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Showing posts from August, 2025
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  The Literary Earthquake of 2025: 25 Books That Rewrote the Rules   The literary world has experienced nothing short of a seismic shift in 2025. As someone who has spent decades in the editorial trenches, I can confidently declare this the most electrifying year for publishing since the digital revolution. The 25 books that follow aren't mere bestsellers—they're cultural lightning rods that have redefined what it means to tell a story in our fractured, hyperconnected age.   THE LITERARY TITANS: Fiction That Commands Attention 1. Dream Count — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Knopf | March 2025 After more than a decade since "Americanah," Adichie's triumphant return has grabbed spots on every major "best of" list, including BBC's prestigious 12 Best Books of 2025. Few authors working today have had an impact like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, regarded as one of the most original writers of her generation. "Dream Count" isn't just a ...
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  The Best Guide to Antique Furniture Restoration: A Passionate Collector's Journey From professional assessment to perfect finishing - the experience of a true lover of wood and quality furniture Introduction: My Passion for Period Furniture As a devoted lover of wood and antique furniture, I've spent decades studying and practicing the art of restoration. Each piece of vintage furniture tells its own story through the wood grain, through crafted joints, and through the patina of time. In this guide, I share my practical experience and the secrets I've learned over the years working with collectors and dealers from New York to London, from Paris to Rome. Chapter 1: Expert Assessment and Strategic Planning The Fundamental Difference: Restoration vs. Refinishing In my years of experience working with antique dealers and collectors, I've learned that restoration and refinishing serve completely different purposes. Refinishing can mean many things - from comple...