Young adult literature offers a blend of nostalgic storytelling and lovable characters that resonate with all age groups. We are drawn to the imaginative worlds of YA books because they help us escape from the realness of life. Many of us grew up reading these stories and see them as nostalgic parts of our childhoods. It is such a beautiful thing to be able to revisit these books and still appreciate the writing of the YA authors. We extend a huge thank you to Rick Riordan, Tracy Wolff, C. S. Lewis, and all YA writers for creating stories that stand the test of time. Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most beloved YA series, which also happen to be fan favorite book sets here at Juniper Books.
Harry Potter needs no introduction, and it’s undeniable that this series is majorly popular among adult readers. The timeless theme of the battle between good and evil resonates with readers who grew up alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling offers an escape where anything is possible. While Harry grows older throughout the story, each book takes on a more serious tone. J.K. Rowling allowed her books to grow up with her readers, and that is a major reason why so many adults still love to read the series to this day.
The Percy Jackson series has earned a massive following among readers of all ages. Its modern take on Greek mythology and Percy’s coming of age story is perfect for adult readers seeking a nostalgic return to childhood. A member of our Juniper Books team named Emma just started reading the Percy Jackson series for the first time. “I can’t believe I didn’t read this series growing up! I would have absolutely loved it back then, but even as a 24 year old reading the series for the first time, I think it’s amazing. I am totally in love with the friendship between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover and it’s so fun to read their witty conversations.” The new Percy Jackson and the Olympians show on Disney+ has led to renewed excitement around this series, proving once again that YA is here to stay!
C.S. Lewis's Narnia series has captivated readers of all ages for decades. Adults are drawn to the story’s symbolism and enthralling adventures that unfold in the land of Narnia. Not to mention the age old question: Would you walk through the wardrobe and enter the world of Narnia? We think the answer to that question is a resounding YES. The series' popularity among adults speaks to its themes that transcend age boundaries. Narnia is yet another series which is deeply nostalgic for readers, and revising a part of their childhoods can be both comforting and therapeutic.
While many popular YA series came out decades ago, there are also amazing modern young adult series that are receiving well deserved attention. The Crave series by Tracy Wolff is an example of modern YA which has taken the world by storm. This series captured the hearts of both young adults and adults with its blend of romance and supernatural creatures. Not to mention the alluring theme of forbidden love! The Crave Book Set, pictured below, is Juniper Books’ latest release, and we could not be more thrilled by the fans’ reaction to our set. Tracy Wolff herself loves our jackets, and we are honored to have created them in collaboration with her. Thank you so much Tracy!
Another YA series that adults love is the Elfhame Series by Holly Black, it is also known as The Folk of the Air series. Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter as we may have an announcement about this popular book series, which begins with The Cruel Prince, coming soon!
The trend of adults reading YA books speaks to the ability of these authors to connect readers through shared experiences. Whether revisiting childhood favorites or discovering new worlds within the pages of YA literature, adults are loving the stories crafted for younger audiences. So go ahead, pick up that YA book you've been eyeing! You might just find yourself transported to a world where magic still exists and anything is possible!
Luckily, the heavy hitters in this genre aren’t slowing down any time soon. Sarah J. Maas has written 16 novels and there are still more to come! These 16 books span over three series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), Throne of Glass, and Crescent City. With her meticulous character development and immaculate world building, she has launched herself to literary stardom. Her newest novel, House of Flame & Shadow of the Crescent City Series, became a bestseller in the first week of its release! Maas is known for creating some of the most swoon worthy literary love interests out there. Whether you're all in on Rhysand or falling for Rowan, Mass’ leading men will never disappoint.
Jennifer L. Armentrout is another majorly successful author in the Romantasy genre. She has published 12 stand alone series which comprise nearly 60 books. And she has more books on the way! Her best selling series Blood and Ash, pictured below, is famously spicy and addictive. In addition to being one of the most successful authors in her genre, Jennifer is also an absolutely fantastic person! We were lucky enough to work in collaboration with Jennifer when designing our special edition Blood and Ash set. The set comes with a personal message from Jennifer and features the series’ tenacious heroine, Poppy.
Romantasy novels are rising in popularity by the second, and we are so happy about it! We love this genre so much that we decided to create a collection on our website dedicated to all things Romantasy. From Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Stephenie Meyer, Diana Gabaldon and beyond! You can check out our collection page and dive back into your favorite magical universe or even discover a new one to explore. When it comes to Romantasy, the possibilities are endless!
]]>We felt so creatively inspired by Maas' intertwined worlds that we decided a Sarah J. Maas Complete Book Set was something that should absolutely exist. So, Juniper Books partnered with Sarah J. Maas to design a set that encompasses all SIXTEEN of Sarah J. Maas’ novels. And it’s absolutely stunning! The covers showcase designs which pay homage to special motifs in Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City. It features a stag and a shooting star across The Throne of Glass books, three stars over a mountain peak across the A Court of Thorns and Roses books, and a wolf and crescent moon surrounded by gates on The Crescent City series. Flaunting deep tones of purple, pink, and blue, as well as holographic foil details, this set is a guaranteed show stopper for any bookshelf or library.
Who else will be absolutely miserable if they don’t have an excellent library? While we can’t all relate to the expansive home libraries found in Austen’s novels, we know the value of a beautiful bookshelf! A great way to enhance your bookshelf wealth is to collect special edition books that are just as much a visual masterpiece as they are a written one! We think our newest release, The Jane Austen Delicious Solitude set, would be one of Jane’s favorites.
“Oh! I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life in reading it.”
― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
Do you ever feel like your life is split between the times of “reading” and “not reading”? Sometimes we just wish we could spend our entire lives engrossed in one particular novel, which is a testament to the artful skill of the author who wrote it! Jane Austen is that type of author where her words draw you in and you wish you could stay hidden amongst her pages forever.
“But for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.” ― Jane Austen
Jane Austen is right, some books leave us longing for more no matter how long they are! Luckily, with Jane Austen we always get more. Recently, this has been in the form of movie and television adaptations of her novels. I think we all remember the film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice where Mr. Darcy proclaims “You have bewitched me body and soul!”. Definitely put that on your Valentine’s Day watch list.
With all the loving ways Jane Austen writes about books, we think she would love what we do here at Juniper Books. One thing’s for sure, we LOVE Jane Austen. And in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we could all use a little romance in our lives. Romance novels that is!
