The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell

by Shana Novak

A warm, inviting celebration of beloved keepsakes and the stories they hold.

A set of old apartment keys, a pair of worn running shoes, a declaration of love scribbled on a restaurant receipt. Beautiful stories that celebrate the power an object can hold are at the heart of The Heirloomist by photographer Shana Novak, creator of the project of the same name dedicated to documenting keepsakes and transforming them into uniquely meaningful works of art. The 100 objects featured here range from the everyday to the extraordinary. Treasured heirlooms to their owners, ordinary folks and cultural figures alike, they hold remarkable stories such Big or small, expensive or humble, we all have meaningful items with powerful messages behind them. Celebratory, sentimental, and bursting with heart, The Heirloomist offers a glimpse into the treasures we hold dear and how they inform the stories of our lives.

HEARTWARMING The stories attached to these heirlooms range from funny to moving and everything in between. An artful and touching memory book, it makes a sentimental gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, housewarming, or any special occasion. Also perfect for anyone looking for unique stories.

FOR FANS ART BOOKS LIKE HUMANS OF NEW YORK : The Heirloomist contains dozens of striking portraits of seemingly ordinary objects along with fascinating stories that will resonate with readers long after they've been read. The ultimate coffee table book, it is at once visually engaging and warmly entertaining.

BASED ON A BELOVED Through her business and popular Instagram account of the same name, photographer Shana Novak turns treasured keepsakes into uniquely meaningful works of art. As @theheirloomist, Shana has become a living receptacle for her clients’ stories, absorbing them as she strives to capture the essence of what makes each keepsake special to its owner in her photographs, and sharing them with her strong audience of devoted followers.

Perfect

Genres: Nonfiction, Photography, History, Art

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

The photos are well-done, the writing solid, and the book design is lovely. However, many of the chosen stories were about famous and/or rich people's heirlooms, and at times, felt as if the author were writing an advertorial for the person's business/charity/project. The book could have done without the marketing tone (which distracted from the really heart-wrenching stories of lost loved ones), as well as cut the number of sports images (Admittedly, I'm not a sports person, so these "heirlooms" fell flat for me, despite the stories behind them; it takes a lot to make images of sports equipment interesting). A really thoughtful premise in a pretty package that needed more variation to be effective in carrying across its intention.

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small book of 100 brief stories and photos of cherished personal heirlooms. Many stories are touching, some are tear-jerker's and all serve as a reminder to appreciate those around you.

[JoyReaderGirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative writer and photographer extraordinaire Shana Novak curated a collection of family treasures (each accompanied by a captivating story that explores the deep emotional connections associated with the items) in her lovely coffee table edition, “The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell.”

This lovely book features a diverse range of family keepsakes and objects—from old apartment keys to a pair of worn running shoes (Model Christy Turlington’s father’s)—each with its unique narrative.

These stories are not just about the objects but the memories and emotions they evoke in the person who treasures them.

Novak has a singular ability to transform these keepsakes into meaningful works of art. Her photographs capture what makes each item unique, and the accompanying stories allow readers to connect with the objects on an intimate level.

The Heirloomist is more than just a collection of photographs and stories; it’s a celebration of the power of objects to hold and convey our most cherished memories.

It’s a perfect coffee table book that invites readers to reflect on their own treasured items and the stories they hold.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Shana Novak, and Publisher Chronicle Books for this advanced reader's copy for review.

[MKF · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should be called Important Things of Highly Successful People Including Many of Whom are Rich and Sometimes Famous. It would be more accurate because some of these aren't heirlooms which are items that is passed down from older generations. One woman claims her heirloom was a pair of overalls she wore on a date with her future husband. I doubt her kids or grandkids are super excited to inherit them so they'll eventually end up donated so they're not an heirloom. Another problems with the book was the feeling that the author was pushing a lot of these people's businesses and charities which annoyed me. So if you expect family stories about family treasures passed down through the generations this isn't that book.

[Vanessa Ya Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute joy to read. As a photographer, I could really appreciate the image details. I also bought this book for my mom for Mother’s Day.

I absolutely loved the heart rocks and the soap heirloom stories.

I can’t imagine how in the world Shana narrowed the book down to 100. That must have been a task.

My dad recently died from glioblastoma and I have been surrounding myself with his heirlooms, from his jelly bean bowl, his old 35 mm camera to his treasured decoys to his 3 Navy ribbons. I am about to make my own heirloom book on Shutterfly with my dad’s treasures so all these heirlooms can live on for years to come.

