Overview
Several members of the Museum’s reading group, Art+Letters, reflected on their collective favorites over the years in order to make some recommendations for you. Below are some of their selections—check back each month for additional suggestions—happy reading!
In Sunlight or in Shadow: Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper
Editor: Lawrence Block
Why You Should Read
“There’s been a part of me that’s always been attracted to the solitary figures in Hopper’s art. To find what must have been a similar curiosity in the written works of well-known authors somewhat validated my feelings about Hopper. But then to read original short stories by these authors creating worlds for each piece way beyond my imagination, helped me understand that those solitary figures could possibly have had a vibrant life before and after being captured by Hopper.”
– Frank Gitschier
“I learned a lot about Edward Hopper paintings, the stories were very entertaining and educational. The story about the piano player was absolutely chilling. Think I’ll always remember that. I also liked that the authors set their stories in the depression era so they gave the stories a realistic meaning.”
– Marlene Harrington
“I was drawn in by Stephen King being a contributor to this book. Each short story gives you a glimpse into how someone can interpret a painting by Edward Hopper.”
– Brandy Morrison, Art+Letters coordinator
Where to Read
Physical: Amazon
Digital: Apple Books, Kindle
Audiobook: Apple Books, Audible
Resources
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home
Author: Denise Kiernan
Why You Should Read
“I’ve been to Biltmore three times and enjoyed reading how it came to be.”
– Marlene Harrington
“I thought this was so relevant to our collection! I didn’t know much about the Vanderbilts, and this was such a good entertaining history lesson!”
– Paula Susen
“Having grown up near Biltmore House and having been there several times, I knew a lot about the house and its history. What was new to me was how important George Vanderbilt was to forestry, not only on that estate but to the restoration of forests throughout the country. The family also did more for the Asheville area than I had known. Until I read the book I did not know that many of the artworks from the National Gallery were brought down from Washington, D.C., and were kept there during much of World War II.”
– Carol Anne Toms
Where to Read
Physical: Amazon, Bookshop
Digital: Apple Books, Kindle
Audiobook: Apple Books, Audible
Resources
The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
Author: Robert M. Edsel
Why You Should Read
“Awesome story, better than the movie, of how a special force team of American and British art experts and soldiers worked together to save works of art from Hitler and the Third Reich.”
– Brandy Morrison, Art+Letters Coordinator
“I had previously read Rescuing Da Vinci (by the same author). It is truly amazing that the Monuments Men located, saved and returned so many works of art. For four years, an average of twice a day, I drove by the building in Wiesbaden which was one of two collection centers where the artworks were stored, cataloged and attempts were made to determine the owners. There was never any reference to the Monuments Men or to what had happened there. So glad this story was finally told.”
– Carol Anne Toms
Where to Read
Physical: Amazon, Bookshop
Digital: Apple Books, Kindle
Audiobook: Apple Books, Audible
Resources
