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This month, pile your nightstand with a memoir by one of food's most famous women, a fascinating new look inside the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II, a deep dive into the architect who made New York's most admired buildings what they are today, an investigation into one of fashion's most storied and scandalous brands, and so much more. Here are T&C's picks for the best books of October 2024.
The author of The Swimming Pool Library and The Line of Beauty's latest novel follows Dave Win, a young man whose world opens when he receives a scholarship to attend one of England's top boarding schools. Breaking the barriers of race and class at such an institution, however, aren't as easy as he might hope. In this thoughtful, observant look at Dave's life from that young age on—through love affairs, career changes, and all of life's ups and downs—Hollinghurst once again shows off his singular ability to bring readers inside the world of a character.
In this book of three related essays, the author of Between the World and Me explores the meaning of place and how the stories we hear and those that we tell about these destinations (his own include Senegal, South Carolina, and the West Bank) can impact our reality in troubling and destructive ways.
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After 13 cookbooks and a 29-season, Daytime Emmy-winning run as the Food Network’s most beloved chef, Ina Garten has finally penned her first memoir. Expect to get all the details on a childhood she has called “difficult,” and about how she left her job as a budget analyst for the White House to run a specialty foods store in Westhampton called Barefoot Contessa—the rest, as they say, is history. And yes, we will also learn all about her decades-long love affair with Jeffrey.
The latest book from Craig Brown, the author of the marvelous 99 Glimpses of Princess Margaret, sees his sites shift throne-ward, using the same effective storytelling technique (a bounty of small, telling moments that give us something interesting about the monarch or, in some cases, the author and his experiences of her) to explore the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
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In the 1920s and 1930s, architect Rosario Candela created a group of apartment buildings that remain some of the most prestigious addresses in New York City including those on Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Sutton Place. Paul Goldberger, Peter Pennoyer, and T&C contributor David Netto explore Candela's works through the lens of exteriors and urbanism, interior architecture, and more. There's a new wave of contemporary buildings changing the New York skyline, and this book takes a look at what is defined as timeless architecture by looking back a century.
Love how you live. It's a simple an idea that sometimes proves elusive. In his new book by that name, designer Rodman Primack shows readers how to fashion a home that, in the words of another lifestyle guru, sparks joy. It's the first book featuring his work with partner Rudy Weissenberg, including a home that . That project, in Louisville, is just a taste of the thirteen homes in this colorful, uplifting portfolio.
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Once upon a time, Victoria’s Secret was invincible. In its prime, it had more than 1,000 stores around the country netting $8 billion a year. Its annual fashion show was its Super Bowl, and its Angels (Miranda Kerr, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, among them) all went on to become international supermodels. Then it all started going downhill. The company didn’t adapt fast (or earnestly) enough to changing beauty standards, and then it was revealed that Les Wexner, the company’s billionaire owner, had close ties with Jeffrey Epstein. In this deeply reported exposé, journalists Lauren Sherman (a special correspondent at Puck) and Chantal Fernandez (a features writer at The Cut) charts the rise and fall of one of the most innovative brands in retail history.
Trying to design the third home you just bought? Thankfully, interior designer Michael S. Smith has released a book, the first in nearly a decade, that may provide some inspiration. In Classic By Design, the famed interior designer showcases several of his most notable projects, from a contemporary beach house in East Hampton to a Moroccan-influenced Mallorca escape. But, it's not all about beauty. Smith shares his inspirations for his designs while exploring what makes a room truly comfortable.
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Not every star who releases a memoir truly has a story to tell. Al Pacino, however, most certainly does. Here, the legendary star of The Godfather, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon pulls back the curtain on his upbringing, his life in the avant-garde New York theater scene, and his eventual explosion onto the big screen. With wit, warmth, and candor, Pacino recalls the ups and downs of his life in and out of the pictures, and paints a portrait of just the sort of complicated, driven, creative type you'd expect to exist behind his iconic performances.
Today, Dorothy Parker might be best remembered for her place at the Algonquin Round Table and her acid quips, but in this new biography, Gail Crowther (Three-Martini Afternoons at The Ritz) explores a more human side of the writer. The fascinating book explores Parker's life after leaving New York City for Los Angeles to work in film—and zeroes in on an era when she struggled with addiction and the death of her husband, Alan Campbell, and also found a sense of purpose in joining political causes. Parker's life remains as witty and wonderful as any fan would hope, but through her research and writing, Crowther rounds out the story and gives us so much more about the legend to appreciate.
