What books might make truly welcome Christmas gifts? Something beautiful, perhaps? Or heartwarming? A book in a lovely edition that can be reread? Something that will cheer and encourage in these dark times?
Here is a very tiny and entirely personal selection, from Paris.
Angels of Paris : An Architectural Tour Through the History of Paris by Rosemary Flannery
Rosemary worked like one possessed to create this lovely and original little book filled with photos and interesting commentary about the stone angels tucked away all over Paris. I've been meaning to interview her ever since Angels came out but either I've been busy or she's been in NY on a book tour, talking with her characteristic passion and intelligence about her massive treasure hunt. If you know someone who loves Paris or architecture or angels, this gift cannot go wrong. Plus, i t's very small and easy to send.
Earth from Above by Yann Arthus Bertrand
This incredible collection of photos taken from high up came out ten years ago. I bought myself the French version and offered the English version to friends and family. There is now a ten year anniversary edition. It's huge and heavy and rather expensive but the photos of our planet seen from above are unequalled: beautiful, moving, surprising, enlightning. It is a very, very beautiful book.
The Autobiography of Alice B Toklas by Gertrude Stein
Ms Stein, though more than six decades dead, has been in the news a lot lately. There was the terrific show of the Stein family's art collection which brought Picasso's famous portrait of her back to Paris for a few happy months as well as Woody Allen's delightful Midnight in Paris in which her massive solidity is camped by Kathy Bates. Books about her exhuberant and complicated life - including her dubious relation to Vichy - abound, but what remains is this: her witty and delightful portrait of life in Paris at the time of Picasso and Hemingway and so many other great expat artists and writers. The whole book is a lie, of course, it's not Alice B Toklas' autobiography at all! But the anecdotes are true. This is both a historical source and a first rate, joyous read. For lovers of Paris, art, and/or fine amusing writing.
Paris, Paris: Journey into the City of Light by David Downie
I've never met David but I have been wanting to interview him ever since I heard such good things about his book which is both admirably written and highly original. There is much fine writing about living in France (I think of Thirza Vallois in guides, David Lebovitz in food, and Kristin Espinasse in French living) so one can hardly go wrong, especially if the recipient is thinking or dreaming of a trip to France.
Best Paris Stories: an anthology of the winning stories from the Paris Short Story Contest
Many up and coming literary talents were involved in the creation of this collection of stories about life in Paris. Some of the stories are funny, others deeply touching, quirky or even sad, but all are about Paris. Thus I would be remiss if I did not mention this anthology among the possible Christmas gifts for Paris lovers. It is a lovely collection to dip into while on the metro or waiting for a doctor's appointment or at night, in bed, just before going to sleep to dream about Paris.
Christmas on the Move Out West by Matthew Gonder
Matthew Gonder is an American expat writer who lived in Portland, Oregan as a child. Christmas on the Move Out West is his memoir about one particular Christmas in his family. It is, I admit, not a book I would normally have picked up and read. But Matthew is also a first time author with a gift for persuasion who successfully badgered me into reading his novella. I do not regret it. Christmas is an amusing and very personal tale that succeeds in being both heartwarming and generous -just what the doctor ordered for this otherwise dark holiday season. I think I will send a copy to my brother in Seattle.
The poetry of Robert Frost, in hardback, on gorgeous thick paper, with a ribbon page marker
What can I say? I know it's not cool. (I've never been cool). But a couple years ago I bought myself a little volume in hardback on nice paper of selected poems from Robert Frost and I find myself returning to it again and again, especially if I am a little down and desirous of reading (hearing) something thoughtful, deep and lovely. He didn't just write that two paths poem, you know! He wrote short stories in poem form, hard-hitting, aching word poems to desperate people before impossible choices. I know nothing about the man but his writing is immensely humane. And heartfelt. But if Frost doesn't float your boat, pick another poet you love. And offer a beautifully bound book of his best work to a loved one this Christmas.
(Why not Apollinaire for sophisticated French readers? The Paris expat poet Heather Hartley once did a terrific live performance of Apollinaire accompanied by a cello or double base - if I had a DVD of it I'd offer that!)