First up, putting all his ducks in a row for the perfect shot. :)

[Nikki (nikkis.novel.ideas) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell by Shana Novak is a celebration of cherished objects and the stories and people behind them. Through striking portraits and short essays, Novak invites readers into the intimate world of meaningful keepsakes, ranging from things that seem to be everyday items to those that are much more unusual.

The book features a diverse group of people and the 100 objects they hold most dear, from well-known celebrities to everyday people. From a pair of old apartment keys to a sculptural inspiration for mother-centered healthcare, the stories are interesting for both the relatableness and their hidden depths. Every object carries a deep message about the human experience.

Novak’s photography captures the essence of each object with a simple, yet artful style. The book isn’t just a collection of images; it is also evidence of the power of storytelling.The Heirloomist is more than just a coffee table book; it’s a tribute to the emotional connections we form with the things, and people, we hold dear. It doesn’t matter if the objects were gifts, markers of special occasions, or common items that became important because of the emotions they evoke, they will all be of interest to readers who appreciate the beauty of everyday treasures and the stories that make them unforgettable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

[Callie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an insatiable curiosity for what others find special. Do they keep knick-knacks like I do? Do their belongings hold memories like mine? Is their house full of magic? My mom collects many things, and I've grown up finding magic in even the smallest items. She always had a story behind every object. I was fascinated with this book from the first pages, and I found myself reminiscing about the origins behind my trinkets. I can't wait to buy a copy for my mom,

This book is equally heartbreaking and heartwarming, but how magical it was to see into other people's lives through their treasured belongings. Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"She wanted me to have a greater sense of myself, beyond my skin and bones. Heirlooms can be a great vehicle for that."

3 stars for content, 4 stars for making me think, really think, "what is an heirloom?"

I'm not gonna lie, the majority of these items don't really seem to qualify as heirlooms, but more as items holding significance to the owner - that's not a bad thing, it's just that having an object be special to you does not an heirloom make; your love for someone and assigned importance to a thing that reminds you of that love doesn't transfer to subsequent generations without a specific story, a memory told in words that brings that person to life for those listening.

I kept a list of the pieces that stuck out to me, and all of them had a specific memorable event or series of events attached that made the item glimmer with history and meaning, even to me, a rando on the internet who has no connection to these people whatsoever; the items that had summaries of a person special to the narrator were just items that I'd find in a thrift store.

[Dodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shana Novak's book, The Heirloomist is a collection of poignant stories accompanied by beautiful photographs. A full-page photo accompanies each story with the explanation of the photographed heirloom. Some heirlooms have been submitted by famous people, but most are not famous. I had a few favorites; here are two of them: Tiana Santore tells the story of finding a message on a Magna Doodle toy her father had written to her. Her father was a firefighter who perished when he rushed to the World Trade Center on 9/11. Beth Chappo's single mother was dating a man, and it was getting serious. When her mother brought him to meet her kids, Beth gave him a small notebook of questions to answer. She needed to vet his potential as a step-father. His answers are gold. This book is easy to pick up and put down, and that's how I read it. Digesting a few stories at a time was sweet. @theheirloomist is on Instagram where a few of the stories appear.

[Book Club of One · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entry in the 'something popular from the internet' to book genre, The Heirloomist takes one hundred of the stories that have appeared on their website, alongside a photo of the object. The webpage's goals is for: "Your belongings tell the stories of who you are & where you come from. We know how to make them shine."* And that is the mission of the book too.

As a collection this book appeals through it's well presented photographs, but the stories attached are very much of the Reader's Digest bent. They tend to be short, newspaper like summaries of what the object is and why it was meaningful to the person who chose it. We learn of the lives of loved ones gone to soon, the key formative moments in a relationship or sources of identity for both the individual and a family. There are expected objects like jewelry, uniform pieces, the things of children and some unexpected entries like one person's choice of an ephemeral meal.

A lot of the entries are about celebrities or public figures, successful in some way. By choosing just the object it is an opportunity to be more inclusive, where race and identity is presented through the story told instead of being assumed from portraits. In general I was left wishing the interviews/ written blurbs pushed just a little bit more. Asking questions like why this object? What other object(s) did the subject consider? Or some acknowledgement or discussion of those living in more developed nations acquisitive need to accumulate stuff.

If you're looking for an uplifting coffee table to leaf through occasionally, this is your book. If you'd rather have something that investigates how the items are made and used Bloomsbury's
Object Lessons series offers a lot more exploration and interrogation of how and why we interact and hold on to the things around us.

*"About the Heirloomist." Heirloomist https://www.theheirloomist.com/about Accessed April 24, 2024.

I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

[Michelle Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would make a great coffee table book. Beautifully photographed items and the stories behind them featuring many every day people with a few celebs such as Tory Burch throw in.

