France Books

Ksiazka, ktora docenic potrafi jedynie odchodzace pokolenie ludzi, ktorzy sie na lekturze Wankowicza wychowali i ktorych ta
lektura nauczyla kochac Polske. Ale jest to takze ksiazka, ktora
pokolenie naszych dzieci moze sklonic po siegniecie do lektury
pisarza juz ze wzgledow historycznych. Na bolesne pytanie, jakie uslyszal autor tych uwag w jednej z warszawskich ksiegarn: "Prosze Pana, kto dzis czyta Wankowicza" jedna z odpowiedzi jest ksiazka p. Aleksandry. Kazdy, kro pamieta pisarza i jego tworczosc musi ja przeczytac i miec.

Uwazam te ksiazke za naprawde znakomita. Powinna byc podrecznikiem dla studentow. Polecam ja swoim kolegom. Uczy spojrzenia na pisarza od strony autora ksiazek, prywatnej, roznych wydarzen zycia. Powazne rozdzialy przeplataja sie z innymi, tymi, ktore tworza legende Wankowicza. Zrodlowa, doskonale przygotowana, napisana pieknym, jasnym jezykiem. Jakze barwna postac z tego Wankowicza! Podoba mi sie, ze sie nigdzie nie dal przypisac, podporzadkowac zadnym politycznym pradom. Powinno to byc maksyma naszych Wielkich Tworcow - bo w Polsce mamy zbyt wielu ludzi wlaczonych w polityke kosztem swojej tworczosci i autonomii, kosztem swojej niezaleznosci.

I zamiast wszyscy cieszyc sie Noblem Szymborskiej, wydziwiaja na jej wiersze (czy jeden wiersz?) z czasow stalinowskich. Ciekawe, co ci sami przesmiewajacy, zrobiliby majac wokol siebie takie czasy i otumanienie? Teraz wolnosc, a jakie oszolomy wokol nas...

Czytajmy zatem Wankowicza! Nauczymy sie wiele!

Pokolenie moich rodzicow uwielbia Wankowicza. Ja zachecona przez nich przeczytalam "Ziele na kraterze" i niemal rozchorowalam sie z wrazenia - takie byly silne. Jaki to wielki pisarz umiejacy wywolywac emocje, ile wspolczucia mialam z nim dla poszukujacej ciala poleglej w Powstaniu Warszawskim corki Pani Zofii... O Autorce tej ksiazki o Wankowiczu czytalam w wielu pismach - wywiad z nia m.in. w "Rzeczpospolitej", omowienie jej sylwetki w "Twoim Stylu", takze w "Pani", "Kobiecie i Zyciu", "Zwierciadle". Zaciekawiala mnie bardzo, podobala mi sie jej bezposredniosc, duzy takt i niezwykle ujmujace, takze bystre, patrzenie na swiat i ludzi. Moi Rodzice maja jej inne ksiazki, wszystkie bardzo lubia i cenia. Ta ksiazka mnie zachwycila - dowiedzialam sie o wielkim pisarzu wiele - jako o tworcy, i jako o czlowieku zmagajacym sie z trudnosciami. Po tej ksiazce siegne na nowo po jego ksiazki. Moje uznanie dla autorki, ze potrafila napisac o trudnych jakby polonistycznych rzeczach w sposob przyjemny, bezposredni. Cytaty, zrodla, bibliografie, dyscyplina, a jednoczesnie cieplo, umiar i jakas elegancja stylu pisania. Bardzo mi sie podoba, siegne wiec po jej inne ksiazki.

It is a collection of essays written with a great knowledge of the subject. The author shows the great Polish writer - Melchior Wankowicz with passion, sympatjy and understanding. Interesting chapters are about his private life, as well as about his books and his life with - and among others.