So, what’s in store for Juniper Books and the world of books in 2024? We love to capitalize on the “now.” Whether it’s social media trends, the hottest best sellers, or on-screen adaptations, we want our products to reflect what bibliophiles are buzzing about on Instagram, TikTok, and IRL. To do this, we must predict what will be wildly popular in 2024. Here’s a list of what we think will be every book lover’s obsessions in the coming year.
2023 in the publishing world was no doubt the year of new releases that went viral, witness the phenomenon of Colleen Hoover. As readers, we rode the wave of newly published series like a roller coaster: wildly fun but also leaving us with a bit of a headache in the end. We read these new, spicy series like our lives depended on it, but this obsession might be nearing its end. Recently, there is a discourse brewing among the online book community. People have begun to ask themselves if a portion of the publishing industry has become too much like “fast fashion.” But, we don’t think this trend isn’t over just yet!
We predict people will begin to prioritize quality over quantity, as well as revisit nostalgic comfort series to combat their new release fatigue. Whether it’s Twilight, Percy Jackson, Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter, people will be turning to the series which shaped their childhoods.
Even Hollywood will prioritize nostalgia in 2024. We saw a glimpse of this when Disney+ released the first episodes of Percy Jackson and The Olympians at the end of 2023, and it is tracking to be a major success in 2024. Tending to a book lover’s inner child is the perfect way for production companies like Disney to create a surefire hit. In 2024 we predict more nostalgic book series will see their on screen adaptation come to life, including Eragon of the The Inheritance Cycle, a new addition to the Tolkien universe, and of course the highly anticipated Bridgerton Season Three.
2024 may in fact be the year where the rest of the world comes around to judging every book by its cover. Of course, what’s inside the book counts the most, but the outside of books is what draws your attention to them online and on the shelf. Beautifully organized bookshelves, and the #shelfies of them, are absolute eye candy for book lovers. So, for all the Book Bloggers and Bookstagrammers out there, we love what you’re doing. The more beautiful your bookshelves are, the more attention you will get, and the more people will want to know what you’re reading and recommending!
We hope that even more adventurous bibliophiles will be brave enough to venture beyond the bounds of their bookshelves and construct book sculptures! The photo featured here is a book sculpture by @myfriendsarefiction. She was able to construct a book throne with our Throne of Glass book set featured right in the middle! AMAZING!
Remember when the world thought e-readers were going to lead to the extinction of physical books? Back when we started Juniper Books in 2001, up until a few years ago, people thought we were crazy to go all in on the printed book! “Didn’t you get the memo? The future of books is all electronic!” Well, we predict 2024 will be the year that printed books cement their victory as the preferred medium for book lovers everywhere. Ebooks and audiobooks are awesome, don’t get us wrong, but there is no substitute for the printed book!
Books as gifts will be a big trend for birthdays, housewarming presents, and wedding gifts. Giving special edition book sets and custom books can take the gifting to the next level.
There really is nothing like the feeling of opening a new book: the smell of the pages and the weight of it in your hands. We know this will be a great year for your local bookshop and hometown library. If you need any help with picking out the perfect set for your shelves or as a gift, or figuring out if our dust jackets will fit your books, you know where to find us!
Photo Credit in order:
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Percy Jackson and The Olympians
The series that started it all. This action-packed series by Rick Riordan follows 12-year-old Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, and his friends on their quests to defeat mythological monsters and the Titan, Kronos. The series reimagines the history of the Greek gods, putting them into a modern context, where Mount Olympus sits atop the Empire State Building. These deep-blue custom jackets were inspired by Percy's connections to water and include symbols important to each book.
Here at Juniper Books, we’re personally SO excited for the brand new Percy Jackson and The Olympians TV show that will premiere December 20th on Disney Plus. We truly hope the show will do this iconic series justice!
The Heroes of Olympus
This riveting series is the follow-up to Riordan's immensely popular Percy Jackson series and is a must-read for fans of the genre. Embark on a thrilling adventure with Rick Riordan's action-packed series, featuring a team of unlikely Greek and Roman demi-gods who band together to save the world from Gaea, also known as Mother Earth. When designing this book set, our goal was to create custom jackets in a complementary color to our Percy Jackson book set, featuring symbols that represent each book. These stunning designs are sure to captivate young readers and keep them engaged throughout the entire series.
The Trials of Apollo
Join the epic adventure of teenager Lester Papadopoulos as he takes on a series of trials to regain his spot on Mount Olympus as the god Apollo. As the newest addition to our Riordanverse collection, our Trials of Apollo Set perfectly complements the previously introduced Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus designs, bringing the magic and myth of Rick Riordan’s series to your shelves. Illustrated in tones of rich, royal purple, our jacket design is a visually striking addition to the collection! Each jacket also features a symbol at the base of the spine for readers to discover the deeper meaning behind.
Whether you're a devoted member of the Demigod fandom, or a young reader just discovering Percy Jackson for the first time, these Rick Riordian books will not disappoint. Plus, they’ll look amazing on your bookshelf!
]]>Elizabeth Lane, co-author of For The Love of Books: Designing and Curating a Home Library and book curator extraordinaire, assembled this stunning new Juniper Books collection after reviewing thousands of books published in 2023. We asked her a few questions about her role as a book buyer, and how she came to select these ten amazing books for this collection.
I am the book buyer at Partners Village Store, our local independent book and gift store in Westport, Massachusetts. We are a coastal town – bustling in the summer and very quiet during the winter months. As a book buyer, I am reading all the time – discovering new titles, revisiting older ones, and then discerning what our customers would want to read. Our Westport customer has very distinct tastes, for example, our nature / gardening section is incredibly popular and perhaps unique to a more rural community, so choosing appropriate titles for the store is essential. When I first started buying books for Partners, I was surprised by how overwhelmed and intimidated people often feel walking into a bookstore and, therefore, value a bit of guidance. Because of this, the role of the bookseller is very relational. As Amazon grows, this relational aspect between the bookseller and the customer is increasingly lost and this loss is keenly felt. I feel that Juniper Books brings this trust and discernment inherent to bookstores to the online space in a very organic and personable way and so it's been an honor to work with them!
One of the greatest gifts of the bookselling community is its willingness to share opinions. There are many resources available to us where we can see what other booksellers are reading and share reviews to help us all raise the level of curation. It's an incredible collaborative community. Publishers, too, play an essential role in this collaboration as they provide advanced copies, so we may read complete manuscripts before publication and can then make educated decisions about which new releases might speak to our specific communities.
