
Trusting the Dawn
After surviving the 2018 Montecito mudslide, Mary Firestone interviewed trauma survivors and now shares her own harrowing story in Trusting the Dawn (Sounds True, $26). The book lends a fresh take on healing modalities, focusing on connection, hope, and choosing joy. Firestone says, “Experiencing extreme growth, positive change, and a new, wondrous perspective on what it means to be alive can contribute to a more connected, dynamic life on the other side [of trauma].”

3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries
In a bright, heartfelt, humorous memoir, 3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries (Still Talking)(BookBaby, $15), Elizabeth Moore Kraus proves that sometimes it takes being a half world away (specifically Ireland, England, Scotland) to rediscover things about yourself and the people—in this case three sisters in their 60s, Liz, Les, and Rie—you love. “Eat, Pray, Love this is not,” the author says. “Think more along the lines of Eat. Laugh. Lost. That’s something the Moore sisters do, oh, so very well.”

A Map to Your Soul
A Map to Your Soul (Rodale Books, $26), by Dr. Jennifer Freed, sheds light on the elements (fire, earth, air, water) that manifest in each of us. The guide helps readers discover their personal map, with self-care rituals to design their best life. “I wanted to share a pathway to full self-expression, turning gifts and strengths into community contribution,” says Freed, Goop’s resident psychological astrologer. “Getting elemental is the best way I know to teach the fundamental and worldwide basics of astrology.”

All Signs Point to Paris
All Signs Point to Paris (Mariner Books, $29) is a rom-com-like memoir of one woman’s search for a second chance at love. Author Natasha Sizlo—“divorced, broke, freshly heartbroken, and reeling from her father’s death”—is gifted a session with L.A.’s most sought-after astrologist, who tells her that an ex is “the one,” because his birthdate and birthplace (November 2, 1968; Paris, France) line up with her astrological point of destiny. The nonbeliever says, “Oui” and books a ticket to Paris with her sister and two besties for the trip of a lifetime.

California Elegance
California Elegance: Portraits From the Final Frontier (Mondadori, available at Chaucer’s Books) profiles people who have shaped the destiny of the Golden State, including scientists, politicians, designers, firefighters, and, appropriately, treasured local denizen Mahri Kerley, who has elegantly helmed the venerable Chaucer’s Books since 1974.

Michael Haber
For a taste of eye candy, pick up Michael Haber: The Elements (Art/Society Publishing, available at Field + Fort), a large-format tome featuring a curated collection of images snapped by the talented local lensman during the course of his awardwinning career producing stunning commercial campaigns for the likes of The Gap, Old Navy, and Tommy Bahama. Don’t miss the author’s book signing on December 11, 3-6 p.m., at Summerland’s Field + Fort.

The Art of Symeon Shimin
Artist Symeon Shimin (1902-1984)—whose work includes an important mural at Washington’s Department of Justice building and the movie poster for Gone With the Wind—is being rediscovered thanks to The Art of Symeon Shimin (Mercury Press International, available at Tecolote Book Shop). The book is edited by his daughter, UC Santa Barbara dance professor emerita Tonia Shimin, with essays by local arts writers Charles Donelan and Josef Woodard.

If You Lived Here You’d Be Famous by Now
(Flatiron Books, available at Chaucer’s Books) is an insightful (and often witty) firsthand account by UC Santa Barbara student Via Bleidner detailing her experiences attending high school in the land where McMansions and Kardashians are the norm.

Santa Barbara Architecture
Architecture buffs will be thrilled to know that Santa Barbara Architecturefrom Spanish Colonial to Modern (Tailwater Press, available at tailwaterpress.com) is back in print. The latest update of this comprehensive compendium—which was first published in 1975—includes a foreword by local architect Marc Appleton and images by local photographer Wayne McCall.

Houses | Atelier AM
Alexandra and Michael Misczynski, the wife-and-husband team behind the L.A. design firm Atelier AM, showcase eight of their new projects in Houses: Atelier AM (Rizzoli New York, $70), with photographs by François Halard. rizzoliusa.com.

How We Live
A visual romp through creatives’ spaces around the world, How We Live by Marcia Prentice (teNeues, $55) includes dwellings in Mumbai, Marrakech, Beirut, and Amsterdam. Available at House of Honey, houseofhoney.com.

The Most Beautiful Rooms In The World
The Most Beautiful Rooms in the World (Rizzoli New York, $65) features a diverse collection of contemporary interiors worldwide, culled from AD. Available at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond, shopupstairs.com.

Near & Far
Renowned textile designer Lisa Fine takes us inside her own homes in Paris, Dallas, and New York and also shares interiors by her friends and mentors in Near & Far: Interiors I Love (Vendome Press, $70). Available at Field + Fort, fieldandfort.com.

Surf Shacks
Wave riders and landlubbers alike will love Surf Shacks Volume 2 by Matt Titone (Gestalten, $60), featuring surfers’ eclectic homes, including the pad of Santa Barbara locals Leo Basica (L&Co.) and felt artist Taiana Giefer. us.gestalten.com.

Patina Homes
Top interior designer and blogger Brooke Giannetti (of Velvet & Linen fame) and her husband, architect Steve Giannetti, just released their new volume, Patina Homes (Gibbs Smith, $50), celebrating a collection of residences transformed by their (and other collaborators’) creative talents. giannettihome.com.

Classic Residences
Seekers of serenity should snap up Classic Residences by Wim Pauwels (Beta-Plus Publishing, $85), a peek inside spaces that blend classic and modern elements for calming surroundings. Available at Field + Fort, fieldandfort.com.

Old Houses Made New
For remodeling inspiration, crack open Old Houses Made New by Macarena Abascal Valdenebro (teNeues, $75), a compendium of homes that have been rehabilitated to suit contemporary lifestyles. Available at House of Honey, houseofhoney.com.