Jest to swietny przewodnik po zyciu i dzialalnosci znanego autorce osobiscie M.Wankowicza,wybitnrgo polskiego pisarza. Autorska ponadto w oparciu o archiwum pisarza i wlasne badania wyjasnia rozne sprawy kontrowersyjne i przeklamane, zwiazane z jego praca wydawnicza i pisarska. Zamieszczone na koncu ksiazki cenne "Kalendarium zycia i tworczosci Melchiora Wankowicza" jest bardzo pomocne w zorientowaniu sie w chronologii wydarzen.

Here is a book that I have been looking for for some time, a book that incorporates the magnificent artwork of the Napoleonic period along with a detailed profile of Napoleon. The result is magic and a pure delight to the eye. Proctor Jones has done a splendid job at merging the two memoirs of Menval (Napoleon's secretary) and Constant (Napoleon's valet) to provide a detailed and intimate account account of Napoleon. This is not a book that details Napoleon's battles or strategic genius but is a book that provides a wonderful insight into his character and personality instead. What comes across is that Napoleon was indeed human with many strengths and weaknesses and is not the ogre or monster as often portrayed by British propaganda. One can see the the unboundless energy, emotion, magnetism and even quirky habits of the man as seen through Menval and Constant. The artwork is plentiful and compliments the events as described in the narrative. This is a superb book, printed on high quality paper and an essential addition to any buff of the Napoleonic period. You will not be disappointed, only delighted.

There are numerous books on Napoleon Bonaparte, but this is THE book that I had to possess on the great man himself. The visual feast of illustrations compiled in this book alone more than justifies the ridiculously low price of the book relative to other pictorial books on the same subject. The judicious use of illustrations and the careful editing of two writing styles, one by Meneval (Napoleon's secretary) and the other by Constant (Napoloen's valet), by Proctor-Jones has transformed what could have been a boring translation of two French diaries into a vivid account of Napoleon's life as Emperor of Rome. Both accounts may have been biased in favour of the Emperor but Proctor-Jones was clever in not interjecting any of his personal opinions as editor and thereby, has created a classic work on the subject.

There are numerous books on Napoleon Bonaparte, but this is THE book that I had to possess on the great man himself. The visual feast of illustrations compiled in this book alone more than justifies the ridiculously low price of the book relative to other pictorial books on the same subject. The judicious use of illustrations and the careful editing of two writing styles, one by Meneval (Napoleon's secretary) and the other by Constant (Napoloen's valet), by Proctor-Jones has transformed what could have been a boring translation of two French diaries into a vivid account of Napoleon's life as Emperor of Rome. Both accounts may have been biased in favour of the Emperor but Proctor-Jones was clever in not interjecting any of his personal opinions as editor and thereby, has created a classic work on the subject.

I will begin this review by saying that I knew Proctor Jones and liked him very much. I had the privlege to travel with him and visit many of his friends while I was living and working France. He was a wonderful man and an enjoyable companion and I will fondly cherish my memories of him.

Even today his memory is still strong for those of us who knew him and his name is a talisman which opens doors which otherwise would be sealed.

Many people claim to have access to special or unknown collections. Proctor was the real deal.

This book was a labor of love for Proctor. He set out to publish pictures that had not been seen in other books...he spent an unbelievable amount of money, time and effort tracking down unpublished art and securing the right to publish it in this book.

He then published this book himself because no publisher would print it at the level of quality he wanted. He was particular about the paper, the binding and the detail of the reproductions...

Proctor then was able to get Jean Tulard to do the preface...virtually impossible for an American author...and even launched the French version of the book at a reception at Malmaison (I was there).

Proctor never intended to make money on the book...It was his intention to bring these works to an audience who would otherwise find them inaccessable. I know for a fact that at the print run he authorized he lost tens of thousands of dollars just on the royalties and fees he paid for the permission to reproduce these paintings.

This book is in a limited print run in English and in French and when they are gone they will be gone. Just like Proctor.

Proctor I will miss you and I thank you for producing this book.

