Book Recs From Friends #3: Sara Garcia

A kindred book-loving photographer

Jan 26, 2025

This is Book Recs from Friends. A series where some of my favorite book-loving people on Substack share book recommendations. Because books are always better with friends...

I launched Book Recs with Friends last year and am happy to bring them back to life this year! We're kicking off the new year with recommendations from

Sara Garcia

, a Denver-based photographer specializing in family and editorial work. I stumbled on Sara's lovely Substack, Butterfly Notes, last year and immediately felt like I found a kindred book-loving photographer spirit.

Her work is beautiful, joyful, nature-inspired, connective, and always leaves me reinvigorated to pick up my camera. She has fantastic taste, and her monthly posts are always a delight when they land in my inbox. She shares a mix of recommendations that feel fresh and eclectic. Her book reflections below reflect that eclectic mix I associate her with! So, without further ado, I'll hand it over to Sara…

Book Recs from Friends: Sara Garcia

Written by

Sara Garcia

I remember a young version of myself (8-year-old Sara) reading Roald Dahl’s book, Matilda, and feeling like every time I sat down to read I could escape real life and dive into Matilda’s hilarious world. It was a transformative experience that sparked my lifelong love of books. As a child, I was captivated by the story of a young girl who finds solace, adventure, and empowerment through reading. Matilda was a character I deeply related to, and I believe that’s the true magic of reading—discovering pieces of yourself in a character, whether real or fictional. Here’s a reading list of my recent favorite books, in no particular order:

“We are the circle of good that surrounds her.” ― Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

The most recent book I read (my first read of 2025) was Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See. This historical novel is inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China. Some of the most brilliantly written novels I have read have been historical fiction, and this ranks top three for me. Lisa See’s storytelling is beautiful, and she has an incredible talent to connect you to her strong female characters who have complex relationships amongst themselves and the society around them.

“You don't owe anyone your whole story.” ― Listen for the Lie

A thriller is always a favorite for me and Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera did not disappoint. The narrator is an accused murderer of her best friend…and the twist here is that she can’t even remember if she murdered her or not! It’s not often humor in a thriller works. But for me, Tintera’s use of sarcasm and honesty in the narrator’s voice was both refreshing and entertaining.

“In our mediocracy and distraction, we forget that we are privileged to live in a wondrous universe.” ― Flamingo Estate

I just purchased this gorgeous book, Flamingo Estate: The Guide to Becoming Alive by Richard Christiansen. It is a coffee table book in description, but truly so much more than that. Filled with gorgeous photography and stories with notable people from food, activism, wellness, and the arts, including:

Jane Fonda
Martha Stewart
John Legend
Jane Goodall
Alice Waters
Terry Tempest Williams

"Being kind is so much more effective than being nasty.” ― Be Ready When the Luck Happens

I have been a long-time reader of Ina Garten's cookbooks, and I have dog-eared too many of her recipes to count. Ina's memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens is equal parts surprising and inspiring, documenting her childhood and her fascinating path to who she is today. She is, and always has been, a force to be reckoned with in the most gentle and graceful way possible.

“All those moments throughout the days, weeks, months that don't get marked on calendars with hand-drawn stars or little stickers. Those are the moments that make a life. Not grand gestures, but mundane details that, over time, accumulate until you have a home, instead of a house. The things that matter. The things I can't stop longing for.” ― Funny Story

Last year I read Funny Story by Emily Henry (my first Emily Henry book!) and became an instant fan of her writing. While I don’t usually gravitate towards contemporary romance novels, I flew through this heartwarming story in two days. This is the kind of book I need to read when life gets hard and messy - and I need an escape from it all. If you’ve never read one of Henry’s books, just go for it today. The story felt like a warm hug.

Thanks, Sara! I love these recommendations. You can view Sara's portfolio of work on her website, connect with her on Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to her Substack!