I added this section for those who are avid readers like me and always on the look out for a good book. Immersing into another persons' world can be a refreshing break from focusing on your own, especially when the book has to do with Paris!
Here are a few wonderful reads which are in some way, or another, related to Paris. They are listed in no particular order. Enjoy!
Currently Reading
Books and Novels
Paris versus New York
by Vahram Muratyan
A spectacular book of illustrations contrasting the two cities.
Which city do you prefer? Paris pour moi!
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Paris From Above
by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
An incredible and fascinating perspective of paris.
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Paris Bon Appetit
by Pierre Rival
A beautiful book on bistros, restaurants, and shops.
I am looking forward to visiting many of his suggestions on my next trip to Paris.
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The Painted Girls
by Cathy Marie Buchanan
A fantastic read!
I already miss Marie and Antoinette. Why do good books have to end?
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The Age of Desire
by Jennie Fields
Here is another gem of a book that takes you into the life of famed author Edith Wharton.
Her disappointing, sexless marriage, and 'dolt' of a husband, pushes her into a bittersweet love affair that troubles her for years.
Jennie Fields paints an intriguing picture of Edith's life in Paris.
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Before Versailles
by Karleen Koen
I was so excited to dive into this book - and I am glad I did!
Karleen Koen makes it incredibly easy to envision a scene. Her words are beautiful and her storytelling is flawless.
Here is another book about the love affair between Louis XIV and his favourite mistress, Louise de La Vallière.
Oh to have a time machine! My first stop would be Versailles in 1661.
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Paris A Love Story
by Kati Marton
I read this book in five hours. I have never read a book in five hours! It grabbed me on the first page and I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
Kati Marton writes with such passion. You feel her love and her loss in this incredibly beautiful story.
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Paris: Portrait of a City
by Jean Claude Gautrand
"Weighing in at 10 pounds and 624 pages, Paris Portrait of a City is too heavy to cuddle up with on the couch. This latest tome in TASCHEN’s series of bigger-is-better photography books on great cities needs to spread out on a coffee table of its own. This book is a photographic study of more than 160 years of the city’s history through the eyes of Jean Claude Gautrand, a 79-year-old photographer and photo editor who is one of France’s most eminent experts on photography." - The New York Times.
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The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine
by Benjamin Wallace
A wine lover's mystery!
What a fantastic book. Had a friend not suggested it, I would never have picked up a book on vintage wines. It was very interesting and I especially loved the Thomas Jefferson connection.
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Sacré Bleu
by Christopher Moore
I enjoyed the insight into the everyday lives of these incredible artists. A witty, fun read!
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Remarkable Creatures
by Tracy Chevalier
Though this story did not take place in Paris, there is a connection!
Chevalier's novel takes place in the early 1800's. It retells the fascinating true story of Mary Annings who lived in Lyme, a coastal town in England. She had an eye for finding fossils and spent her days searching the beaches and cliffs. During one of her hunts she came across an unusual looking specimen. Calling in the help of family and friends to dig the piece out, she found none less than the bones of a dinosaur - an incredible find!
Some of her fossils are now on display at the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris.
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The House I Loved
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Another captivating book by one of my favourite authors.
Set during the time of Baron Haussmann's modernization of Paris, the main character Rose has to deal with the loss of what she cherishes most - her beautiful home.
A touching story I will remember for years to come.
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Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel's Secret War
by Hal Vaughan
I read this book in less than two days. I just couldn't put it down! Though I have my opinion about its content, I won't say another word about it. You'll have to read it and form your own.
An excellent read.
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Paris Times Eight
by Deirdre Kelly
A wonderful and intriguing story about a woman and her beautiful love for Paris.
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The Crimes of Paris
by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
Interesting and informative. I still cannot believe someone ran off with the Mona Lisa - fascinating!
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Sepulchre
by Kate Mosse
A page turning murder mystery.
The setting is in the Languedoc region and having visited made the plot all the more exciting. I enjoyed this book very much!
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The Reinvention of Love
by Helen humphreys
A heartwrenching love story!
Stories like this make me appreciate my independence more than ever. I cannot imagine feeling trapped my entire life, such as Victor Hugo's wife Adele must have felt.
