 |
Synopsis:
A single day in Paris, changes the lives of three Americans as they each set off to explore the city with a French tutor, learning not just about language but also about love and loss as their lives intersect in surprising ways.
First thoughts after finishing this book: "I believe that I have to read this one again!"
The sentence that sums up the story perfectly for me:
The late-afternoon light filtered through the small, high windows of the shop, and Jeremy thought: I'm happy here. This is where I belong.
(from French Lesson page 164 in the ARC; finished version may be different)
My Thoughts: I have never been to Paris, but after finishing this story the need and desire to walk down the same streets, eat the foods, and visit the galleries that the characters experienced, has been sparked and it burning brightly in my soul. It's really hard to explain how this book affected me....all I know is that I was able to connect with each American in a way that made this story ring true to me. I've known some of the same fears, loneliness, and disconnectedness that each one of these people were going through and being able to relate to them made their stories come alive. I started this in the early morning and finished it by mid-afternoon. I didn't want to leave Paris......but I do know that when I go, I would love to meet a language tutor like Nico and Chantal.Recommend? Yes.
Why? Because it felt real! The selling point after finishing this story was learning the meticulous work that the author put into the book to ensure that her portrayal of Paris was accurate!
Rating: 9/10
Author: Ellen Sussman
Published: May 28, 2011Publisher: Ballantine BooksPages: 242Genre: Literary FictionISBN: 9780345522771* uncorrected ARC was provided for review
CLICK HERE FOR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF FRENCH LESSONSOpen to US/Canada residents only
Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
CLICK HERE FOR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF FRENCH LESSONSOpen to US/Canada residents only
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I only just heard of this book a few days ago, but I really, really want to read it. It is on order at the library, I think, so shouldn't have to wait too long.
ReplyDeleteWow! This sounds like an amazing read! :):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteSounds great :) and yes let's go to France :D and then we can go over to England too, lol
ReplyDeleteI'd be afraid to read this without the plane ticket to Paris waiting for me! I'm sure it would make me want to pick up and go there immediately!
ReplyDeleteI love Paris, so I'm really excited about this book!
ReplyDeleteHi Staci, I'm from Dar's "Book Pages Group"
ReplyDeleteI got your comment on my blog and couldn't figure out who you were, LOL.
Finally put it all together.
You just sold me on the book! I want to read it!
ReplyDeleteI just saw a review of this the other day and apparently the book is very vivid and real! I'm going to have to check this one out at some point though I've never been to France, let alone Paris.
ReplyDeleteI love when books feel real and the author makes the setting come to life. I've never visited Paris, but it's on my bucket list. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis one's on my TBR shelf and I'm glad to know I'm in for a treat when I get to it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI love books about Paris especially ones that make you feel like you are there. Sounds absolutely delightful.
ReplyDeleteI love it when a book makes me want to travel. Too bad the book purchase doesn't include a plane ticket! LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour.
How lovely it would be to spend a whole day in Paris. I guess that's what you did while reading the book. Well, close.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review - I'm excited to read it now!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an enjoyable read. I've always wanted to travel so I'm sure that I would enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like one I'd enjoy as well; well done Staci
ReplyDelete(Thanks for the book, it arrived - so happy).
I'd love to walk through the streets of Paris again, even if only by reading this book! Would love a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteharvee44 (at) yahoo.com
I was in Paris in the 90's with my husband before we had our son. It is an amazing city, one of my best vacations ever. I would love to go back one day as there is so much to see and experience there. I am so glad that this book felt so real for you. I can't wait to read it! Let's plan a book blogger trip to Paris and England and Ireland etc. Wouldn't that be fun?! We can fantasize...that is the beauty of books as they take us to places we want to go! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've heard nothing but great things about this book
ReplyDeleteI love that this book made you feel like you were in Paris and didn't want to leave. I hadn't given this book much thought until I read your review. Now I want to take a little day trip to Paris too! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI've gone back and forth on buying this book and after your thoughts on it I think I will. I wish I would have participated in the tour now.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Paris when we visited last year and it looks like this book will help me revisit! Maybe next time I won't be pregnant and I can enjoy the wine and cheese :)
ReplyDeleteThink I'd love this, too... maybe it should be my first book for next year's Paris in July!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read in the summary that the book takes place in a day I thought that with all the love and loss the characters learn about would be fairly superficial. Good to know that the book worked for you in a a very real and captivating way.
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteI just read a book in which spent a lot of time in the darker, seedier side of Paris. Since I'm into paris lately, sounds like a book I should read. :) Especially since you liked it so much.
ReplyDeleteMaking connections with the characters is so important. This is a great example of how much our enjoyment level goes up when that happens.
ReplyDeleteSo I have the weekend to myself, much needed, I'm finally catching up on my favorite blogs!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I want to keep reading your blog today, two reviews... two books added to my TBR list. :)
This books sounds amazing.
Another book that would probably never have crossed my radar but for your amazing review. Geez Staci, you're killing me; another one for the wishlist ;)
ReplyDeleteI love reading your reviews. They are so full of life and really express a lot of emotion! Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this book, and it probably would't have popped up on my radar. This sounds like delightful and whimsical boom.
ReplyDelete