I LOVE FRANCE!

And maybe you do too!
If you have recently read a good book in connection with France,
or watched a movie, read an article on France, etc,
please mention it in the comment section
and add a link to your blog post if you have one.
I will regularly post a recap of all the links mentioned.
If it’s a book review, why not enter it in the 2015 French Bingo?

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That’s Paris

In full compliance with FTC Guidelines,
I received this ebook for free
in exchange
for a fair and honest review.
I was in no way compensated
for this post as a reviewer,
and the thoughts are my own.

That’s Paris: Anthology of Life, Love and Sarcasm in Paris

Publisher: Velvet Morning Press
Pub. Date: 2/2/2015
ASIN: B00S684MJS

Pages: 218
Genre: fiction / nonfiction /
/short stories / literary fiction / humor
Source: Received
from the publisher

Goodreads

Buy the book

This book counts for the following Reading Challenges:

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS BOOK

Paris has this mysterious attraction for foreigners. But they may sometimes see only a very partial Paris, the touristy Paris, which is really only a small fraction of the whole thing. The anthology That’s Paris tries to paint a picture of the “real” Paris.

I enjoyed the literary mix of these 28 short pieces, written by 23 contributors: you have nonfiction, memoirs, lists, and fiction, from humor to mystery, to literary fiction. I inevitably found some pieces too clichés (no, 4 hour meals is not a daily thing in France, not even every week-end, at least it has never been such a common practice among my relatives and friends. And I have been to shops in the US with no-purchase line special exits).

But the combination does paint a varied image of Paris, with settings in different neighborhoods (Ile Saint Louis, Pont des Arts, Sacré Coeur, Montmartre, Belleville, the 5th, Père Lachaise Cemetery). You read also about the expat experience, and about the French word ethic, food, cafés, subway, taxis, driving license ordeals, Christmas shop windows, etc, and whimsy details like the old man walking his bunny.

I especially enjoyed Didier Quémener‘s story set on Ile Saint Louis (Half Fast Midnight) and A Scoop of Henry by Cheryl McAlister: a woman spreading the ashes of her beloved husband throughout Paris.

As a bonus, 4 pieces are offered both in English and in French.
And at the end of the collection, you can find a short bio on each contributor. You can also read about them and connect with them here.

VERDICT: Fun anthology on Paris, combining serious, whimsy, and funny stories on the multiple facets of Paris. Great for all lovers of France

WHAT IS IT ABOUT

If you’ve ever traveled to Paris, lived in the City of Light or dreamed of setting foot on its cobblestoned streets, you’ll enjoy escaping into this collection of short stories about France’s famed capital.

From culinary treats (and catastrophes) to swoon-worthy romantic encounters (and heartbreaking mishaps), this anthology takes you on a journey through one of the most famous cities in the world.
View this cosmopolitan metropolis through the chic eyes of Parisians, francophiles and travelers who fell in love with the city and haven’t quite gotten around to leaving yet… That’s Paris: a glimpse into living, loving and surviving in the City of Light.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

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HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK YET?
ANY GOOD ANTHOLOGY YOU READ RECENTLY?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A COMMENT PLEASE

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19 thoughts on “Book review: That’s Paris – I love France #131”

Thanks for reviewing the book! It contains a lot of different perspectives, and so it’s great to get the different perspectives of our readers too!

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WordsAndPeace on February 2, 2015 at 9:56 am said:

yes I think there’s something for everyone

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Thanks so much for reviewing the anthology! Glad you enjoyed the French texts too. We figured that our French or bilingual readers would be happy to have them!

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WordsAndPeace on February 2, 2015 at 9:56 am said:

yes that was a nice bonus

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Pingback: 2015 – Books on France challenge – My list | Words And Peace

Pingback: 2015 Ebook Reading Challenge | Words And Peace

Pingback: 2015 Nonfiction Reading Challenge | Words And Peace

Oh this sounds interesting. I love that it’s so many different perspectives. It will me a nice little well rounded peak into Paris. At least until I get there for a visit!

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WordsAndPeace on February 3, 2015 at 9:38 am said:

yes, a good book to wait for the next chance to go 😉

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A Fifty-Year Silence: Love, War, and a Ruined House in France by Miranda Richardson. This is a true story about the author’s grandparents during WWII in a small village in France. It also includes descriptions of what the house looked like now and how she tried to make it livable again. A very interesting book.

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WordsAndPeace on February 3, 2015 at 9:34 am said:

yes, I know about this book, sounds really good, I even contacted the author

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Thanks Emma for the review! Cela fait plaisir de voir que “Minuit et demi” a su retenir une attention particulière…

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WordsAndPeace on February 3, 2015 at 9:19 am said:

j’ai un oeil pour la qualité ;-). Et si vous avez des choses que je pourrais lire et présenter ici sur mon blog, ça m’intéresse! Pas de problème pour moi en format digital (kindle ou epub), mais NB j’habite aux US (ce qui ne me permet pas d’acheter des livres digitaux publiés en France, hélas)

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- Didier on February 5, 2015 at 2:27 am said:
  
  Merci ! Certainement plus d’écriture pour ma part dans les semaines, mois qui viennent… Le temps d’organiser tout cela ! On se tient au courant !
  
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  - WordsAndPeace on February 5, 2015 at 8:52 am said:
    
    Absolument svp
    
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