As the year closes, there are quite a few "Best Books of the Year" lists and I think they are, at their core, highly subjective and all of them are valuable. As we read these lists, we might find that none share even one of the same title, but what they do share is the hope that someone will find a book they're inspired to read within the list. As The New York Times shared a few weeks ago, a recent study found that less than half of adults had read one or more books for pleasure in the previous year. The hope for every bookseller is to raise that number. As ideas related to wellness and self-care have become more popular, I believe that there is no better act of self-care than time spent with a book.
When I curate a Best Books list, I look for books that have compelling stories, well-drawn characters and that intangible quality that we are all familiar with – that sense of not wanting a story to end, so much so that once we read that last sentence we are compelled to close the book and hold it close, hoping to remain on that specific journey a little longer.
I think our contemporary fiction set is a wonderful gift to give someone this holiday season as it simply gives someone permission to slow down and take a quiet moment for themselves and travel to other worlds and experiences wherever they are in their own lives. A book quiets the noise. We are all so busy these days and the leisure time required to “find a good book” no longer exists for many people. Through this set, I hope to fill that gap by bringing fantastic stories to a reader's front door. Reading contemporary fiction, specifically, is essential. It's the simplest way to experience a life different from our own. Through contemporary fiction, the author offers insights into our own present while also giving us a character we can live alongside, one with their own unique landscape and experiences. We carry a bit of that experience with us after that final page and, because of this, reading strengthens our ability to see beyond our own reality. Quite simply, reading builds empathy, something we all need in abundance.
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When I founded Juniper Books 22 years ago, it was really just a hobby. I never could have dreamed that we would have had such an impact on the world of books and design.
As I reflect back on 2023 and make my recommendations for what would be great gifts to give this holiday season, I’m drawn to many of our book sets that are not only popular, but that also have touched people's lives in impactful ways.
These books below are not just books, they are part of our shared cultural experience.
Harry Potter
Just a few weeks ago, we introduced our brand new Harry Potter House Mascot sets and they have been a big hit. Reading Harry Potter can be a life altering experience, the books continue to inspire kids to read to this day.
Our special edition Harry Potter offerings make a great gift for those who have already read the series and have earned an upgrade of their books, or children over age 8 who will experience it for the first time. If you hurry, you might still be able to secure a limited edition metallic foil book set! You can shop the entire Harry Potter Collection here.
Percy Jackson and The Olympians
The Percy Jackson Series and all of the books in the so-called “Riordanverse” (books written by Rick Riordan) hold a lot of sentimental value for many of us and they make great gifts for kids over age 8. The books reimagine Greek mythology, putting the Gods in a modern context. Through his approachable and creative writing, Riordan has inspired generations of kids to learn more about Greek mythology. We offer two designs for Percy Jackson and The Olympians, a beloved set of The Heroes of Olympus, and our Trials of Apollo set will launch in early December. Check out our “Demigods” fandom page for all our Percy Jackson products.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas is the perfect gift for someone who grew up reading fantasy novels and likes a little spicy romance with their fiction. The mix of nostalgic themes and intricate character relationships can be addicting. Luckily J Maas has written more than enough novels for you to binge read over the holidays! You can shop our collection of Sarah J. Maas sets here.
The Hunger Games
Everyone is talking about the new Hunger Games movie that just came out, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes! Now is the perfect time to gift our new four volume The Hunger Games Arena Set. Preteens, young adults, and adults will all think you are a very cool gift giver! The set includes the original trilogy plus the prequel that the new movie is based upon. The design is one of our fastest selling book sets ever, it shows the heroine of the series, Katniss Everdeen shooting her arrow toward the arena’s dome, setting a revolution in motion.
Bridgerton
For the romance lovers out there, our 9 volume Bridgerton book set is a dreamy gift. As this was a major TV series produced by Shonda Rhimes released on Netflix, many people saw the show without reading the books written by Julia Quinn. The Bridgerton Book Set would be the perfect gift for anyone who loves the romantic twists and turns of the Bridgerton series. The design looks very elegant on the shelves and reading these books (and looking at the jackets) may be the perfect way to get through winter!
These are just a few of my top gift ideas. Explore juniperbooks.com and junipercustom.com for more ideas!
]]>With the launch of our Hunger Games Arena Book Set, we’ve been thinking a lot about Katniss and her hero’s journey. She’s the type of protagonist who is good down to her core. Her actions and decisions are always noble and just guided by a strong sense of right and wrong. Her mission is clear: to lead a revolution and create a better world for the people that she loves, which sometimes causes her to make questionable decisions. Katniss might be the type of person we all strive to be, while also being morally grey.
With our Hunger Games Arena Book Set launching just in time for the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes movie release, we chose to add the prequel book to this set! And wow, does The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes feature a morally grey protagonist. It centers around Coriolanus Snow, who we (unfortunately) know from the original Hunger Games Trilogy. In this prequel novel, the tenth annual Hunger Games is about to begin, and young Snow has been chosen as a mentor in the upcoming Hunger Games. He is assigned to none other than District Twelve’s tribute Lucy Gray Baird. With stunning parallels to the original trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a must read for any fan of the series.
It’s amazing to see the success and praise Suzanne Collins had received over the years for her literature. Not only did she write a widely acclaimed book series, but now every novel in the series has had its own movie adaptation! With all this success, it’s hard to believe that Suzanne Collins never intended The Hunger Games to become a series. She planned for it to be a standalone novel! By including The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in our set, we’re hoping to highlight the true enormity of Collins’ talent.
We hope the Juniper Books Hunger Games Arena Book set finds a treasured place on your bookshelves and that you can display it just as proudly as Katniss wore her mockingjay pin. If you’re like us and plan to cozy up this winter and re-read the entire series, the odds will be in your favor!
]]>Twilight really puts the “mood” in mood board. If you relate to these captivating and spellbinding books, we’ll probably find you reading quietly by the window on a rainy day. When it’s time to be social, you surround yourself with a small group of people who would *literally* die for you. (In the case of Vampires, maybe they already have).
When it comes to creating this main character costume, picture winter in Washington. Muted colors, long sleeve shirts, flannels, and lots and lots of layers. We also think the baseball scene would make SUCH a cute group costume for you and your friends!
Harry Potter definitely has its twists and turns, but overall we think this series sets a witty and heroic tone. If you relate to Harry Potter, you must find yourself saying things like “the rules are just a suggestion” or “how much trouble will we really get in?”. You value friendship above all else, and put effort into long term relationships.
The first step for creating this costume is to get sorted into a Hogwarts House! You can base your outfit on the signature color of each house and can even throw in some cute glasses or wands. And if you have a furry friend at home, make sure to include them in your photos, because every Hogwarts student needs a pet!