This is a fantastic book as it includes within its cover a feast of great Napoleonic paintings and memorabilia which is worth the price alone. The text is finely edited by Proctor-Jones, comprising of an interwoven thread based on two memoirs of two men who were closely linked to Napoleon. One was his secretary, C Meneval and the other is his personal valet W Constant.
Every dedicated Napoleonophile should own a copy.

Not much more to say the paintings are gorgeous the large scale and quality of the paper a fitting surrounding and the text is actually interesting ( which is saying something for a uniform book ). All power to the publishers and a superb adornment to a Napoleoninc library

This book is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful been published this past year, and is certainly one not to be missed.

A large format of 208 pages, containing 91 plates in full colour showing the cavalry of the Imperial Guard 1804-1815, as painted by Lucien Rousselot. This is the first time that these paintings have been collated in one volume. Each plate is accompanied by an expletive text, thus adding to the importance of this publication. In a series of wonderful full color plates, this superb book conveys the glory of soldiers of a military era surpassing the splendor of any other. This beautiful book brings together for the very first time the color plates by this celebrated artist illustrating the regiments of the Imperial Guard cavalry in all their splendor.

A magnificent book that will simply take your breath away.

Rousselot, together with Detaille and Messonier was one of the recognized authorities on french army uniforms. This book contains 91 superb plates from the Anne S.K. Brown collection and is divided in four sections regarding Chasseurs a Cheval, Horse Grenadiers , Dragoons and Lancers of Napoleon's Imperial Guard, with a brief but complete description of each plate. Also included is a small glossary of terms, an overview of the history of the Guard cavalry plus a brief profile of some of the commanders of each regiment. An outstanding book !

The color plates of Lucien Rousselot in this volume jump out at you with color, panache, accuracy, and authority. Coupled with Edward Ryan's authoritative text, this book is a must for the Napoleonic authority, enthusiast, model painter, and wargamer.

Ninety-One plates grace the pages of this volume, originally painted for Anne Brown in the 1950s and since have been housed in the collection at Brown University that bears her name. Four Guard cavalry regiments are represented here: chasseurs a Cheval, Grenadiers a Cheval, 1st Polish Light Horse Lancers, and the Guard Dragoons, commonly called the Empress' Dragoons, as Josephine was their patroness. They are depicted in full dress, evening dress, walking out dress, gala ball dress, campaign dress, tenue de route, and in a myriad of situations from mucking out stables, to schooling their horses and roasting lean meat over open fires in the field to the rigors of campaign and the exhilaration and sudden death of combat.

The author knew Lucien Rousselot, and it shows in his careful, informative text. The prints are in larger than usual format to convey both their accuracy and magnificence. I was privileged to see the production prints, and the book does this art justice on a large scale. This is undoubtedly one of the best uniform books ever produced. If you don't own it, you are missing out on a visual treat that is clearly unsurpassed.

Spectacular!!! While a bit expensive the plates are a cornicopia of valuable infomation for anyone interested in uniforms and the French army in the age of Napoleon. Perhaps the success of this work will inspire others to produce similar compendia of Rousselot's works (the bound reproduction of his planches would be a Napoeonic buff's dream).

I read another books about the 1809 campaign but this exceeds in the analisis of the all around campaign fronts , including a detailled italian campaign point of view Eugene versus John both " minor " generals in the official history , and the austrian corp army evolution . A brief but essential study . If you likes Napoleonic strategy , you must have it !!!

Epstein believes it was greater combat effectiveness of Napoleon's adversaries and not the decline of the French army that led to the fall of Napoleon. In his book, Epstein writes about how the Austrians copied the French corps system that allowed greater personal intiative on the battlefield. This also permitted the Austrian army to retreat in detail rather than being surrounded in whole. As a result, unlike Austerlitz, Napoleon was unable to destroy the Austrain army at Wargam in 1809. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants a new perspective of the closing phases of the Napoleonic Wars.