I always forget where I discover new titles so I realized when I ran across Libby Delana (This Morning Walk podcast + Ebb & Flow collective) that she was my inspiration and source.

A great conversation starter - what is one item you treasure and why?

[Ann Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this picture book and was often, but not always, brought to tears by the stories behind the pictures. The author contends that our stuff ( not all our stuff) but our special stuff, the stuff that defines us, is worthy of being saved. I read this with an eye as to how I might be able to save fewer things. If I were to capture, as the author/artist did the essence of an object in a thoughtful and artful picture, perhaps the actual object could be “ moved on”?

We can’t keep everything. Knowing and understanding the difference between stuff and heirlooms is a true art.

[Susan Srnovrsnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book with many great stories shared. However, I must admit it took me a long time to get thru, and I read other books in between. I suppose if it had really gripped me from the start, I wouldn't have had to renew it so many times from the library.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. I never thought about it much but I guess I am the Heirloomist for our family. Reading Shana Novak's book was so enjoyable. It explored what I have been feeling for a long time. These pieces have history. These pieces have a story, a story that should be told. I enjoyed the photographs so much and the narrative that goes with each picture is delightful. It breathes life into inanimate objects. Those things that some would say 'why are you holding on to that?' They are the stories of our ancestors and they should be told. We don't necessarily hold on to things because they have monetary value. We hold on to them because they tell a story and have emotional value and sometimes that is so important.
I would like Shana Novak not only for writing and photographing this book but for letting me put a name to how I feel about certain objects. I would also like to thank Chronical Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kalin Granado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sentimental and beautiful but incredibly challenging to read at some points. As a mother to small children, I had a hard time reading about stories where children have passed. With that said, it was still incredible to see how the parents continued on with their childs’ memory through their heirlooms. Though these treasures were often gathered after losing a loved one, the author did a great job of portraying the hope that each of these people continued to have even after the passing of somebody they cherished.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Andi Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was underwhelming: wealthy or famous people’s things. I mean, of course they have stories too, but I was interested in regular folks’ things. It’s easier for rich people to have things, and have a place for those things. I thought this was going to be about those times when just regular folks managed to hang onto, or find after a long while, those items that were rare and so important to them. I want to hear *those* stories…

[Baby Fahx · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really excited for this because my family are huge vintage lovers with many sentimental pieces passed down to me now. A friend gifted this to me at my request and BOY was I disappointed. What a nepotistic load of drivel. The majority of these pieces are modern at best and not vintage which was disappointing personally, but literally every single entry read like a marketing blurb: fake example below.

"When CEO/Grammy winner/Emmy winner/Peabody winner/founder of brand/politician/suckup socialite was a child, they always wanted to be a CEO/Grammy winner/Emmy winner/Peabody winner/founder of brand/politician/suckup socialite and were so inspired that they became that thing! And it's this thing they found in their drawer (from their parent/mentor/co-founder/grandma/themselves who has cancer) they just knew they could use their inherited wealth to be the best. Wow, good for them."

Yes, I'm being facetious but sadly not much. I wish the author had gone to greater lengths to find non celebrity/ 1%-ers to represent because when you have nothing, the things you keep are that much more special. Every entry just plugged themselves. SKIP IT!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Things don't have to be valuable to be valuable to you."

As a nosy person, I love seeing other peoples' stuff, their collectibles and treasures, and hearing the stories behind each object - where it came from, and how it became important. Novak's book was obviously right up my alley. She carefully photographs each treasured item, then lets the owner tell the tale of how it came to mean so much. From one woman's homemade "Cabbage Patch" doll, to an unforgettable dog's beloved tennis balls, to a special gift left behind by a fireman who perished at the World Trade Center, this is a beautifully poignant communal "show and tell" filled with images and stories that will touch your heart.


Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for sharing.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

***½

Some of these essays were very moving, a few even almost made me cry (those involving children mostly). Some of them were of less interest. It did make me question what makes an "heirloom", as many of these objects didn't really fit the definition I have in my head for that word; many were more sentimental objects, although there were certainly some heirlooms as well.

This is one of those books that might work better as a podcast or blog (I believe it started out that way-you can read many stories at theheirloomist.com), instagram feed, or as a book that you put down and come back to. It is a nice photography project and I appreciate that. Some of these people you will know (Tory Burch, Tig Notaro, Bobbi Brown) and some people I googled. I consider myself to be an aspiring minimalist and try not to tie too much emotion to physical objects, however we all have sentimental items that we hold on to. It is interesting to see what others shared here. Some of these things are beautiful, others more random.

