Last minute Christmas gift ideas: 6 beautiful books to save the day

In life as under the tree, the size of the package does not matter. It depends on how we use it and how much pleasure it gives us. But when we run out of ideas, we quickly run to the first bookstore we find and randomly pick up one of the best-selling novels of the moment. However, the 2023 Goncourt Prize Watch over her by Baptiste Andrea or the bestseller Next time you bite the dust by Panayotis Pascot turn out to be not only a little depressing, but above all they scream a lack of inspiration resulting in a gift severely lacking in personalization. This is why turning to a good book can be a good idea. Not only because it changes the novels, but also because it puts more of them under the tree, as well as being easier to choose at a glance in a panic, and less discouraging to start even for those who are spoiled if only for the beautiful Images. The test with 6 large format and well illustrated books for 6 different profiles.

For cooking enthusiasts

If you’re more of a foodie, content creator Superlumos’ My Receuil de sweets cookbook might make your mouth water. In addition to 70 deliciously comforting sweet recipes, this trained journalist also provides numerous tips for learning to savor the present moment, resolve your emotions or even tame loneliness. How sweet for the soul and stomach.

For (adult) children.

Some children’s books are so well illustrated, with such touching stories, that it would almost be a shame to reserve them for children. That’s it Are you hungry?, written by Grace Ly and illustrated by Mélody Ung. It is the story of little Anne-Yi who spends the day at her grandmother’s house and there she receives a present for her sixth birthday. About her She understands that her grandmother always asks her if she is hungry for her, as if it were her way of taking care of her and telling her so ” I love “. A touching (and tasty) story about love languages ​​and cultural differences.

For history buffs

As we begin to know the life of Napoleon or Louis XIV by heart, knowing the history of marginalized communities allows us to reread history differently. Precisely, whether you are a queer person or not, the struggles for the rights of LGBTQI+ people tell a lot about our societies, as told with great pedagogy in the comic Queer Resistances, a history of LGBTQI+ cultures written by Antoine Idier and illustrated by Pochep. Since the end of the 19th century^And century to today, we learn of the repression, deportation, decriminalization of homosexuality and what is assimilated to it in France.

For music fans

Great music journalist, Naomi Clément has spoken to many artists and professionals in the sector. She brings together several of them in this work which provides a sort of overview of the environment, its opportunities but also its challenges, including sexism and racism. Stories include Sophie Bramly, a photographer who documented the emergence of rap in France; Nicole Schluss, director and founder of Derrière Les Planches, an artist house supporting creation; Leïla Sy, director who has worked with numerous rappers; Juliette Fievet, journalist and presenter who seeks to build bridges in the industry; Pauline Duarte, director of the Epic Records label who wants to think of new models; or Narjes Bahhar, editorial director of French rap at Deezer. But obviously the rappers also tell their glories and their difficulties: Lala & ce, Vicky R and Davinhor.

For fashion enthusiasts

Whether you are a fashion enthusiast or not, the work of the great Dutch dressmaker Iris van Herpen cannot leave you indifferent, as it appeals to everyone’s sensibilities. It is also the title of the fascinating retrospective dedicated to him by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. And it is also worth taking a look at the exhibition catalogue, since in addition to the sublime images and explanatory texts, Tilda Swinton writes the preface. The class.

For beauty enthusiasts

When we know nothing about it, we immediately fail to take beauty seriously. However he is eminently political. And drag queens know it well. As well as drag kings, drag queers and other club kids. And if this seems incomprehensible to you, perhaps you would be better off diving into the book Drag, a queer art that shakes the world, by Apolline Bazin. The journalist deciphers the history of drag, its aesthetic, cultural and political dimensions, and also profiles several artists along the way. To better understand all the struggles hidden behind so much glitter.

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