Antonia's Gift guide for 2023

A book is a wonderful gift to give during the festive season for many reasons. Firstly, it gives the recipient something to do on Christmas day (very helpful if dinner is taking longer than expected). Secondly, if they enjoy it you can normally read it after them so a gift for yourself as well. Thirdly, a book can be read multiple times so this gift really does keep on giving.

So if you are looking for some inspiration with your gift giving this festive season please see below my gift ideas for 2023.

Christmas enthusiast~

The Christmas Book by Phaidon is an incredible visual celebration of Christmas through the ages. The photography is incredible, showcasing a variety of global traditions, and the essays written on the history throughout make this book the perfect gift for any Christmas enthusiast. Also, as a clothbound book, it is the perfect coffee table book to have out on display this festive season.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a firm favourite and this year Aimee has pulled together our bookseller thoughts for our YA Book Club choice which you can read here. As a short read, this book is perfect to read solo or as a family.

History~

My love for the past always inspires me back to the Roman world (my dog is called Remus after all… plan was to get a Romulus too but alas Remus is enough for now!) and who better to tell you more than Professor Mary Beard. Beard’s new novel Emperor of Rome is a fascinating read shining the spotlight on the emperors who governed the Roman Empire. Not following traditional layouts Beard doesn’t go chronologically, she explores the wider aspects at the heart of the Roman world such as what powers the emperors have. This book is the perfect gift for under the tree for any ancient history fans.  

Politics~

Politics On The Edge by Rory Stewart is an incredibly accessible read for anyone interested in politics. After listening to his podcast ‘The Rest Is Politics’ I was intrigued to read this book as it is highly relevant and up to date- I was fascinated at Stewart’s exploration of the decisions that paved the way for the aspects of life- such as the current economic chaos we are currently facing. This is the perfect book to get lost in for any politically-minded individual this festive season.

Nature~

In need of a book that not only inspires you to turn to nature but one that will also encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to growing your own? Then look no further than Alice Vincent’s Why Women Grow. In this collection Vincent interviews a variety of women- some live in flats, others in prison, others in the countryside- with the main question in mind… why do they grow? I found it fascinating to see why and how women had turned their spaces to grow, whether it be child loss, a sense of community, or simple pleasure this beautiful novel explores how women keep in touch with the natural world.

Fiction~

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is my book of the year for fiction because it is both beautifully written and all-consuming. As a premise this book is rather strange… a woman befriending an Octopus and discovering what happened to her child who was presumed dead many years previous. But as you begin to read there is a depth to Marcellus (The Octopus). His humour and charisma make you giggle as he explores the aquarium. The overall message of friendship and being grateful for what you have in life (no matter what you endure) is something I really found incredible. This underlying theme of hope and kindness made this book a joy to read to the very last page.

Poetry~

Allie Esiri has done it again with an incredible collection of uplifting poems in her new 365 Uplifting Collection. Perfect for anyone who has had a tough year and is looking to the New Year with hope. Whether you start your day with a poem or end it this collection will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face.

Food & Drink~

I was drawn in by the cover for Farm Table by Julius Roberts. The bright yellow with a smiling face made me want to delve further and I am so glad I did. The passion this book has for seasonal recipes is incredible for any home grower or sustainably-minded individual. The roasted pumpkin recipe I used for the pumpkins I grew in my garden this year, and I was unsure what to make- delicious, easy to follow, and pure joy to cook from this is a beautiful gift to give.