Yesterday I was supposed to be doing some re-organizing. I did not get to it.
Instead, I had read somewhere about the recent release of a new book by a Canadian ex-pat living in Paris, Janice MacLeod (no relation - well not recently anyhow!), whose Paris Letters had me sitting on the couch with a cup of tea all afternoon.
I am a sucker for all things Paris.
I am a sucker for all things "running away from a life you hate to build a life you love doing what you love elsewhere".
I am a sucker for a love story.
Oh and I am a sucker for Canadians!
This has all four in spades and is well written and entertaining.
The premise is simple. Unhappy single copywriter decides to learn to live with less so she can save up enough money to quit her unsatisfying job to travel for awhile. Her tips for saving are actually good ideas and excellent fodder for those of us attempting to lead simpler lives.
But then she boards the plan for Europe and things begin to happen. No I am not going to give any spoilers away, don't worry. The book is reminiscent in a way of Eat, Pray, Love, but is uniquely its own story.
There is a charm to this book which is just lovely, aided by the Paris Letters themselves, illuminated treasures that are the key to Janice's new, independent life.
I bought my copy on kindle but will be ordering a "real" copy as I want to have the pictures in my hot little hands.
What's up today? I'm editing book #2, having lunch with a good friend at my favourite Greek restaurant and then I really must get to that straightening... It is only 16 days till we go away and suddenly, it seems there is a LOT to do...
And oh yeah: I REALLY want to go back to Paris soon...
Happy Monday and have a safe day out there!
On list to get...I think the combo of Canadian in Paris sounds lovely. :) Love the pictures, too, they are beautifully drawn. Thank you for the review!
ReplyDeleteforgot how much love you Canada Dina! You would like this book!
DeleteLove that picture of you and Barry!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks beautiful, and it would be a nice gift too I'm guessing. We've been talking about going back to Paris, it looks like next spring for us, more than a year away but you know me I plan holidays way in advance!
Thanks for the recommendation and good luck with the straightening. I always like to get the house really organized before we go away too. Have a great day DollFace!
I suspect it will be a long while before we return to Paris, but never mind, I'll bask in the happy memories! Have a wonderful day!
DeleteWhat a pretty book, I was just toying with a Paris trip yesterday, it's not my favourite city by any means but I am desperate for a change of scenery and it's one of the few places that can be reached directly from Scotland in winter, mind you a spot of sun would go down a treat too.
ReplyDeleteTabs - I always marvel that you don't love Paris, but then I've never been to LA so I have no point of reference for that!
DeleteOh you wouldn't like it! Well maybe you would, but I loathe NYC too, I think it's an either or with those two places.
DeleteHi Wendy, thanks so much for this recommendation, it's on my Amazon wish list now. The drawings are so beautiful, and what I read about the story on Amazon is very appealing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sweet little book Patricia - you will like it I think!
DeleteThank you for the book review. The pictures look like perfect post cards.
ReplyDeleteLove your photograph with Barry!
Have a wonderful day:)
Thanks A - you too!
DeleteI can see why you want a hardcover copy of this, the illustrations are charming. I haven't read it, but it seems like it might make a good movie, too.
ReplyDeleteCate - I think you are right!
DeleteYou will be in sunny Florida soon. Yeah! I am getting a bit desperate for the sun...they say by Friday will we have it and for an entire week. The picture of you and Barry is great. One day I will visit Paris but first there is the Big Easy.
ReplyDeleteYes, only one fabulous trip at a time BB - I try hard not to get ahead of myself trip-wise now and be more zen about it all!
DeleteSo much to read and so little time!! Does Disney do any Paris??
ReplyDeleteOh Epcot has a lovely little French pavilion that is quite representative actually, except you don't hear merde and there are no scooters going at top speed!
DeleteI remember loving Paris as a teen - I did one of those gap semesters there when I was 17 and then in my early 20's. But I am, as you know, not that into the city anymore. I went in late 2012 for a few days and I did enjoy walking in certain areas but as most cities it seems to have changed a lot. Having said that I live less than 3 hour train trip away so it doesn't have the same allure. But I could see you in a little garret above a boulangerie typing away and telling a few Frenchman throwing stones at your window that you are a happily married woman and that they should leave you in peace!
ReplyDeleteNaomi - one of my dreams is to spend a few months in France and maybe the Netherlands (which I loved when I visited) writing. Who knows- maybe this will come true!
DeleteWell, not much help with the Paris garret part, but can definitely assist with the NED place to stay, whenever you decide to take flight. I think a "sabbatical" would be brill for the writing and life Wenders.
DeleteHi Wendy
ReplyDeletePerhaps it doesn't have to be a dream.
,
A member of my team spent 3 months in Paris last year. He chose to rent a flat so that he could bring his wife and daughter. They set a goal of living within his travel allowance and managed quite well - with the exception of weekend side trips to other parts of Europe. When I looked at the expenses, they seemed to be a lot lower than what I was paying for a one month sojourn in Germany.
Granted you don't have a travel reimbursement, but you do have the flexibility to travel off season, friends who can help you and good old-fashioned Maritime ingenuity.
Muffy my dear, you are so right! It is definitely something I am going to pursue in the next couple of years!
DeleteI hope you had a nice day! I'm on the road tomorrow, but, of course all kinds of evil weather forcasted on the way.
ReplyDeleteThose illustrations are wonderful; you could use that app and do something similar, I think.
safe travels my friend!
DeleteThe book looks delightful, I always enjoy people's stories of discovering Paris.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Fred - like yours!
DeleteSuch a pretty looking book! It sounds like I would really enjoy it. You and Barry look so happy in that picture. I have decided to resist my need for instant book gratification and no longer buy E-books. I simply do not enjoy them as much.
ReplyDeleteI love them if they are thick and they are not something I "need" to have on my bookshelf, which is so overflowing in every single room and I have inability to give books away, so that is good! But I couldn't wait to read this one!
Delete