Happy New Year, friends!

We have made it to 2023, a shiny, clean slate full of exciting possibilities.

I hope your holidays were everything you wished for and more. And that you felt the wonder all around you in even the smallest of ways during the most magical time of year.

I apologize for the lack of posts over the past few months. Between attending my first ComiCon, planning and preparations for a cross country trip for a family wedding at Thanksgiving, holiday shopping, and then back on the road for Christmas…let’s just say it has been a busy and blessed time.

Now that things have simmered down, what better way to start the new year than chatting about one of my favorite things….books!

I have accumulated quite a stack since my last book haul and I’m excited to share them with you.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Remarkable Changes by Jane Seymour

It is a truth universally acknowledged – you can’t not love Jane Seymour. Upon purchasing, even the young lady at checkout expressed her love for the captivating actress.

But I’ll admit, as much as I admire Jane Seymour, the book’s subtitle is what sold me.

Turning Life’s Challenges into Opportunities.

This memoir, with a preface by Christopher Reeve, is filled with stories from Jane’s life, what she learned from her mother, a true survivor as a POW during WWII, and others like Reeve who have faced unforeseen change and embraced it.

As someone who’s passionate about this message, I’m anticipating this book to be a favorite.

As a bonus, I think I scored an autographed copy!? I purchased mine second hand and the photos I looked at online of the autographed title pages are signed in a different place than mine. So, who knows? Either way, I’m happy 🙂

2. People Will Talk by John Kobal

Ever wish you could sit down with your favorite stars, photographers, costume designers, directors, and ask them all your burning questions?

In this treat of a book, Mr. Kobal offers a brief overview of his subject, beautiful portraits from his archive, and the juicy goods, those fascinating interviews.

The 700 page tome covers a large span of films and stars, starting with silent stars like Gloria Swanson and Colleen Moore and ending with Kim Stanley and Tallulah Bankhead.

As you can already tell, this book is catnip for any classic film fan and the art deco inspired cover doesn’t hurt either 😉

3. Rita Hayworth: A Memoir by James Hill

This short memoir was written by Hayworth’s last husband, James Hill.

It has very mixed reviews on Amazon, but I got it at a book sale for $1, so I’m willing to go in with low expectations and give it a try.

I’ve always loved Rita Hayworth and have wanted to explore her personal life more. I’m hoping the author is respectful to Rita. If so, this book could be a real win.

If you’ve read this one, or any from my list, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

4. The Films of World War II by Joe Morella, Edward Epstein, and John Griggs

As many of you know, I am a big fan of the vintage film books published by Citadel Press and what I love most about them is their format.

The Films of World War II describes itself as a “pictorial treasury of Hollywood’s war years” and I cannot argue with that.

The authors include the classic titles like Mrs. Miniver and Casablanca, but you also see David Lean and Noel Coward’s In Which We Serve, Jean Renoir’s This Land Is Mine, and Lewis Milestone’s Edge of Darkness, all of which look equally fascinating.

Note: For everything related to film history and WWII, check out Taking Up Room’s excellent series on the subject!

5. Ginger: My Story by Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers needs no introduction, she is a legend.

I’ve heard such good things about her autobiography that when I saw it at a “fill your bag sale” I knew it was time to add it to my collection.

Ginger is reknowned for her strong work ethic, and this book looks to be an inspiring read as well as an escape into the fanciful world of RKO’s musicals.

Heaven, I’m in heaven…

6. Forever Young: A Memoir by Hayley Mills

Who didn’t grow up watching Pollyanna, That Darn Cat andThe Parent Trap starring the irrepressible Hayley Mills?

I know very little about Ms. Mills’s life, but as a Disney fan and admirer of the Mills family, I can imagine this will make for great reading.

This book was a Christmas gift from my lovely sister. Thanks, sis!

7. A World of Movies by Richard Lawton

I might have saved the best for last.

This coffee table book is not only ginormous, it is absolutely gorgeous.

The best part? It is filled with photos that you won’t see anywhere else clearly printed on heavy, glossy paper. The book contains a minimal amount of text, the focus here is on those photos.

The stars and movies (from silent era to the 70’s) covered are vast and varied, making this the perfect addition to your library or a gift for the fan who has it all.

That’s all for today! I hope you’ve enjoyed this little haul. But now I want to hear from YOU!

What classic movie gifts did you receive this holiday season? Are any of these books on your TBR list?

Please share with all of us in the comments below! See ya there, xo