City of Lights / City of Dreams – Book Wish List
The City of Light and the City of Dreams. Both magical, both beautiful, both on every traveler’s to-do list. These 2 cities are both so full of culture and history, but also so different from one another. Three recent book releases showcase one, or both, of these cities in creative and entertaining ways. So of course, they’re now on my book wish list!
Here are 3 travel-inspired books that I’m currently fawning over. These books aren’t guides to these cities or tips for travelers, but more of a study of culture and trends. Not only are they all entertaining and inspiring, but they are beautifully designed (graphic design nerd in me talking). These may not be travel “guides” per say, but they are rooted in a love of travel. Any travel enthusiast should add them to their book wish list. Trust me, you will droooooooool over them. I am personally hoping to get all three for Christmas (really hoping Santa comes in clutch here).
1. Paris vs New York: A Tally of Two Cities
This book is perfect for anyone who’s been to these 2 cities, or dreams of it. Graphic Designer Vahram Muratyan created this book named after his website, and beautiful compares 2 of the most popular cities in the world. His illustrations are minimalist and colorful. How great are these? This book is a graphic depiction of these two world capitals, and a great addition to any traveler’s coffee table! Here are some pictures of some of my favorite spreads!
All photos property of Vahram Muratuyan.
2. Humans of New York
I follow this dude (photographer Brandon Stanton) on Facebook and Instagram. He goes around New York City and gathers portraits and interviews from people on the streets. This is a best-selling book based off of the photoblog of the same name. Recently, he’s traveled all over the world (Mexico City, Iran, Jerusalem, Ukraine, Vietnam, India, and South Sudan, just to name a few) but this book focuses just on New York City subjects. Not only are his pictures awesome, but the stories are incredible. This book really captures New York City’s diverse residents. Following along with Humans of New York really made me realize that ordinary people that you pass in the street, or anywhere, can have these amazing, tragic, or insane stories.
All photos property of Brandon Stanton.
3. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits
Four French women poke fun at their own culture and the Parisienne stereotypes. You know this is going to be funny. Now, I haven’t actually read this book, but I’ve heard great things. It includes beauty and lifestyle tips, recipes, fashion do’s and dont’s, all while being sassy and very tongue-and-cheek (in true Parisienne fashion, I guess).
Photos property of intothegloss.com and campariandsofa.com.
All three books are available on Amazon.