{library, hardcover}

[Kayla(herbookishheart) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heirloomist

4⭐️

𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨: This was actually a pretty fun read full of interesting and even tear-jerking stories about specific items that are heirlooms to families. It’s definitely not about luxurious jewels! From clothes to tiny knickknacks, I enjoyed reading about why these items were so special to these families. The collection of items is vast and varied and I loved the many photos which were colorful and beautiful. Personally I always thought an heirloom was something like diamond jewelry but now I know it’s more about the history of the item and it being irreplaceable.
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚: collections and lots of unique history, vintage items, inspirational stories and books with a ton of pictures!

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 @chroniclebooks 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

[Kristin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything. Absolutely everything.

Tales of mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, spouses, lovers, lifelong friends.

Ten years ago, I was wandering around Zagreb, Croatia and happened upon The Museum of Broken Relationships. It was the initial blaring of The Smiths on vinyl that lured me in, but it was the story of a single tangible item that connected the irrevocably separated couples that completely captivated me.

Sometimes, it's a simple tactile item that connect our dots, which we ultimately save and will cherish our entire lives.

This book celebrates these ordinary items and gives them an extraordinary existence.

[Courtney R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shana Novak's "The Heirloomist" offers a captivating visual journey that reveals the extraordinary stories behind cherished objects. Through stunning photography, Novak beautifully captures the essence of each heirloom, transforming them into timeless artifacts that tell tales of love, history, and sentiment. This unique and heartwarming collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of objects to carry the weight of personal narratives, making "The Heirloomist" a delightful celebration of the stories woven into the fabric of our lives.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Heirloomist" by photographer Shana Novak is a warm celebration of cherished keepsakes and the narratives they encapsulate. From old apartment keys to worn running shoes, each object becomes a unique work of art in Novak's hands. The curated collection of 100 objects, ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary, shares the remarkable stories of everyday people and cultural figures alike. Regardless of size or cost, these meaningful items hold powerful messages that contribute to the rich tapestry of our lives. Novak's visually captivating journey beautifully captures the essence of each heirloom, turning them into timeless artifacts that narrate tales of love, history, and sentiment. This delightful and sentimental collection in "The Heirloomist" serves as a testament to the enduring power of objects in weaving the stories of our lives. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this enriching experience.

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0/5.0⭐

If you enjoyed Brandon Stanton's "Humans of New York" or "Last Suppers: Famous Final Meals from Death Row," you'll find "The Heirloomist" to be a familiar and captivating read.

"The Heirloomist" celebrates the cherished items we hold dear, exploring what makes them special and the memories they evoke, beautifully captured by photographer Shana Novak. While many entries are celebrity or sports-related, which may appeal to some readers, it lacks some potential diversity. Nevertheless, it remains a wonderful addition to any coffee table.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Andrea Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heirloomist

4 Stars

This was a beautiful book about the things we choose to keep, the memories they hold, and the impact they have on our lives.

I'm a visual person, so I found the photography stunning and very engaging. I found some areas of this book more challenging to read. As a mother, I had the hardest time reading about stories about children who have passed. For similar reasons, I'm not a pediatric nurse. Overall, I found this book very interesting. It's a pretty good book.


Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I'm currently in the process of winnowing the sentimental clutter I've accumulated over my life, I'm especially interested in determining what is most important that I'd like to pass on. This collection features 100 beautifully photographed objects and their stories that people (some well-known, most not) have determined to be of lasting value: ticket stubs, old notes, a piece of jewelry or clothing, teacups, furniture, books, etc. It's impossible to go through this and not be inspired to think about what your own choices would be. I'm working on it. Actual rating: 4.5

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Such a unique idea on such simple, everyday items. I'm the keeper of my family history, and it always bothers me when I see normal items and wonder..."what is the story?" The author must have thought the same because here are my thoughts in book form. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice coffee table-esque book.

The book has high-quality pictures of various heirlooms and objects from people along with a story about the item or the person it came from and why it's an heirloom. There's lots of different things that people talk about and share why it brings meaning to them. The book feels a bit repetitive after a while, but there are lots of peoples stories to read through.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shana Novak has collected 100 different stories about people's meaningful objects, photographed them, and laid them out in this lovely book. Some of the people are famous, but most are not.
The stories vary, but after a while, they start to get a bit repetitive (that's why 3 stars instead of 4).

It did make me consider what object I would choose to tell a profound story from my life. I'm still not sure :) I like history and family stories, so I have a number of objects I could choose.

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotionally moving beautiful intimate look at individuals treasured items.Each item is shown with an essay to explain the reason for the memories it holds.I loved reading this book had tears in my eyes at times and reading other essays a smile on my face.A true treasure trove a wonderful read.Thanks #edelweiss for my advance copy.