Behind the Print: Secret Library

Books are such a big part of my life! I’ve always been a big reader, and my partner is even more of a book lover than I am. We often visit bookstores together, spending time browsing through used or new selections (he usually goes for fiction and poetry, while I gravitate towards the art and nature writing sections) and visiting with the resident shop cats. We listen to silly audiobooks together on long car drives, and he will often read me bedtime stories from the variety of amazing world fairy tale compilations we’ve collected - my favorite being Russian Folk Tales. When it comes down to it, I can’t think of a better pastime than reading a great book while wearing pajamas (or a fun robe!), so it felt like high time that I designed an over-the-top pattern that really embraces that indoor-cat, bookworm life. The Printfresh x Simon & Schuster Book Club has also been such a fun experience for shoppers so this theme just fits so well in our collection! 

I had so much fun deciding what books to include in this print! I really wanted to focus on classic titles that are really indicative of how the most magical prose never goes out of style. Jane Austin is one of my comfort authors, so obviously I had to include Emma (although Pride & Prejudice is probably my favorite of her novels). You’ll find Beloved nestled on one of the stacks, because Toni Morrison’s work is unmatched. I adore poetry, so there are some collections of great poets throughout, including Robert Frost and W. H. Auden. There is a section of vintage flower and gardening books in honor of a little collection I keep on my own bookshelf at home. A book of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, in honor of my bedtime stores. And then there are lots of other classic greats hidden throughout, including The Great Gatsby, Wuthering Heights, Alice and Wonderland, The Bell Jar, and more. Look closely and maybe you’ll find your favorite author!

In addition to book titles, there are a few other hidden surprises within this print. I’m a big houseplant lover, so obviously I can’t see a bookshelf without adding at least one little potted plant or a dried flower stem. Tea is the best companion to reading, so I needed to throw in a teacup. And I knew I wanted to include a cat in this print, since I associate cats so strongly with bookshops and my own home nook (where my cats Howl and Tomas often keep me company while I read). But I thought it would be fun to also include a silly little mouse who is also trying to get a little reading in! I loved books with mice protagonists as a child - the Redwall series, as well as Charlotte’s Web and Stewart Little were all in my regular rotation. 

My all time favorite book is Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry. It’s such a beautiful read, and I frequently revisit it when I’m going through a tough time. It really has some of the most poignant meditations on life and love, and has so many funny quips and beautiful illustrations hidden throughout. I even have a tattoo of the boa constrictor who’s eaten the elephant - if you know, you know. 

If I was able to sit down and have a chat with any author though, I'd probably say Annie Dillard or Robin Kimmerer. They would be amazing to talk to about truly appreciating nature and learning to write authentically and poetically about life experiences. And maybe D.H. Lawrence, because his writing and illustrations are so bizarre and hilarious that I’m curious what he was like as a person!

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