Hey {NAME},
Welcome to this month's book club with a theme: France. I love everything French (except their lack of A/C. It's so hot in the summer! Why are they so against A/C!). I don't think there is a year I don't visit the country or a month where I don't at least buy a new book on the place. I can never get enough stories about France so this month is all about my favorite books on the subject! Some old, some new, some borrowed, some blue. Enjoy!
Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris
by Sarah Turnbull
I like all books about people who fall in love with Paris, so when this came up on Amazon as a suggested read, I immediately bought it and wasnât disappointed. Sarah Turnbullâs visit to the City of Light was supposed to last a week, but she ends up staying permanently with the guy she had traveled to Paris to visit (Paris has that effect on people). This book follows Turnbullâs life in the city as she navigates the highs and lows of trying to fit into a foreign culture while slowly falling more and more in love with it. It's a fish-out-of-water tale and clichéd at many times, but it offers lessons on embracing life in a foreign culture that will never really accept you as one of its own. Funny and witty, I found it to be a fun pager turner. Itâs light read so it wonât take long to finish. I highly recommend it!
Encore Provence: New Adventures in the South of France
by Peter Mayle
In his follow-up to A Year in Provence, Mayle talks about how life has changed in the nine years since he wrote his original masterpiece. This book is a series of essays and comments on the changes in the region, the popularity of his book, and a "how to guide" to visiting the area. Just as beautifully written as his first book, I loved how he not only goes into detail on life in the region but also how he gives practical tips on visiting markets, what to buy, where to eat, and even trashes a food writer for calling poor reporting. This is a definite must read (after your read his first book!).
Paris Was Ours
by Penelope Rowlands
This book showcases the work of 32 writers from around the world who moved to Paris. They share personal stories of how they learned to cook, study, and integrate into Parisian life. This book dives into the good, the bad, and the ugly but shows just how much of a lasting effect Paris can have on people, even decades after they move away. If you are as obsessed with Paris as I am, you'll love the book. This book gives you an amazing perspective on the city - because you get to see the city through the eyes' of so many people!
A Year in Provence
by Peter Mayle
A classic book, this book follows the authorâs year living in Provence and realizing his dream of owning a small farmhouse with his wife. It chronicles the struggles and joys of adapting to a new culture. From getting used to the French method of contraction (some work here, some work months from now) to discovering tiny restaurants and befriending colorful locals, this book reminded me of my own trials and tribulations of adapting to life in Thailand when I lived there. Wonderfully and wistfully written, I can understand why it continues to be such a classic after nearly two decades being written. If you only read one book from this list, make it this one!
A Year in the Merde
by Stephen Clarke
This book is based on Clarke's experience living in Paris. It's technically a work of fiction but it pulls heavily from his life. Set in 2003, it follows the fictional Brit Paul as he relocates to Paris following a job opportunity. The book follows his "year" in Paris as he seeks to navigate a new culture, integrate himself into French society, deal with bureaucracy, a shifty boss, a love, and the cultural differences between the two cultures in the run-up to the Iraq war. It's really, really good. I couldn't put this book down. There are some poignant insights and observations into French society too. Overall, this is an incredibly well-written, funny, make you smile book that you definitely should get!
That's it for this month! If you have any suggestions, let me know. I'm always looking for new books!
Until next month, happy reading!
Best,
Nomadic Matt
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