Obsessive Consumption Book

When I got home from work I was happy to find Kate Bingaman-Burt's book Obsessive Consumption on my doorstep. I opened it to check out a few sketches, but ended up completely enthralled and reading it cover to cover. The book is based on Kate's blog of the same name, where she keeps sketches of objects that she a has bought. The purchases documented range from a hairclip for grandma ($5.95) (and one of my favorite purchases in the book) to a faux Eames Lounger ($50.00). The purchase patterns themselves are very interesting as they span an number of years and life stages (student, marriage, dog, etc) which make you reminisce about your own levels of financial freedoms, or lack there of, over time. The best part, to me, is the little notes that accompany a lot of the drawings. A four colour click pen itself is not a very interesting purchase, but when accompanied by the fact that it was purchased to pay bills, it actually becomes very entertaining. I adored the book, and the journey that it took me on.

Serious Drawings

My copy of Marc Johns' brilliant book, Serious Drawings, just arrived this week. I'm a big fan of Marc's work. I've been thoroughly enjoying the book. For a taste, go to Marc's website. It is a never ending supply of amusement and witty insights.

Dear Gretchen

Gretchen Nash has been putting letters into a suitcase since she was a child. She has written a book based on the 187 letters. The book, Dear Gretchen, not only features the letters and reflections about their senders, but more interestingly analyzes and graphs trends amongst the letters. All of the graphs are visualized using crazy paper cut outs. Some of the analyzed information is priceless, like animal mentions (top = cat), or name calling (top = freak). It is a lovely little glimpse into the social life of a young girl.

Show Me How

I bought the book Show Me How - 500 Things You Should Know because I was looking for a good example of instructional graphics. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the book not only has inspirational illustrations, but also some very funny and useful content. It has step by step instructions for a wide range of things from how to boil an egg to how to create a chain-mail bikini. I can't wait to read and acquire new skills.

The Complete Manual

The folks at Knock Knock never cease to amaze me with their witty stationary products. One of their latest products cracked me up. It is the Complete Manual of Things that Might Kill You: A Guide to Self-Diagnosis for Hypochondriacs. Haha!