If you are interested in the development of war, this is an excellent read, otherwise turn away. The author shows how Napoleon's decline began as his enemies fought like he did, in a modern fashion. He makes the case that war as we understand it today began in 1809. The maps are wonderful, although the level of operational detail was a bit much.

Epstein's thesis is thought-provoking and admirably supported. He convincingly argues that the start of modern warfare occurred in 1809 during the Franco-Austrian War when, for the first time in history, two armies met in battle, each utilizing the new doctrine of independent army corps at the new operational level of war. His research sheds new light on the military history of the nineteenth century by challenging the popular wisdom that Napoleon won battles through tactical genius and force of personality alone. Rather, the author demonstrates that Napoleon's genius was primarily manifested in his creation of a new system of warfare based on interdependent action of individual army corps at the operational level of war to achieve strategic objectives. This was a major shift from the tactical-strategic paradigm of eighteenth century warfare (i.e. the ancien regime). Although Napoleon's ideas were based on those of prior theorists, he was the first commander to fully implement this new style of warfare. The result was a doctrinal asymmetry between Napoleon's army and those of his enemies that enabled him to achieve his astounding victories at Ulm, Austerlizt, and Jena-Auerstadt in 1805-1806.

After 1806, however, the other European powers began to organize their own armies according to this corps system. Although they generally lacked Napoleon's mastery of command and control at the operational level, this development ended Napoleon's doctrinal monopoly and restored operational balance to the battlefields of Europe. It was this restoration of doctrinal symmetry at the operational levels of war that account for Napoleon's inability to achieve another Austerlizt in 1809 or thereafter. He strongly suggests that Napoleon himself was unaware of the dynamics of this doctrinal paradigm. Epstein's thesis argues against the possibility of a Lee or Jackson, or for that matter Napoleon himself, capitalizing on this imbalance again. He also argues against the idea that Napoleon had lost his personal edge and was in decline starting in 1809. Rather, the decline of Napoleon's battlefield fortunes resulted from his enemies learning the lessons he himself had taught them in 1805-1806.

While the book is essentially about the developement of the corps system and the emergence of the operational level of war, it is also an excellent operational history of the Franco-Austrian War of 1809. His descriptions of the significant battles, especially Wagram, are thorough, detailed, and readable. The uninitiated reader in the field of military history may suffer from information overload when reading his descriptions and maps, but the detail is greatly appreciated by serious students of the subject. Nonetheless, the general reader will still greatly benefit from learning how warfare fundamentally and irreversably changed in the year 1809. Students of the U.S. Civil War will also benefit from his thesis in that it greatly effects how one weighs the roles of doctrine, technology, and personality during that war as it relates to Napoleon's development of the corps system and the operational level of war.

This book offers a refreshing and revolutionary new view of the history of warfare and emergence of modern war, one based on the history of military organization and structure rather than the traditional technology based analysis. The thesis is well made and well argued and will certainly be a guiding force in the future of military studies, especially now that are beginning to give greater value to decentralization of military operations in the 21st century. Not only is this work revolutionary and foundational in the field of military studies, it is also an excellent analysis of the 1809 War of the Fifth Coalition with many valuable insights into the relationship between Napoleon, his Marshals, and Prince Eugene.

The only reason I gave this book a 4, rather than a 5, is because of the maps. There are many large detailed maps included in the books, unfortunately the generally span two pages with the centre being unreadable between the pages, the difficulity with this is compounded because the deployments and action is generally towards the centre of the map and, therefore, unreadable. I am rather surprised that problem was not caught before publication. Because of this I often found myself having to resort to other sources for maps while reading the book. However, in spite of the maps, the book is more than worth the time and cost for the revolutionary new look at Napoleonic warfare.

This is an excellent guide to Paris for anyone. Many of the addresses suggested by Stimmler-Hall are de rigeur for any Paris aficionado. That the author is able to cast a sexy light to what is already the sexiest city in a manner that is tasteful and intriguing is to her credit. The book itself is quite practical and pretty making for a great purse-friendly companion as well as coffee table decor.