We’ll admit, the magic of this epic series changes dramatically from the first book to the second. But if you relate to the ethereal Illyrian warriors of the Night Court, this one’s for you. At this point in your life, wearing all black has become less of a choice and more of a lifestyle. You’re a romantic, but will never let relationship strife get in the way of your goals. If you’re feeling lonely, don’t worry, because in this fandom we believe in soulmates.
To dress up as a character in the ACOTAR universe, don’t shy away from glitter! Make sure you're shining like the night sky this Halloween. Long gowns or battle armor are both great options, because either way we know you’ll be ready for anything.
We volunteer as tribute! Well, actually, we volunteer you as tribute. If you relate to Hunger Game's gripping story, it means you must be unwaveringly brave, and you always put your family first. To survive in this universe you must be cunning, strong, and more than a little rebellious. We’d feel very safe with anyone who fits in this aesthetic.
When it comes to creating this costume, it’s best you learn how to braid! Katniss' iconic hairdo is the perfect way to represent this fandom. If you have a big friend group, why not dress up like each of the thirteen districts? Personally, we would want to be the Capitol! Effie Trinket is our spirit animal.
Finally, if you’re newly single and looking to debut again this Halloween, the sumptuousness of Bridgerton is for you! You’re looking for love and you’re not afraid for everyone to know. You also don’t mind a little glitz and glam along the way. Just remember, love at first sight isn’t everything, and enemies to lovers can be quite fun too.
To match the rich visuals of Bridgerton this Halloween, a ballgown is crucial. We recommend checking out your local thrift shops for fun dresses, gloves, and accessories. There’s no need to break the bank with this outfit, because what Halloween costume actually survives Halloween?
Feeling inspired? We hope so! Just talking about these iconic literary series has us feeling nostalgic. If you are also in the mood to re-read your favorite book series, why not spice up the experience with new book jackets? That way, both you AND your book will have a new look for Halloween. It’s a win win!
]]>Neil Gaiman has written so many widely acclaimed books, it was hard to choose just five for our newest book set. When designing the covers for our Neil Gaiman Essentials Book Set, our goal was to design them in a way that reflected what’s inside the books, on the outside.
Our talented designer Nicole is an expert in all things Gaiman, and she designed each cover very intentionally. Each cover is unique to the storyline of the book, and there are some fun hidden gems on each one!
The first book in our special edition set is American Gods. The jacket design features a road split between day and night with two ravens. “The sun and moon represent silver and gold coins that appear throughout the story,” Nicole explains. “I also featured Odin's two ravens, Huginn and Muninn (Thought and Memory), and the road through the middle symbolizes the cross country trip.”
The second book we curated is Neverwhere. The book cover features a door over an image of old London towers, also split between light and dark. The split door represents "London Below" and “London Above” which are the settings in which this book takes place.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is third in the set with an illustration that shows a flock of birds over a hill that ends at a pond. “This story speaks to how memories from a child's perspective can be larger than life,” Nicole explains. “For instance, the ‘Ocean’ is actually a little pond.” If you’re new to Gaiman’s work, this book is a great place to start. It was voted Book of the Year in 2013, and won by a huge margin!
Trigger Warning comes next and it is a collection of short fiction and verse all written by Gaiman. The cover makes reference to two of his short stories in particular: Black Dog and The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains. The illustration features a black dog sitting under a tree with mountains in the background.
The fifth and final book in our Neil Gaiman Essentials Book Set is Stardust. This cover shows a falling star over a stone wall behind the silhouette of a town. Nicole recounts her experience while reading Stardust: “One thing that stuck with me after reading Stardust, was the way Neil wrote about love in a story where women are the objects of desire. There's a huge learning curve for the main character to figure out how to respect women and their desires when he can't make someone love him by delivering them a star.”
We curated this book set with the goal of making it perfect for both Neil Gaiman superfans as well as readers discovering his work for the first time. But, if you really are just learning about Gaiman and his work, beware! His books are perfectly addicting and will have you sitting with your nose in a book all season long! And if you want more than just these five books, you can find Gaiman’s acclaimed novel The Graveyard Book in our BESO: Young Readers Book Set as well as a collection of his complete works on Juniper Custom.
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These days, with commercial-less streaming and everything on demand all year round, when does the holiday season actually start? And what’s the deal with all of our adult responsibilities getting in the way of Christmas anticipation and holiday joy?
Well, here at Juniper Books, we think holiday cheer doesn’t have to be left in the past. We have ways to mark the start of the Christmas season and establish new holiday traditions that we love to share. Every year in October, we launch a new design for our Christmas Classics book set. Even though we start working on it in the summer, by the time we launch, the temperature has dropped, the leaves are turning, and we get super excited that Christmas is just around the corner.
When designing our 2023 Christmas Classics, we wanted to truly capture the youthful spirit of holiday magic. Our solution? We turned to a talented young artist named Zora to hand draw our jacket designs.
“The style of my Christmas Classics design was based on old storybook illustrations, specifically in the 1975 children’s book The Night Before Christmas,” Zora said when asked about her inspiration for the 2023 Christmas Classics cover art which features Clara and the Mouse King from The Nutcracker.
“I knew when I saw the books that I wanted to have the focus be on The Nutcracker,” Zora continued, “I have very fond memories of spending a cold winter's day in Denver, Colorado, with my friends, watching The Nutcracker ballet. I wanted to incorporate the feeling of mystery and awe that follows after one sees the ballet for the first time.”The six Christmas stories in the set are all classics that are fun to read every year. From A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, the books look great on the shelf and are a great way to slow down and read with family and friends during the Christmas season.
Whether you’re honoring a long lived tradition, or looking to start a new one this year, our Christmas Classics book set makes for a nice addition to home bookshelves and holiday decorating plans. We love decorating our offices and homes during the holiday season with Christmas books. Our newest tradition: for two years in a row we’ve had talented, young artists design our Christmas Classics jackets!
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, giving gifts is a great way to go. If you’re shopping for a book-lover this year, you’re in luck! They will undoubtedly be thrilled with this 2023 Christmas Classics set. For a book-lover, the only thing better than buying books is receiving them as a gift!
So, if you do just one thing for yourself this holiday season, please take a moment to remember the magic of Christmas past. Anything was possible! In The Nutcracker, young Clara had such a vibrant imagination that even her toy came to life! Despite the pressures of modern life, you don’t have to be a serious adult all the time. As The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus likes to remind us, even Santa himself was a child once, and he never lost his holiday cheer even after growing up!
Our Christmas Classics Book Set always includes these 6 books:
While the design of the Christmas book set changes every year, all previous holiday designs can now be seen and ordered on our custom website: junipercustom.com.
