
— Steve Schwartz, master tea blender and founder of Art of Tea