2024 Paging Creatives Book Selections

  • April: Wolfwood

    By Marianna Baer

    Indigo, a teenage girl, takes it upon herself to secretly continue her mother's unfinished painting series called Wolfwood, despite her mother's refusal. As Indigo delves into the paintings, she discovers a dangerous jungle filled with grotesque flora engaged in a violent battle. The boundaries between fantasy and reality become blurred as Indigo struggles to keep her forgery hidden and her mind clear, challenging her sanity and resolve. Ultimately, Indigo realizes the true nature of the monsters she faces and must confront them before it's too late.

  • May: Take What You Need

    By Idra Novey

    A poignant novel that explores the lives of Jean and her stepdaughter Leah, set against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains. After Jean's passing, Leah returns to her rural roots to confront the legacy her stepmother left behind. What she discovers, including Jean's intriguing sculptures and the enigmatic young man living in the house, is a testament to the power of creative expression. The storytelling delves into themes of family dynamics, distance, and the potential for renewal through art and unexpected relationships.

  • June: Chasing Me to My Grave

    By Winfred Rembert

    An autobiography by the artist Winfred Rembert, offering a compelling and deeply personal account of his life journey. Rembert's narrative recounts his experiences growing up in the segregated South, surviving a near-fatal incident of racial violence, and ultimately finding his voice as an artist through the unique medium of hand-tooled leather. The book is a poignant exploration of resilience, artistic expression, and the enduring impact of racism, making it a powerful and inspiring read. Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Biography.

  • July: Anita de Monte Laughs Last

    By Xochitl Gonzales

    A captivating novel that unfolds the mystery surrounding the life and death of Anita de Monte, a once-rising star in the art world who was found dead in 1985 New York City. In 1998, Raquel, a third-year art history student, discovers Anita's story while working on her thesis. Raquel becomes entangled in Anita’s mystery, raising questions about the art world's dynamics and the echoes of the past. The novel intricately weaves the narratives of these two women, offering a gripping exploration of their lives and the mysterious connections between them.

  • August: Art Matters

    Author: Neil Gaiman. llustrator: Chris Riddell.

    This collection brings together a reflective piece on the importance of free expression, a motivational speech that encourages persistence in the face of creative challenges, a poem that delves into the nuances of the creative process, and an essay that highlights the vital role of libraries in nurturing curiosity and imagination. Each selection advocates for the essential role of art and creativity in encouraging personal development and driving positive change. Enhanced by vivid illustrations, the compilation serves as a testament to the enduring impact of art.

  • September: The Curse of Pietro Houdini

    by Derek B. Miller

    In war-torn Italy during World War II, a young orphan named Massimo escapes from Rome after the death of his parents and finds himself under the protection of a charismatic man called Pietro Houdini. Claiming to be a confidante of the Vatican, Pietro enlists Massimo's help in preserving valuable treasures hidden in the Montecassino monastery. As they face the impending danger of war, Massimo questions Pietro's intentions while they embark on a perilous mission to smuggle priceless artwork to safety with a diverse group of characters.

  • October: The Last Time I Lied

    By Riley Sager

    A thriller that follows the story of Emma Davis, an artist haunted by a traumatic event from her past. When she returns to the remote summer camp where her friends disappeared 15 years ago, she becomes determined to uncover the truth about their disappearance. As she delves deeper into the mystery, secrets resurface, and the chilling events of that summer come back to haunt her. The novel is a suspenseful and gripping tale of suspense, deceit, and the relentless pursuit of answers, making it an engrossing read for fans of psychological thrillers.

  • November: The Art Thief

    By Michael Finkel

    The true-crime narrative follows the life of Stéphane Breitwieser, the world's most prolific art thief. Breitwieser stole not for money, but for his personal obsession, keeping his vast collection of stolen treasures in a secret room for admiration. Over the course of nearly eight years, he carried out more than two hundred audacious heists across Europe, amassing over three hundred stolen objects, until his reckless pursuit of beauty led to his downfall. Finkel explores the complex motivations and thrilling heists that defined Breitwieser's fascinating world.

  • December: Holiday Gathering

    For Our Members

    It's time for a holiday bash with Paging Creatives, our amazing online book club! This is a virtual gathering where our members can kick back and share their favorite books of the year. But it's not just about books – we're celebrating everyone's personal and professional wins from 2024, too! We’ll also chat about our grand plans and dreams for the upcoming year of 2025. So grab your holiday cheer, hot chocolate, cozy up, and come on in and join us for some bookish memories together in true holiday style!

  • DONE / January: The Silent Patient

    By Alex Michaelides

    A gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a talented artist who has not spoken a word since she was accused of murdering her husband. Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with unraveling Alicia's mysterious silence and delves into her troubled past to uncover the truth. As the layers of their intertwined lives are peeled back, shocking revelations and unforeseen twists emerge, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

  • DONE / February: The Personal Librarian

    By Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

    A captivating historical novel set in the Gilded Age of New York. It revolves around the fascinating life of Belle da Costa Greene, who, as J.P. Morgan's personal librarian, navigates a world of wealth, secrecy, and art. The book delves into Belle's complex identity as a Black woman passing as white and her pivotal role in shaping Morgan's vast collection, all while exploring themes of identity, ambition, and the power of art in a society marked by social constraints.

  • DONE / March: Awaken Your Genius

    By Ozan Varol

    A transformative guide that empowers readers to unlock their full creative potential and embrace their inner genius. Varol draws on a combination of scientific insights and real-world examples to provide practical strategies for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in everyday life. Through actionable advice, the book encourages readers to break free from limiting beliefs and tap into their innate genius, making it an inspiring and illuminating read for those seeking to harness their creative abilities and achieve their goals.