Everyone of all ages deserves to experience the joy of Christmas magic. Story-time by the fire with hot cocoa and cookies will quickly have your home bursting with holiday cheer.
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With so many great books in the world to choose from, you might wonder…
How does Juniper Books decide which books to make a special edition set of books from?
How do we decide what artwork to put on the jackets we design and print?
Let’s dig into our brand new Charles Dickens set as an example of how we make some of our decisions!
First of all, this is actually our third Charles Dickens set! Our first Dickens offering was a twelve volume book set shown below.
While the portrait of Dickens across the spines is iconic, we think our brand new redesign hits the Dickensian London vibe the best of all of our creations!
On the Juniper Custom side of the business, our Founder, Thatcher Wine, has personally curated multiple collections of Charles Dickens rare and first editions over the years. One collection of books took 8 years to complete with just the right editions in top condition.
Did you know that Dickens made two trips to America in the 19th century? In 1842 and 1867-68 to be exact. Wherever he went, he was greeted like a rock star. Dickens was perhaps the first global "pop culture" celebrity to tour America.
So, while Juniper Books these days focuses a lot on pop culture book sets published in the 2000s, pop culture is constantly evolving. There are always books that stand the test of time and inspire future writers. These Dickens' classics capture the essence of their era, while also exploring universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages.
Whether it's the coming-of-age stories of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or the dystopian visions of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, these books and the novels of Charles Dickens have had a profound impact on popular culture. They continue to be read and reread by generations of readers, and their influence can be seen in everything from movies and TV shows to music and fashion.
We wish we had enough time to create a book set for every writer who has ever published more than 3 books! (We say 3 books because it’s helpful to have at least that many to put a beautiful design across the spines.)
“A lot of what we do is about turning books inside out,” our Founder, Thatcher likes to say. “We take the emotions, the feelings, from inside the books and put them on this visible canvas across multiple books. That way when you walk into a room and look at the bookshelves, you instantly feel what the books are about.”
For each book jacket design we create we consider the work of each author and pull that into the design to provide a collectible cover, and a work of art in its own right. Our philosophy? We believe that if you print something and it takes physical space, it should be worth keeping forever.
Perhaps Dickens said it best in Oliver Twist, “There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.” While that’s true about a lot of books, we don’t think that’s actually true about the books we sell! They are meant to be great inside and out.
Is that a Turner painting across the spines?
The painting we chose for the Dickens set looks a lot like it could have been created by JMW Turner (1775-1851), with its moody coloring and setting. However, it’s a work entitled “Westminster” by George Hyde Pownall (1866-1939). Both artists overlapped with the life of Charles Dickens.
On the front and back covers of each jacket are reproductions of the original Charles Dickens first edition covers. When Dickens published these books, they were not complete books. Instead, he released them in softcover serialized “parts” - three chapters at a time - maximizing the anticipation and profitability for each story.
Pownall's Art Bridges Perfectly to Dickens' Victorian London
Pownall was a celebrated British painter who made a name for himself through his portrayal of urban landscapes. His paintings are known for their gritty realism and atmospheric beauty. This makes them the perfect visual accompaniment to Dickens' novels, which are also known for their vivid depiction of the gritty streets of Victorian London.
Pownall's paintings often feature the same working-class characters and iconic landmarks that populate Dickens' novels. In his painting "Westminster," for example, we see a group of working-class people gathered in front of the Houses of Parliament. This scene is reminiscent of many scenes in Dickens' novels, such as the opening scene of Bleak House, which takes place in a crowded London courtroom.
Dickens inspired many writers who we love including J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan and J.K Rowling. We hope Dickens fans, as well as book lovers, London aficionados, and many others love this set and appreciate what we do with art and literature and books!
(The Juniper Books 2023 Dickens set contains: Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, Pickwick Papers, and Great Expectations published by Everyman's Library.)
]]>(Photo by Sammm seen on fandom.com)
Definitely Iko! She’s so knowledgeable about the pop culture of her universe, and would know all the best places to go. I’m sure she’d want to go shopping (I wouldn’t mind an Iko-approved shopping spree…) then we’d catch a show in the New Beijing theater district, and probably finish the day by seeing if Captain Thorne could pick us up in the Rampion and take us sightseeing over planet Earth!
(Photo by Juniper Books, The Lunar Chronicles Book Set)
What do you think of our design for The Lunar Chronicles? Do you think fans will like it?
The designs are absolutely stunning! I am in love with the vibrant, beautiful colors, and how the design blends together this futuristic, techy vibe with the subtle fairy tale symbolism… exactly like in the books! I really think readers are going to love it.
(Photo from marissameyer.com)
If Cinder had this book set, where do you think she would display it?
She’d probably try to display it in her workshop… but I think Iko would ultimately steal it, because of her fondness for pretty things!
(Photo by @bookish_farrah)
TLC fans are very active on social media, are you ever surprised by the popularity of the series and how engaged your fans are?
I am continuously amazed by the passion and creativity of my readers! From fanart to cosplay to merchandise to stunning photographs for Bookstagram and BookTok posts… it’s all so impressive to me, and I know how much their love for the series keeps the magic alive! I can’t wait to see how Bookstagrammers photograph the Juniper Books edition and share their content with the world.
Thank you so much, Marissa! We appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions. We’re really thrilled to have this set out in the world, and can’t wait to see it on bookshelves and online.
(Photo by Juniper Books, The Lunar Chronicles Book Set)
- Juniper Books
]]>(Juniper Books' New Logo, Juniper Books LLC.)
In the world of literature and design, there is a magical intersection where timeless classics meet contemporary pop culture. At Juniper Books, we're embarking on an exciting journey with a fresh new look. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the world of literature and the ever-evolving tapestry of popular culture, celebrating both the classics and the contemporary.
In Our Shelf Expression Era: We've always been at the forefront of creating stunning book sets that embrace design. However, with our rebranding, we are taking our mission a step further by integrating the pulse of pop culture and art into our collections. By blending the world of classics with contemporary pop culture fandoms, we have found a way to captivate the hearts of book lovers of all ages.
From current pop culture fandom to time-enduring classics, one of the remarkable aspects of our new approach is our ability to cater to diverse tastes. Whether you're a fan of current pop culture phenomena or an avid reader of time-enduring classics, Juniper Books has something "novel" for your bookshelves. Our curated book sets span a wide range of genres, from beloved fantasy series to thought-provoking literary works. By offering a diverse selection, Juniper Books ensures that everyone can find a book set that resonates with their interests and passions.
