First, here’s the link back to J. Kaye’s meme.

Second, I’m obsessed with the J. Crew Catalog.  And what does that have to do with books?  I’m so glad you asked!

About my obsession…  It started a few months ago.  Not with the first family’s fashion sense, but when Domino Magazine (moment of silence) featured the home of J. Crew’s creative director.  There was something quirky and smart about it that drew me in.  When I saw Lauren Hutton featured in a style shoot I was completely hooked.

Then came the August issue and the two page spread shown above.  J. Crew had (obviously unknowingly, unintentionally & with no prior knowledge of this blog’s existence – can’t accuse me of grandiosity!) bought into why I started BookSexy.  Because I honestly believe (as cheesey as it sounds) that style is something internalized, not just about how you present yourself externally.  Style has to do with ideas and interests and genuine curiosity.  It’s about having something to add to a conversation.  Which is why it makes perfect sense to me that J. Crew featured an obscure Steinbeck novel in with their List of Necessities.  And that their new  Tribeca Men’s Shop sells vintage books like the one featured above along with standard merchandise.  (They also hold celebrity readings at the Soho Shop).

I like this new literary world where the President of the United States’ Summer reading list makes Letterman.

Do I wish they’d looked a little farther afield than Steinbeck?  Well, yes.  Personally I’d have liked to have seen a Michael Chabon novel or something from McSweeney’s.  Maybe even a graphic novel drawn by Dave McKean.  But this is a start.   Don’t forget that J. Crew is still a fashion company.

Even if it’s a fashion company that puts its clothes on Alex Katz.

For a different take, check out this post at wordcandy.net.  And if you have an opinion, I’m interested in hearing it.  Please leave a comment.