I started the book on a Friday evening and was finished by Sunday morning.
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Madame Tussaud
by Michelle Moran
A fantastic book! Her story is sad yet fascinating. I loved every single solitary page.
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13 rue Thérèse
by Elena Mauli Shapiro
A sweet story based on actual personal objects found in a box in an apartment in Paris.
The author, who grew up in Paris, found the box when she was a child and turned its contents into a unique, imaginative and beautiful book.
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The Paris Wife
by Paula McLain
I absolutely loved this book!
A wonderful insight into the personal life of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Elizabeth.
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The Vagabond
by Colette
"That woman is made of steel!"
"No, that woman is simply made of woman."
An excellent book indeed.
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French Women Don't Get Fat
by Mireille Guiliano
A wonderful book full of common sense!
Btw, I lose weight every time I go to Paris.
I swear! You walk off everything you devour.
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The Sweet Life In Paris
by David Lebovitz
I admire his courage for making his dream come true. David is now living the sweet life in Paris, lucky man!
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Suite Française
by Irène Némirovsky
A heart breaking story about a family living in Paris during the Nazi occupation and having to deal with evacuation and separation. It makes one appreciate those little things that are constantly taken for granted.
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The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe and The Last Great Dance on Earth
by Sandra Gulland
My favorite trilogy! Her story is so wonderfully romantic yet tragic at the same time. Josephine was an incredibly strong woman who was constantly challenged personally and professionally during her entire lifetime. I enjoyed every page!
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My Life In France
by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme
Love her! What a fantastic story of a natural passion that turned into something so great! She is a real icon.
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The Lady and the Unicorn
by Tracy Chevalier
Part fiction part truth, this book tells the exciting story of how the famous six tapestries came to be. Enchanting!
(You can view these phenomenal 500 year old pieces at the Musée du Moyen Age.)
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The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette
by Carolly Erickson
I fell in love with Marie Antoinette, though she was quite excessive, and just a wee bit spoiled. She captivated me regardless.
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Sarah's Key
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Sarah's Key is one of the most moving novels I have ever read. It is profoundly sad, yet incredibly good.
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Lunch In Paris
by Elizabeth Bard
A cute love story with recipes to boot!
I have already used her recipe for the delightful French pastry chouquettes. Which turned out quite successful I might add.
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French Kissing
by Catherine Sanderson
A fun light read. The author does a fantastic job of bringing the streets and neighbourhoods of Paris to life.
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Mistress of the Sun
by Sandra Gulland
Passion, scandal, romance! All the yummy ingredients for the perfect historical novel!
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The French Executioner
by C.C. Humphreys
Though the story doesn't actually take place in France, he was French! I couldn't resist adding this compelling story to my list.
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Guides to Paris
Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City's Creative Heart
by Janelle McCulloch
A guide full of wonderful suggestions and information accompanied with stunning photos.
I refer to it often.
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Parisian Postcards: Snapshots of Life in Paris
by Dr. Loui Franke
Parisian Postcards is not your typical guidebook.
Dr. Franke doesn’t lead you to the popular tourist attractions but rather takes you to interesting, overlooked destinations such as the Square René Viviani to see the oldest tree in Paris or the Bibliothèque Nationale de France to view Louis XIV's exquisite globes.
She provides a wonderful collection of stories and alternative information that will no doubt inspire you to visit these marvelous places!
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City Walks - Paris
by Christina Henry De Tessan
Paris is the perfect walking city and this excellent collection of walks not only guides you but also provides interesting tidbits of history as you move along.
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Paris Pocket Map & Guide - Eyewitness
by Dorling Kindersley
This teeny tiny guide is a must! With little maps of Paris and the metro, this pocket sized, fits anywhere guide is definitely helpful.
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City Walks - Architecture: Paris
by Michael Herman
City Walks Architecture consists of 25 walking tours highlighting both landmarks and lesser-known sites. Each tour card includes information, pictures and insightful notes on each location's history and significance. These walks will take you to places you didn't realize were there. I've completed almost all of them, my favorite being The Arcades.
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