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My fellow Americans, I’m ready to run away (and I bet many of you are, too.)
Someone once said, “Paris is always a good idea,” but the pandemic makes it pretty impossible to visit the City of Light. No problem – I’ve found a few good books to transport us there.
The chocolate croissants are calling…
“Paris for One” by Jojo Moyes
A pick-me-up story that will make you want to book a ticket to Paris. The protagonist, Nell, was supposed to enjoy her first romantic weekend away with her boyfriend, but when he fails to show up, she decides to enjoy the city by herself. She meets the charming Fabien and is set for an adventure in “Paris for One.”
“Books, Baguettes and Bedbugs” by Jeremy Mercer
If you have ever been to Paris, you have probably visited one of the most iconic bookshops in the city (and in the world), Shakespeare and Co. Mercer’s memoir tells his experience as a struggling writer living in Paris and working at the famous bookshop.
“Chéri” by Colette
Twenty-five-year-old Chéri is promised to be married to a young woman named Edmée, but he can’t seem to get Léa, 49, out of his mind. So much so that when Léa disappears and he gets in an argument with his wife, he decides to leave his marital home without explanation and only returns after Léa comes back to Paris.
“A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway
One of the most famous expats in Paris, Ernest Hemingway once said, “There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris.” And we couldn’t agree more. “A Moveable Feast” is a memoir of the author’s years living as a journalist and writer in Paris in the roaring 20s. A candid account of his life in the city that is a must-read for anyone dreaming of Paris.
“Zazie in the Metro” by Raymond Queneau
A classic of French literature, “Zazie in the Metro” follows the story of a teenager visiting her uncle in Paris. Zazie escapes from her uncle’s custody and starts exploring the city by herself. The book is written in an informal style and has been described as a parody of an epic poem.
“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” by Victor Hugo
One of the most famous stories that take place in Paris, “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” never gets old. You have probably seen plays, films, and cartoons telling Hugo’s story many times, but quarantine is a perfect excuse to re-discover this incredible piece of French literature.
Award-winning author Renee Garrison recently released her latest book, Anchored Together.
