Books I Love

Good books have always inspired me.  I love nothing more than picking up a book and getting lost between its pages.  One of my favorite topics to read about is French language and culture.  The following books are some of my favorites.  Each of the authors below have both comforted and inspired me on my French journey.  It is my sincere hope that these books speak to you in a similar way.

Words in a French Life by Kristin Espinasse

Website: http://french-word-a-day.com/

This book was actually the first travel memoir that I ever read.  An American girl from Arizona, Kristin fell in love with her French husband and moved to France in the 90s.  In this book, she writes about her experiences as a wife, mother, and French language learner.  Each chapter is based off a French vocabulary word making it both fun and educational.

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard

Website: http://www.elizabethbard.com/

A delightful memoir about an American woman who falls in love with a Frenchman and moves to Paris.  Unable to work after first moving to France, Elizabeth spent her time exploring the weekly markets around Paris and learning to cook.  Each chapter tells a short story of her life abroad and ends with a recipe for a deliciously authentic French meal.

French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle

Website: http://www.petermayle.com/

French Cuisine has always intrigued me.  From snails to smelly cheese the French never cease to amaze me with their delicacies.  In this delicious tale, Peter Mayle, a British Expat living in the south of France, writes about the time he spent traveling to various regions and food festivals throughout France and his experiences along the way.

Flirting with French: How a Language Charmed me, Seduced me, and Nearly Broke my Heart by William Alexander

Website: http://williamalexander.com/index.cfm

William Alexander, a 57 year old American man, decides one day that he would like to learn French.  In this book he writes about the year he spent trying to master the language.  This is an absolutely wonderful story about the emotional roller coaster that is learning another language.

The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz

Website: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/

After losing his partner and experiencing a devastating depression, chef David Lebovitz leaves behind his job at a classy restaurant in San Francisco and jumps on a plane for Paris.  In this hilarious tale Lebovitz writes about adjusting to life in Paris and his struggles learning the French language.  Each chapter is accompanied with recipes created or reinvented by the chef himself.