I mentioned yesterday that I’ve been reading a fabulous book and while I haven’t finished it I can almost tell this is one of those I’ll have to add to my keeper shelf (my copy is from the library). The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures by Caroline Preston is so much fun for me to read because it takes me back to my big scrapbook phase. I used to scrapbook in my high school and college days and while I don’t do scrapbooks anymore you know how much I love art journaling which to me is a bit of a mix of scrapbooking and diary keeping.
“How this story begins… Scrapbook was a high school graduation present from mother. I found daddy’s old Corona portable in the cellar. Mice had chewed the case but it still works! I sent away for a free instruction booklet on how to type. I will type one page every day.”
Each page in this novel is filled with vintage ephemera. Advertisements, postcards, labels, playing cards, etc. While the story of Frankie, who is documenting her life as a Vassar student and later graduate is interesting in its own right, having the images just adds another wonderful dimension to the novel. You can visit the author’s website and take a peek inside the covers.
As I said, I’m not done with the book yet but I’m really enjoying it and really wishing I had an old typewriter I could use for my crafty projects. Ha. Speaking of crafty projects I think this novel also comes at just the right time for me because I’m currently taking an art journaling class and it’s so much fun. I can’t wait to share with you some of the pages I’ve been working on. Stay tuned.
I cannot wait to get my hands on this, it sounds amazing! I really want to start scrapbooking too, what a nice way to organise memories.
See, I could imagine you writing a book like this. You are crafty and clever that way! I loved this book. So much to look at, and such a sweet story. I met this author at SIBA and she is fascinating.
I love ephemera and vintage scrapbooks. I looked through Frankie’s scrapbook by following the link, and it looks like so much fun!
Eager to see your journal pages!
I read that book earlier this year and loved it. Luckily the author is making her second book now.
I bought my copy of The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt because I figured even if I didn’t love it, it is a pretty book. Thankfully I enjoyed it. 🙂
I haven’t gotten my hands on this book yet, but it’s one I know I’ll just love!
Great minds do things together. I just finished reading my review copy. I need to get a library copy, since mine is in b&w.
I attended the American Librarian Association Meeting last year and attended the talk with the editors of new books. This editor says that this book will be the first in the series! Can’t wait for the next ones.
This sounds great, happy reading. I do remember those old typewriters. We had one at home when I was little and I so wish I had saved it. It was so loud…lol. I actually typed school papers on it. Yes, I am that old 😛
I went through a big scrapbooking phase too. This book sounds like a fun read!