The Stories We Tell:
Books as Windows into Our Lives

“... printed words are magic and they have unlimited potential to engage us.” 
- Thatcher Wine, Founder & CEO of Juniper Books

In her essay “The White Album," Joan Didion writes, "We tell ourselves stories in order to live." This instinct to make sense of the world through stories is a defining human trait. We share these stories with others, and they shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Books are a powerful tool for storytelling. They allow us to experience the stories of others, and to learn and grow from them. They also provide us with a window into the lives of others, and can help us to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

When we keep books, we are not just collecting objects. We are collecting stories. The books we choose to keep reflect our interests, our values, and our experiences. They tell the story of who we are, where we have been, and where we are going.

Our bookshelves are a unique reflection of our individual selves. They tell a story that is constantly evolving, as we add new books and let go of old ones. The books we keep also tell the story of our families and communities. When we merge our books with a partner's or children's books, our shelves become a physical embodiment of our shared experiences.

So long as there are books, there will be stories. And the books we keep will continue to tell our stories. We can enhance the story and the magic by personalizing our books.

Ways to Customize and Personalize Books

There are many ways to customize and personalize books, making them more meaningful and special. Here are a few ways to customize through Juniper Custom:

• Add a personalized printed inscription. One of the simplest ways to personalize a book is to have Juniper Custom print a custom message on the inside flaps of the jackets. This could be a gifting sentiment to commemorate the occasion, a modernized version of the personal bookplate: “From the Library of ____,”  or a favorite quote from the book. 
• Curate a unique collection. We can build book collections around just about any subject, or we can assemble the complete works of an author. We have sources all around the world for beautiful editions of desired books. Whether you’d like us to track down or produce a leather bound book, find a first edition, or curate a collection of hardcovers that will stand the test of time, we are happy to help. 
• Commission a custom design. Our designers will work with you to create custom book jackets that fit your style. We love getting creative with our designs. We can propose original artwork that reflects the content of the books, is inspired by or coordinates with your home, make your new books look like classics, or freshens up your old books!

Our Founder Thatcher Wine often talks about how our bookshelves tell the story of who we are. The books we keep are a reflection of our interests, experiences, and aspirations. No matter how you organize and display your books, and whether you choose to customize and personalize your collection, books will always have a special place in our homes and our lives. 

For more tips on designing and curating a home library, you can pick up a signed copy of Thatcher’s book about books here.