Giftable, shareable, and collectible, we understand the joy of giving and receiving books as gifts. Our book sets are thoughtfully designed to be the perfect present for any occasion. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or holiday celebration, our beautifully packaged sets make for memorable and collectible gifts.
(Juniper Books' New Logo on Different Book Sets, Juniper Books LLC.)
All About That Shelfie: We encourage our customers to share their book sets on social media, inviting them to tag @juniperbooks on Instagram (and we LOVE to repost, because who doesn’t want to be instafamous). This interactive element creates a sense of community among book lovers, fostering conversations and connections around the love of literature and design and, of course, a little #FOMO. By sharing our collections, you become a part of Juniper Books' story, adding your unique perspectives and experiences to our ongoing narrative.
Unleashing Your "Shelf"-Expression: Our rebranding provides a platform for book lovers to unleash their creativity and individuality through their bookshelves. By curating book sets that are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating, we enable individuals to express their personality and passions through their literary collections. Whether you arrange your books by color, genre, or in a unique and unconventional way, Juniper Books encourages you to create a visual representation of your literary journey.
(GIF of Juniper Books' New Logo, Juniper Books LLC.)
Juniper Books' fresh look also emphasizes the importance of design in the world of literature. Books are not just vessels for words; they are also objects of beauty and inspiration. We understand that the design of a book can enhance the joy of reading and create a deeper connection between the reader and the story.
Our rebranding marks an exciting new chapter in our journey of bridging the timeless world of literature with the pulse of pop culture and art. And really, sometimes it’s ok to judge a book by its cover.
]]>We at Juniper Books love the magical world of Bridgerton that Julia Quinn has invited us into, and we could not be more excited to experience more. Earlier this year we collaborated with the New York Times Bestselling author to create a Bridgerton hard cover set, including a limited edition version with stunning bronze foil embellishments—with Queen Charlotte coming soon, who knows what the future holds for our beautiful jackets! What we do know is that Julie Quinn rocks and when we spoke to her about the collaboration, she had so much to share with us. Read on:
Juniper Journal: Wow, we sold out of our limited edition Bridgerton custom book jackets really quickly! Was our collaboration as fun and exciting for you as it was for us?
Julia Quinn: Absolutely! The entire process was such an honor. It's a pretty new phenomenon for romance novels to get the special edition treatment. But we love pretty books just as much as everyone else--maybe even more!
JJ: Do you like giving books as gifts? What’s the best book gift you’ve either given or received?
JQ: I love giving books, especially when there is no particular occasion. It's the best feeling when I'm at a bookstore, see a book, and think, "Oh, that's perfect for (insert name)."
JJ: I'm curious about when you first came across Juniper Books and our custom book sets and jackets. Did you ever envision what a complete Bridgerton set might look like before we started working together?
JQ: Actually, the first Juniper set I saw was a custom Bridgerton set given to me by Shonda Rhimes. I had never seen anything like it. I immediately checked out the website and fell in love. I especially adore the ones that present a single picture; the Maya Angelou collections are particularly beautiful, and of course I can't resist anything featuring Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
As for the Bridgerton set design, you guys sent a picture of what ended up being really close to the final set design in your first email, so I never had to try to envision my own thing!
JJ: Thanks to the Netflix series, there is an amazing Bridgerton visual reference out there in the world. How did we do capturing elements of your stories in our design?
JQ: I think we all know the answer to that one: it's perfect! All the wisteria that Bridgerton has become so famous for. Fun fact: I've had wisteria in my backyard for over a decade!
JJ: How has social media changed the relationship you have to your readers since you started writing?
JQ: Here's where I date myself: social media didn't exist when I started writing. Actually, I didn't even have an email address when I sold my first book.
JJ: What's on your shelves and how do you arrange your home library? Do you have any tips for other book lovers?
JQ: I actually did a guided tour “shelf portrait” for Marie Claire last year! That is the perfect place to start if you’re curious about what is on my bookshelves.
JJ: What do you like to read and given how busy you are writing, how do you make time for reading? Do you have any tips for how others can incorporate reading time into their day?
JQ: Reading is such a big part of my life that making time for it is automatic. It's simply a part of my existence. I read almost everything--I love romance (obviously), but I also read a lot of nonfiction and I'm a sucker for anything funny. I'm also a big reader of memoirs. Two that I've recently read and loved are What Looks Like Bravery by Laurel Braitman and Broken by Jenny Lawson.
]]>The set is wrapped in an original Juniper Books design inspired by Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management, a classic work on etiquette, cooking, and wellness from 1861. But don't be fooled by the vintage inspiration, these books are modern, informative, and engaging.
The set includes five books, each covering a different aspect of cannabis culture:
Higher Etiquette: A Guide to the World of Cannabis, From Dispensaries to Dinner Parties by Lizzie Post
Drawing from the classic Emily Post guides, Higher Etiquette takes a modern spin on cannabis culture, covering everything from how and when to consume to hosting cannabis-infused dinner parties. As the stigma around marijuana fades, Post's guide becomes increasingly relevant for both casual and consistent consumers. Importantly, Higher Etiquette discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry and highlights organizations working to promote equity, such as Supernova Women and Cannaclusive.
Weedopedia: An A to Z Guide to All Things Marijuana by Adams Media
Weedopedia is not just a simple dictionary of terms related to marijuana. Instead, it's an all-inclusive guide to the world of cannabis that covers everything from its history and science to its cultural impact and legal status. In addition to the informative text, the book also includes stunning photography that captures the beauty of the plant and its various forms, from buds to concentrates.
One particularly interesting section of the book delves into the cultural significance of cannabis and how it has been used throughout history by different societies. The book explores the role of cannabis in spiritual and religious ceremonies, as well as its use in medicine and recreation. It also touches on the complicated history of cannabis criminalization and the ongoing debates surrounding legalization.
Scratch & Sniff Book of Weed by Seth Matlins
This interactive guide is what we’d imagine would be sold at a 21+ Scholastic Book Fair. The book features over 20 different scents, each corresponding to a specific strain or characteristic of cannabis. For example, readers can scratch and sniff pages that smell like Pineapple Express or Blue Dream, two popular strains known for their fruity and sweet aromas. Other pages offer scents like skunk, diesel, and earthy notes, giving readers a full sensory experience of the different aromas and flavors associated with cannabis.
