Pages

Thursday, July 21, 2011

'French Lessons' by Ellen Sussman + Giveaway (TLC Tour Book Stop)





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, 2011
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 242
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN:  9780345522771
* uncorrected ARC was provided for review

 
CLICK HERE FOR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF FRENCH LESSONS
Open 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.

31 comments:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! This sounds like an amazing read! :):):):):):):):):):):):):)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds great :) and yes let's go to France :D and then we can go over to England too, lol

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'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!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love Paris, so I'm really excited about this book!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Staci, I'm from Dar's "Book Pages Group"
    I got your comment on my blog and couldn't figure out who you were, LOL.
    Finally put it all together.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You just sold me on the book! I want to read it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I 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. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This 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!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love books about Paris especially ones that make you feel like you are there. Sounds absolutely delightful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love it when a book makes me want to travel. Too bad the book purchase doesn't include a plane ticket! LOL

    Thanks for being on the tour.

    ReplyDelete
  13. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a great review - I'm excited to read it now!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This sounds like an enjoyable read. I've always wanted to travel so I'm sure that I would enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sounds like one I'd enjoy as well; well done Staci

    (Thanks for the book, it arrived - so happy).

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'd love to walk through the streets of Paris again, even if only by reading this book! Would love a chance to win!

    harvee44 (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I've heard nothing but great things about this book

    ReplyDelete
  20. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'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.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Think I'd love this, too... maybe it should be my first book for next year's Paris in July!

    ReplyDelete
  24. When 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.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Making connections with the characters is so important. This is a great example of how much our enjoyment level goes up when that happens.

    ReplyDelete
  27. So I have the weekend to myself, much needed, I'm finally catching up on my favorite blogs!

    I'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.

    ReplyDelete
  28. 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 ;)

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love reading your reviews. They are so full of life and really express a lot of emotion! Sounds like a great book!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I 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

Hello Friends!! I want to take this moment to say thank you. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and thank you for leaving me a comment.

* Because of the excessive spam I have decided not to allow anonymous users to comment.

Happy Reading!