6+ Favorite Books on Housing and Home (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on housing and home (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton
$11.95

In The Architecture of Happiness, Alain de Botton explores how architecture influences our emotions and shapes our identities. He argues that beautiful buildings reflect our aspirations and can actually enhance our happiness. While I found some insights helpful, like the idea that our environment affects our mood, I felt the book didn't quite hit the mark compared to de Botton's other works. There are sections that could use a bit of editing, and overall, it feels like a stretch for him. Still, it’s a solid read if you want to understand architecture's impact on our lives.
Pros:
The book helps readers understand architecture better.
De Botton presents a unique perspective on beauty and happiness in architecture.
It explores the connection between our environment and personal development.
Cons:
This book is a stretch compared to De Botton's other works.
Some portions in the middle need editing or a glossary.
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02/06/2026 09:01 pm GMT
Cabin Porn by Beaver Brook
$17.65

Cabin Porn by Zach Klein is all about the dream of escaping to a simpler life in nature. The book mixes captivating stories and stunning images that celebrate our fascination with tiny cabins in the woods. I appreciated how it highlights Klein's own cabin project, showcasing the cozy, functional designs that reflect a back-to-nature movement. The themes of friendship, humility, and nature's clarity really resonate. While I found the photography impressive, I couldn't help but wonder why so many images felt so dark. Overall, it's a lovely book for anyone dreaming of a cabin getaway.
Pros:
The book inspires readers to connect with nature.
It captures a variety of cabin styles and contexts.
The photography is amazing and visually appealing.
Cons:
The photography is too dark.
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02/06/2026 11:05 pm GMT
This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick
$10.52

In This Is Where You Belong, Melody Warnick tackles what makes us love the places we call home and why that connection matters. Drawing from her own experiences of moving multiple times, she shares practical tips on how to foster a sense of belonging in our communities. I really appreciated her take on the importance of staying rooted and engaging with local life to boost happiness. The book offers valuable insights, like acting as if you love your town to actually start feeling that way. Honestly, I found it inspiring—there’s not much I didn’t like about it!
Pros:
Explores the importance of community and belonging.
Offers practical suggestions for increasing place attachment.
Emphasizes the joy of committing to a place and engaging with it.
Cons:
Not a whole lot - excellent book.
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02/06/2026 10:02 pm GMT
Home by Bill Bryson
$10.48

In At Home, Bill Bryson takes us on a fascinating journey through the modern home, exploring the history behind each room and the everyday comforts we often overlook. I really enjoyed how Bryson connects the dots between our current lives and the not-so-distant past. He highlights the evolution of things like indoor plumbing and central heating, reminding us how lucky we are today. While I found the overall concept engaging, I thought some sections, particularly on architecture, dragged a bit and could have used more visuals. Still, it’s a captivating read that makes you appreciate the little things in life.
Pros:
The concept and format of the book are excellent.
The content is fascinating and relatable to everyday life.
Bryson encourages appreciation for modern comforts and the history behind them.
Cons:
The section on architecture is tedious and could be improved.
More illustrations and maps would enhance the reading experience.
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02/06/2026 05:04 pm GMT
The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne
$12.52

In The Urban Homestead, Kelly Coyne offers a practical guide for anyone wanting to live more self-sufficiently in the city. The book covers everything from growing food on small patios to raising chickens and cleaning without harsh chemicals. I loved how it’s packed with easy-to-follow projects and tips, making it super accessible for beginners. While some of the info is a bit dated since it was published in 2006, the core ideas are still solid. Overall, it’s a fantastic resource that inspires a more sustainable urban lifestyle, and I found it genuinely useful!
Pros:
The book is practical and useful for self-sufficiency.
It provides interesting and vetted ideas for city dwellers.
The authors promote sustainable living without resource depletion.
Cons:
The book is somewhat outdated as it was written in 2006.
Some techniques have evolved since its publication.
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02/07/2026 04:02 pm GMT
House Lust by Daniel McGinn
$18.16

In House Lust, Daniel McGinn takes a close look at America's intense fascination with homes, examining how our houses have morphed into both living spaces and investment opportunities. He shares insights from interviews and research, highlighting quirky trends like shirtless carpenters and the matchmaking role of real estate agents. I found McGinn's exploration of the emotional and financial stakes tied to homeownership really eye-opening. However, I wish more people would read this book; it could really shift perspectives on housing. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that might even save you some cash down the line.
Pros:
Insightful exploration of American obsession with real estate
Interesting perspective on motivations behind housing decisions
Potential to save readers money and improve financial future
Cons:
Not enough people read it
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02/07/2026 04:00 am GMT
Blighted by Margaret Stagmeier
$13.68

In Blighted, Margaret Stagmeier tackles the pressing issue of the housing crisis in America, focusing on blighted properties through her experience with a distressed Atlanta site. The book thoughtfully explores the complex factors behind urban decay and offers hopeful solutions, emphasizing real-life examples that highlight the human impact of blight. I appreciated Stagmeier's pragmatic approach and the importance she places on collaboration between public and private sectors. While she presents a successful model, I found myself skeptical about its scalability across the U.S. Overall, I enjoyed the insights but felt it leaned too heavily on one success story.
Pros:
The book provides nuanced insights into the housing crisis and blighted properties.
Stagmeier uses real-life examples and personal experiences to illustrate her points.
The book emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors for community revitalization.
It offers a holistic approach to addressing both physical decay and social revitalization.
The author effectively presents real numbers to discuss costs and fairness in real estate.
The focus on a specific property provides a pragmatic view of affordable housing issues.
Cons:
A few chapters could use editing.
The author leans heavily into the success of her model, which may not be universally applicable.
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02/07/2026 12:04 pm GMT