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What do Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, the Dalai Lama, Fidel Castro, and Bob Fosse have in common? Shirley MacLaine, of course. In this new book, MacLaine shares photos and memories from her life on and off stage and screen, including her early days in New York City, her political involvement, her movie-star life, and her spiritual experiences. There's no star out there with a career or a knack for storytelling like MacLaine, and this latest book from the author of My Lucky Stars and Out On a Limb promises to be an essential addition to her oeuvre.
David Hockney might be best known for his paintings, but this new book—published alongside an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Shanghai—celebrates the artists works on paper. More than 100 pieces are included in the tome, ranging from lithographs to iPad drawings, and remind us that Hockney's exceptional abilities transcend medium—and make an excellent addition to our own libraries.
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Star-crossed love is in the air. Romeo and Juliet is back on Broadway, the doomed love of the Joker and Harley Quinn is headed to the big screen, and at the top of the pile on our nightstands sits the first book in bestselling author Ana Huang's new series, about a bad-boy soccer player forced into off-season training, where he finds himself attempting to bond with dubious teammates, and falling dangerously for the one woman he should avoid.
It's the season of the witch...and entering the canon of books about witches is Luis Jaramillo's mesmerizing debut novel, The Witches of El Paso, which follows, Marta, a lawyer, and Nena, her elderly great-aunt, as they search for a daughter that Nena left in the past. Set in colonial Mexico and El Paso in 1943 and modern day, the novel is a powerful tale of magic, resilience, and history.
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We can't resist a good family saga—and Susan Rieger delivers in Like Mother, Like Mother, which follows three generations of women. The story begins with the death of Lila, the executive editor of a major Washington newspaper. Her daughter, Grace, had published a novel that was a fictionalized version of her mother's life, including retelling her grandmother's story. In reality, Lila's mother (and Grace's grandmother) was sent to an asylum by her abusive husband. Despite the heavy themes, Like Mother, Like Mother, is an enjoyable and sharp look at marriage, ambition, and motherhood.
The Mighty Red, named for the Red River Valley of North Dakota, is yet another must-read from the acclaimed author. The story follows a love triangle—there's Gary, the high school quarterback; Hugo, who is homeschooled; and Kismet, an angsty, formerly goth girl, who is not ready to marry Gary. There's also Kismet's mother, Crystal, works for Gary's family and is concerned for her daughter's future. Set in 2008, The Mighty Red is a moving story of mothers and daughters set amid the economic collapse and the devastating impacts of industrial farming.
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In what feels like seconds after Taylor Swift steps out in public, fashion blogger Sarah Chapelle identifies, and analyzes, her fashion choices on her popular Taylor Swift Styled page. Chapelle has now turned that analysis into a full-length book, tracing the evolution of Swift's style from the start of her career through her Eras Tour. As we enter holiday shopping season, it's a fantastic gift for the Swiftie in your life.
Queen Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, authored a royal cookbook, which features recipes from the royal kitchens. At his launch party in London last month, he thanked King Charles for his support. "Thanks goes to the King and Queen, my mother, and obviously the King, without whom this book wouldn't have been here. Without their support, their insight, their help, the rest of it—so a huge thank you to the King and Queen." More on Tom Parker Bowles's royal cookbook, here.
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There's no doubt that fantasy is having a big moment, and Sung-Il Kim's Blood of the Old Kings is a very exciting addition to the genre this fall. Translated from Korean by Anton Hur, the story breathes new life into classic fantasy tropes. There's swordmaster Loran; sorcerer-in-training Arienne, and an orphan named Cain. "Readers seeking an exciting new fantasy world to sink into will find this hits the spot," Publisher's Weekly notes—and we wholeheartedly agree.
Every autumn when Great British Baking Show returns to Netflix, it is motivating to start baking—and this primer on bread from Babette Frances Kourelos is for new bakers and pros alike. Interspersed throughout the recipes (pizza dough! koulouri! challah!) are charming anecdotes about Babette's childhood and path from being a practicing lawyer to a successful baker.
Emily Burack
Senior News Editor
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
Adam Rathe
Deputy Features Director
Adam Rathe is Town & Country's Deputy Features Director, covering arts and culture and a range of other subjects.