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Should you trust author blurbs? What are your thoughts on destroying a book for the sake of art? We share our love of The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker and The Thorn and the Blossom by Theodora Goss.

The Value of a Blurb

Betsy in our Goodreads Group asked whether or not she should trust author blurbs. Do the authors actually read the books then write those recommendations? The short answer is yes. In our opinion, and from what we’ve seen on the “inside,” we think you can trust the majority of blurbs. When you should most pay attention is when an author you love blurbs a book. That should definitely make you check out that book!

You Did WHAT to a Book?! (6:56)

On our Facebook wall, author Elizabeth Stuckey-French posted a message about using books as the raw materials for art projects. The book lover in her can’t bear the thought of books, even old ones, being destroyed for any reason. Ann and I can certainly see her point, but we had to admit that we’ve done things like this many times. In our defense, we also handmake books, so that has to balance the scales a bit, right? Whether you need inspiration for “evil” (mutilating helpless books) or “good” (creating beautiful new tomes), here are some books of inspiration and instruction:

• The Repurposed Library by Lisa Occhipinti
• Playing With Books by Jason Thompson
• Uncovered by Thomas Allen
• Handmade Books by Lark Studio Series
• How to Make Books by Esther K. Smith

Two Books We Can’t Wait For You to Read (16:12)

Ann has been waiting several months to tell you all about The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker (on sale January 31). It’s the story of a young woman who travels to Burma in search of the truth behind her father’s disappearance and the possible love affair he had with a woman there. It’s perfect for book groups. (Because Ann read the book so long ago, she mixed up the main character’s name when describing the book. It’s Julia.)

Just out in stores now is The Thorn and the Blossom by Theodora Goss. It’s an utterly charming story of a love affair that spans a decade, and possibly a millennium. The story is told from the point of view of both the man and the woman, and is presented in a unique accordion fold package. You choose which story to read first. When you finish it, you flip the book over and read the other side. Plus, it’s packaged in a beautifully illustrated slipcase.