America is my country
and
Paris is my hometown.
Gertrude Stein
“I don’t like reading!” must be the only chorus my two younger teens agree on. They usually bicker like cat and dog yet form a united front on the topic of books, stubbornly glueing their noses to the computer. If it’s any consolation for a mother, at least, their older brother in college actually values the occasional recommendation, discussing his insights and revelations when we talk on the phone. He says this may simply be a function of age and how the book resonates with his current life journey. I say one out of three kids is not a bad average, yes?
In honor of this blog’s favorite French fan’s birthday, here are stories set in Paris you’ll want to chill with on or off the beach this summer:
The Flaneur by Edmund White. Because meandering strolls with no particular destination is so very Parisian, observing the everyday theater on the city streets.
Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik (2001): What would it be like to raise children in Paris? An American writer shares his adventures starting a new career and family abroad.
Almost French by Sarah Turnbull. An Australian’s memoir of her giant leap, moving to Paris and marrying into a different culture.
The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain. Would you marry a struggling writer much younger than you? Could you be friendly with your husband’s mistress? A story told from the point of view of Hemingway’s first wife.
My Life in France by Julia Child. How did the student become the master? Julia tells of her move to Paris with her husband before she figured out what she wanted to do when she grows up.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. A bookseller helps heal wounded hearts by prescribing the perfect story for them to read, eventually mending his own.
Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott. shares her 20 style secrets learned while living in Paris.
Click on “Leave a Comment” (top left) to share what’s on your summer reading list. Stay cool and tres chic!
xoxox
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