My first day of kindergarten was a big surprise and a major disappointment for me. I remember it so clearly because it made such an impact on my psyche. As a wee one, I had a keen interest in learning to read. Now I am dating myself, but the children’s television program, Sesame Street hadn’t been on the air for very long. It launched not long before I was ready to begin school and it really piqued my interest in reading.
My four-year-old self couldn’t wait to start school because it would finally give me the key to unlocking the mysteries of the printed word. Much to my chagrin, during that first morning of kindergarten, I and the other kids were indoctrinated with a project of sticking dried pasta on empty tin cans to make pencil holders. Not only that, but I also found out I would have to wait for a year until they would start teaching us to read. So I had to be content with my aesthetically offensive tin can covered in macaroni that the teacher finished for us by spray painting it with a horrible coat of sea foam green. Oh, the devastation!
I made it through kindergarten, and in grade one, they did start teaching us reading as they had promised. That was when I started tearing through books, and ever since then, my voracious appetite for devouring the written word has not ceased.
Today, as we hunker down here in Paris, and in many parts of the world due to pandemic, I am fortunate that I can find solace in the pages of my stacks of books. The thing about books is that it can take you on incredible journeys backward and forward in time and to other locations either earthly ones or to other worlds, fantastical or otherwise. Since we can’t really do any traveling at the moment, and we are pretty much stuck at home, I have put together a list of five of my favourite books about Paris and French cuisine as I imagine you all have some time to kill at home as well.
So here are some books I recommend, in no particular order, that will help you pass the time, and take you on a journey to Paris, even if you can’t be here in person. However, even when we aren’t confined indoors, I like to say, “books about Paris are always a good idea”. Hmm, have I hear something similar to that before?
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
I love this guy's humor. The book is a collection of essays in two parts with stories about life in New York and then moving to Normandy and, in particular, struggling with the language.
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart
It is a charming story of an American living in Paris, who has an affinity for pianos, and strikes of a relationship with the people who own and work at a neighborhood piano shop.
The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz
Renowned pastry chef, Dave Lebovitz about trying to adapt to life in Paris as an American expat with self-deprecating humour and wit.
Hungry for Paris by Alexander Lobrano
An in-depth look and review of over 100 of Paris’ best restaurants. It’s beautifully written with mouth-watering descriptions. It also includes maps, indexes and photos.
