Le Freak c'est Magnifique!

Does the song "Let's Dance" by David Bowie make you want to hit the dance floor immediately? Or are you more into 70s disco pop like "Good Times" by the band Chic? Perhaps you're like me and listened to Duran Duran's "The Reflex" over and over again and taped it when it was on Friday Night Videos? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, then you're a big fan of Nile Rodgers' work, the music producer on all three songs (and member of the band for the second).

Nile Rodgers has produced some of the most recognizable songs from the 70s and 80s including "We Are Family," by Sister Sledge, "Like a Virgin," by Madonna, "Original Sin," by INXS, "Love Shack," by the B-52s and "Notorious" by Duran Duran.

When I read that he had written Le Freak, a very colorful memoir filled with stories from his chaotic and unsupervised youth to his days as a multi-platinum recording music producer, I knew I needed to download it immediately onto my Kindle for iPad. Le Freak is as enjoyable and addictive to read just like his music. If you're looking for a great page-turner, this is the book for you. What a fantastic holiday present for anyone who grew up in the 70s or 80s.

Coincidentally, I love that Duran Duran has just issued a new video for their song "Girl Panic" that is so retro-80s. It kind of has a Nile Rodgers feel to it. What do you think?

This is... Book time!

As a graphic designer, I am constantly inspired by the books at the Troc. From a photographic catalogue of Nights in Paris, cookbooks, fashion house biographies and even historic perspectives by E.B. White, there is something for everyone here. *

Some of my favorites are the This is ____ series. Created by M. Sasek, these books are colorful, informative and fun. M. Sazek was an artist born in Prague; in 1958 he published his first book, This is Paris and continued creating books until his death in 1980.

The titles we carry at the Troc include: This is Greece, This is Venice, This is Hong Kong, This is Britain, This is Paris, This is New York, This is Ireland, This is Texas, This is Rome, This is London, This is Edinburgh, This is Israel, and This is San Francisco.

The vibrant illustrations make an amazing coffee table piece or an informative book for a child. Have a favorite city filled with memories? Maybe an overseas engagement or a college semester abroad? Maybe you are reconnecting with your home country? These books are definitely a traveler or art collector's must!

*All last copy books are 20% off so come by the store and see for yourself!