Written by Alexandra Laing
Photography by Kipper Bush
Janet Geddis is no newcomer to the book community. Before deciding to launch her own store, Avid Books, she worked as a teacher and librarian. Geddis’ store is set to open at the end of the year in Athens, but she has been preparing for the last three years. Geddis spent the time studying market trends, travelling to other bookstores, attending book conferences, and reading-up-a-storm in anticipation of opening day.
Geddis joked with friends and family about starting her own shop before working up the nerve to persue opening a bookstore. “I just kind of hopped around until I realized I could open a book store,” Geddis said. Geddis hopes to create a different kind of bookstore environment that emphasizes community. She wants to attract young families, young professionals and retirees in her eclectic shop. But while she readies herself (and her finances) for the launch in December, Geddis provides readers with a sneak peek at her favorite art and style books.
A Guide to Taste, Quality & Style by Tim Gunn
“Project Runway’s” likable fashion guru provides insight to style mavens in a relatable way. Geddis likes how Gunn gives advice without the condescension of other how-to books. This book is great on the beach or in the dressing room this summer.
Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You’ll-Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best by Nadine Haobsh
Geddis gives this book to her girlfriends for birthdays and has found it the most useful, practical and easy to use beauty book on the market. “[Haobsh] has tried absolutely every product there is,” Geddis said. As a famed former beauty editor at Lucky Magazine and Ladies’ Home Journal, Haobsh gained acclaim through her popular beauty blog, www.nadinejolie.com, which gives readers the inside scoop on the beauty market.
Found Style: Vintage Ideas for Modern Living by David Butler and Amy Butler
Fans looking to blend modern and vintage home décor with thrown-together elegance can call off the search for an interior design book. The Butlers provide a step-by-step guide to creating a stylish, lived-in home. “There’s nothing like walking into a house with a mixture of furniture from the last several decades,” Geddis said.
The Better World Handbook by Ellis Jones, Brett Johnson and Ross Haenfler
Last on our list focuses on the best kind of style – a lifestyle of “conscientious decisions,” Geddis said. The Better World Handbook encourages shoppers to live sustainably and to think about the source and final destination of their purchases. The book explains “all the ways you can make one little facet of the world better,” Geddis said.