Weed: Everything You Want to Know But Are Too Stoned to Ask by Michelle Lhooq
Through her own expertise and interviews with stars from the weed scene, LA journalist Michelle Lhooq presents a captivating glimpse into the wild new frontier of cannabis. The book offers useful tips on how to smoke joints, vapes, and concentrates, make edibles and infused cocktails, grow the plant at home, and locate the best and safest dispensaries. It also includes interviews with the cannabis industry's most exciting and innovative figures, from a lauded chef who puts on a gourmet weed dinner series to the editors of a weed-centric magazine to a "cannasexual" sex educator, and more. Complete with vibrant new hand-drawn illustrations by the artist Thu Tran, Weed is cutting-edge and brimming with all the information to reduce risk and keep your high exciting.
Bong Appetit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed by the Editors of Munchies Books
If you’ve ever been curious about the world beyond brownies and gummies, Bong Appétit has got the road map. Written by the editors over at Munchies (also known as the team that brought about Viceland’s series by the same name), Bong Appétit boasts 65 different weed-infused recipes. From french-bread pizza to raspberry and peach pie, these recipes (not just their secret ingredient) will make you hungry for more. What’s more, instead of simply listing the ingredients, Bong Appétit goes into the science of creating weed butter, so even the most novice consumer can take part in the fun.
With cannabis legalization expanding across the United States, there's no better time to educate yourself about the history, culture, and science behind this plant. However, it's important to acknowledge that the legal cannabis industry is plagued by systemic racism, as Black people are disproportionately arrested for cannabis-related offenses. Additionally, while the industry has grown tremendously in recent years, it remains dominated by white executives and investors, with few opportunities for entrepreneurs of color to participate. As you explore the world of cannabis through the Juniper Books Cannabis Book Set, it's crucial to also consider ways to support equity and justice in the cannabis industry, such as advocating for expungement of past cannabis-related convictions, supporting Black-owned cannabis businesses, and demanding that the industry prioritize diversity and inclusion!
Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge or simply enjoy a fun, stoned read, the Juniper Books Cannabis Book Set is a must-have addition to your collection. Elevate your cannabis experience to new heights this 04/20 and remember that the best way to celebrate is to stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe.
]]>A close friend of mine recently confided in me, as if it were a curse put upon her, that she “hated poetry.” She told me that it made her feel small, that the words never made sense. I considered this, thought about how in middle school a lump would form in my throat when we were assigned to write an original limerick or haiku about the last day of school and how my words never felt like my own. This is not how I think about poetry anymore—poetry, now, is the line before me at Walgreens, a girl with dragonfly tattoo buying laundry detergent on the first day of spring. Poetry is a nightstand and poetry is its contents: green lamp, green cup, Rooney novel, lighter, litter, knocked over by the cats later. Poetry is a way of knowing the world around you, or at the very least, a way of accepting the world around you while you wait for the knowing to come. Poetry matters because it is in everything.
So, I said all of this, in one way or another, and I promised her, “You don’t hate poetry.” A few days later she handed me a torn piece of paper with Limón’s defense of poetry on it and said “I don’t totally get it, but I think this is what you mean.” Every morning since, World Poetry Day or not, I stand before my little fridge and read that quote to myself. Like fairies, I think if you deny the existence of poetry, it dies. World Poetry Day, then, is just as much a celebration of words and of Tennyson, Dickinson, and Eliot as much as it is a celebration of the enduring act of being human.
Poetry has been, and always will be, an act of survival—in the same way dreaming has helped humans evolutionarily by simulating threats, thus preparing us to fight for survival, poetry is a space to claw, relinquish, remind, and invent outside the bounds of real life. Poetry is everywhere because it matters. We need poetry to remind us of what we've lost, but also as Limón says, of everything we have as well. Put me in the same room as Carmen Maria Machado and Ada Limón and I’d talk about my fridge. That’s why poetry matters. Let us continue to appreciate and celebrate poetry in all its forms on this day and beyond.]]>The legendary modernist writer Virginia Woolf is represented in this set by one of her most famous novels, Mrs Dalloway, which explores the interior life of its protagonist, Clarissa Dalloway, as she prepares for a party while reflecting on her past, societal expectations, and the tension between the individual and society. Mrs Dalloway is a beautiful story of queer desire and self-exploration in 1920s England; if there is any book in this set that embodies the word “influential,” it is Woolf’s.
Joan Didion, known for her essays and nonfiction works, is represented in this set by her 2006 collection of non-fiction We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live. Didion's sharp observations on American culture and society have made her a beloved and influential writer and We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order—which includes seven remarkable texts by her—is the perfect example of this.
Alice Munro, the celebrated Canadian short story writer, is represented by Carried Away. Munro's complex characters and understated style have made her a master of the form, and she has been recognized with numerous literary awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013! In the forward to Carried Away, Margaret Atwood (who’s coming up in this blog post!) writes “Alice Munro is among the major writers of English fiction of our time. . . . Among writers themselves, her name is spoken in hushed tones.”
There’s no doubt that Margaret Atwood, the Canadian author best known for her dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale," is an influential author—She wrote her first novel at the age of seven (about an ant) and is the oldest ever recipient of the Booker Prize. Even if you are already a cult follower of the Emmy-award winning show, The Handmaid’s Tale is a must-read piece of fiction set in an all-too familiar “future.”
British author Penelope Fitzgerald, known for her spare and elegant prose, appears in this set with her works The Bookshop, The Blue Flower, and The Gate of Angels. Fitzgerald's works explore themes of class, family, and history, and her sharp wit and attention to detail have made her a critical darling!
In celebrating these influential female authors, the Influential Women Authors Set is a powerful tribute to the enduring power of women's voices in literature. It is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any book collection and a reminder of the ongoing importance of championing women writers and their contributions to the literary canon, not only on March 8th, but every day. Virginia Woolf sure would've loved this one!
]]>Can you read Fire & Blood without reading Game of Thrones? Should you read it if you haven't seen House of Dragon? Will it make sense if you turned off your TV before the Red Wedding and pretended that this was canon? The answer to all of these questions is yes—though, be warned that the first 420 pages of the book will spoil the television show. No matter your level of GoT expertise, Fire & Blood is a unique and worthwhile read for reasons that are best summed up by its reputation as the “Targaryen Encyclopedia.”
The highly anticipated addition to the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood covers the history of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros, from their arrival to the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that occurred centuries before the events of the main series. It is the source material for the hit television series "House of Dragons,” which hones in specifically on the reigns of King Viserys I and his successor, King Aegon II. If you can’t get enough of the Targaryens, then Fire & Blood is for you.
