The Slip: The New York City Street That Changed American Art Forever, Prudence Peiffer

I’ll begin with a confession: I love New York. When I started the book, I had no idea what the Slip was, but the artists who squatted in the abandoned warehouses on this street in the late 1950s and early 1960s were certainly familiar and famous. Coenties Slip was a cul-de-sac at the lower tip of Manhattan which was home to Robert Indiana, Ellsworth Kelly, Agnes Martin, James Rosenquist, Delphine Seyrig, Lenore Tawney, and Jack Youngerman. All of them were outsiders, such as Martin, who was born in Saskatchewan; none of them came from New York, but they were drawn to the energy of this special place, which became “the postwar art capital of the world.” In December 1964, Robert Indiana stacked the letters LOVE as a Christmas card and it became an iconic sculpture. You all know it. The book is fun, informative, and historical- a good combination!

Maddy recommends: The City and Its Uncertain Walls: A Novel, Haruki Murakami

For many people, a new Murakami novel is like having a meal with a friend you haven't seen in a while- in this case, six years. Based originally on a short story he wrote in 1980, Murakami expanded that short story into his 1985 novel, Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, and has now expanded on his ideas again, creating a novel which perfectly encapsulates his signature style of magical realism and a feeling of otherworldliness. Centered around a man and a woman destined to meet in another reality, the book follows their journey through Tokyo and the unknown City. Through beautiful writing Murakami tells a story of love, growth, and the ever mysterious concept of destiny.

Carey recommends: The Paris Novel, Ruth Reichl

A delicious read! Pun intended. This novel features a romance with Paris, food, quirky chefs, and a hunt for a forgotten female artist. From beginning to end, Stella’s adventure in Paris covers all the hot spots: the Latin Quarter, Shakespeare and Company, restricted library galleries, private homes, etc. However, in this case, you can almost smell the air, filled with food, wine, art, and the unique taste and peculiarity that can only belong to those who live and thrive in Paris. To hint at more will ruin your pleasure. A perfect read for a cold and snowy day!