(You may have noticed we have a new sponsor in our ads section. It’s a fantastic handmade bag company called Moop. I just wanted you to take notice because I just received the bag I ordered from them and it is top notch. I was really impressed. It’s huge and can hold many books(!) and has lots of hidden pockets inside. I get excited about stuff like that. Thanks Moop!)

What started online and became a Lulu book is now a beautiful little hardcover from Chronicle Books. Writer and photographer Andrew Losowky went on a trip around Florence Italy taking pictures of doorbells. I was surprised at how many doorbell variations there are in this book. These photos inspired short stories about the people who’s apartments are connected to these bells. The stories are sweet and mysterious and some are very short, less than a couple of paragraphs. In some ways they remind me of the movie Amelie because Andrew gives quick glimpses into the lives of some very quirky individuals. Alongside the doorbell images, each story is introduced with a handdrawn title by Joel Holland. His illustrated type seems to match the style of the doorbell in some subtle clever way that I enjoy. Pick up a copy of this book here. (I recommend it for subway travel.)

© Julia Rothman 2007