Unlike his other novels, the prequel is told as a retrospective historical account written by Archmaester Gyldayn, a maester of the Citadel. Because it is a collection of different secondary and tertiary accounts—sometimes from a court jester named Mushroom or a knight that served under Prince Aemon—the book is framed as an incomplete work, and the narrator openly admits that there are gaps in the historical record and that some of the events may be based on rumor, hearsay, or speculation. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and ambiguity throughout the book, as the reader is constantly reminded that the events being described may not be entirely accurate. Martin’s choice to essentially write a fictional textbook makes for a fascinating read as it allows the reader to dive deeper into Targaryen lore while still exploring the nuances of history as a form of storytelling and the nature of truth and memory.
Today, we are excited to release the expansion to our Game of Thrones Armor Set! You can add Fire & Blood to your collection, now with a custom-printed jacket modeled after intricate antique leather and metal-bound tomes. Who knows, maybe with enough studying you could become the next Archmaester!
For her contributions to American literature, Morrison was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988, became the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993, and received the highest civilian honor in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2012—and that barely even scratches the surface. Morrison's impressive list of awards and recognitions is a testament not only to her brilliance, but also to her unrelenting compassion for others.
If you’re into astrology, it may come as no surprise that Morrison was born right on the cusp of Aquarius and Pisces season; Aquarius is associated with a desire for progress and change, while Pisces is associated with sensitivity and emotional awareness. Morrison’s intuition, perception, and creativity were all fundamental to her work, and her ability to tap into the emotions of her readers has left an indelible mark on the literary world. As we reflect on Morrison's legacy this February 18th, it is crucial that we celebrate her not just for her great accomplishments, but also for her one-of-a-kind empathy.
On how to survive life in one piece, Morrison believes “It is about being as fearless as one can and behaving as beautifully as one can under completely impossible circumstances.” Running through all of her novels is a similar thread of persistence and belief. If you’re looking for more inspiring words from Morrison today, check out our two Toni Morrison Book Sets, which feature works like Song of Solomon and Tar Baby!
Happy Birthday, Toni Morrison!
]]>Before there were boomboxes to hold up outside your crush’s window there were love poems! Though they’ve not gone extinct, contemporary love poems present very different experiences of love than those of the pre-Internet age. If you’re looking for inspiration for how to woo your Valentine this month or maybe even on how to love yourself more, the poets of Valentine's past are a good place to start.
Understandably, poetry can be a bit daunting, especially when it comes to love…luckily the Love Poems Banded Book Set, a collection of five anthologies concerning pleasure, flirtation, reflection, and yearning, is the perfect resource! A “love poem,” as this set shows us, doesn’t always have to be your tried and true high school English class “Shall I compare thee to a summer's day”; it can also come in the form of a rambling letter or a short song. If there is one takeaway from Love Poems, it is that a love based poetry is more about the energy than the form. Check out these beautiful examples and go forth and serve love this Valentine's Day!
Daosheng wrote this poem to her husband after being told that he was considering taking a concubine. Though concubinage was a common practice in imperial China often associated with great political power and wealth, Daosheng’s verse was so touching that her husband changed his mind. Though the poem’s origin exhumes some bigger issues of female agency and desire at the time, it is still ultimately very beautiful. If your crush needs a little convincing this year, consider telling them that your relationship reminds you of a special clay creation. Nothing says love like “There is you in my clay, and me in your clay.”
Shakespeare isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but hang in there because Sonnet 55 is a good one. If you don’t know where to go with sonnets, locate the last two lines, also called the “rhyming couplet!” In this poem’s final lines, Shakespeare promises his lover immortality, essentially saying that even though they will inevitably die, they will forever dwell in his work which will outlive society’s most beautiful monuments. He may have been on to something here, because here we are centuries later still imagining their love. If you’re feeling poetic this year, try writing a Valentine’s sonnet that makes your crush live forever.
To put it simply, American poet Theodore Roethke is urging you to trust the process! Just as the worm makes its way through dirt and the moon around the Earth, love always finds a way. Not that it is a competition, but “The Manifestation” is perhaps the best poem found among the five anthologies.
Unlike the other four excerpts, this love poem is written by a woman about another woman. In this ambiguous verse, St. Vincent Millay writes of a woman who challenges the domestic conventions of “wife” with her “witchy” unconventionality. It is unclear whether this poem was written about a lover or herself, but either way the cheeky excerpt above is fun inspiration for a “galentine’s” compliment.
Just one of several letters from novelist Franz Kafka to his fiancee Felice Bauer featured in Love Letters, the November 1st letter is hard to ignore. In this confession, Kafka admits that when it comes to hobbies, writing and thinking about Felice are neck in neck. It may be on the bold side but these lines could make for a great surprise V-day text message. If there were emojis 110 years ago, Kafka certainly would have utilized the red heart to punctuate his thoughts.
]]>Perhaps if you were an “I Heart NYC" t-shirt-clad tourist stepping off the subway and onto the busy cross-section of 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard in Manhattan, you may not be thinking about just how many stories are reverberating around you. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “History is Storytelling,” this street is its physical manifestation. Before it became part of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the demure two-story marble building on the corner was the 135th Street Branch of the New York Public Library and one of the most important artistic and cultural sanctuaries for African Americans in the early twentieth century. It was one of Langston Hughes’ first stops when he arrived in Harlem in 1921, the place where Nella Larsen worked on her pivotal novel Passing, and the site of the first African American art exhibition in Harlem. At a time when many public libraries in America remained hostile or indifferent to Black readers, 135th Street served as a refuge and free fount of knowledge for those seeking to uncover their history; importantly, it was a collective space that brought Black artists and Black audiences together to rejoice in the works of the vibrant Harlem community. Harlem’s “place to be” was officially designated a New York City landmark in 1981.
For many, the stories found in the 135th Street library were the key to making their own story “clearer,” to reprise James Baldwin. Before renowned artist Jacob Lawrence became the Jacob Lawerence, he was a young teenager taking classes at the library. Forever captivated by the space, he would later create a series of paintings—most notably “The Library” (1960)—honoring the sense of solidarity found at tables and between stacks of 135th Street.
“The Library” is a painting all about the alignment of the past, present, and future stories of African Americans and the celebration of those stories. It is the perfect image to jacket our 19th and 20th Century African American Literature Collection, a seven-volume book set featuring the assorted works of Harlem Renaissance era authors Maya Angelou, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, and James Baldwin, as well as the writings of W.E.B Du Bois and Frederick Douglass. No collection of American fiction or nonfiction is complete without the works of the black authors who, through brilliant writing and incisive social commentary, challenged—and changed—the way we view our country’s established stories and traditions.
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