At last, a book that celebrates and encourages women's sexuality in that sexiest of cities, Paris. Naughty Paris: A Lady's guide to the Sexy City is a beautiful and inviting book, offering a feast of sensuality for both the armchair traveler and anyone going to Paris for a fling.

The book is beautifully designed and photographed, and Heather has written a thorough and delightful guide. She recommends cafés for a quiet tête-a-tête, restaurants where you can indulge in aphrodisiac foods and luscious environments, the best places to buy that sexy French lingerie and sex toys. If you've ever wondered about those secretive places where you can get sexy with strangers, Heather tells you where the Libertine Clubs are and how to access these hidden pockets of Paris.

How to dress, how to flirt, books and films to inspire you before you go...Naughty Paris is a complete guide to sparking your sexy juju in Paris. Heather has thought of everything, and whether you're going alone, with gal pals or a lover, you're bound to get in touch with your sexiest self.

No female Francophile should be without this book.

Naughty Paris is exactly what I expected: wonderful! I have spent a lot of time in Paris, and I thought I knew the city well, but Heather has introduced to me to all sorts of new places. She has even given me a new perspective on some old favourites. I am off to Paris again on Friday with an already well-worn copy of this book, knowing I will not be disappointed by any of Heather's suggestions and hints!!

Classy, sassy and extremely well written, this true insider's guide to the sexy side of Paris will allow the reader to feel safe yet bold. I know it did for me. How fabulous is that!

This is an interesting little book...filled with helpful information for those ladies who are perhaps curious, yet a bit shy, about the "other" Paris--the Paris outside the usual tourist attractions. And for the lady who wants to pamper herself while in Paris, this is definitely for you. Stimmler-Hall has done her homework and will lead you through the places to buy (or look at?) sex toys, oggle the strip-teasing hunks, have a fine meal, a relaxing spa treatment and much, much more, sometimes even on a budget. She also gives valuable information and tips on how to stay safe and how to remain a lady throughout your "sexy" visit (Hint: Don't drink too much, as an obviously tipsy woman is thought to be very unattractive in Paris). This is definitely a book for the somewhat shy woman who wants to venture into a bit of the naughty, but wishes to have a safety-net along, as well. The author advises that some of the venues might be better enjoyed with a friend or even a group of friends, but she also provides advice and direction for the solo woman visitor in Paris. All of this with just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek to encourage you to read on and perhaps find your own special bit of spice while visiting Paris. This might not be the book you would give your Grandma for Christmas, but it could be the ideal gift for your girlfriends!

Wow~ this is an incredible story about a family that has their history recorded back to the 13th century. Fran gives me colorful visions of life in the South on a cotton farm. I can almost feel the heat and imagine that red dirt flowing through my hands as I see the 'double firsts' struggle to make their way in the world. They were certainly silent legends... ~jeanette

What an interesting story of family history. Written with a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine sense of pride in family. Frances is a wonderful storyteller. I could not put the book down until I was finished! If you love well-written family history, this book is a must read!

My sister, Frances McColl Stewart, has written a delightful book about our family heritage. The past comes alive with descriptive personalities shaped by the culture and traditions of the time. This book has sparked family controversies which are quite hilarious and all are inspired by this book to write their own story! I'm looking forward to reading them all - - although I hope Frances will be the ghostwriter. Her art of storytelling is pure genius and families everywhere will enjoy her book!

Even if you're not a McColl, this book will hold your interest. Ms. Stewart has a very descriptive voice and the family stories are priceless. Makes me want to write one of my own...

I loved this book, the writer has such a wonderful way of making the past come alive. I am not from the US myself and I felt that through this book I could take a glimpse at what life must have been like for the writer. Great read.

This book, with its two companion volumes on Egyptian Art and American Art, helps create a fun and focused visit to a specific collection. The reader learns what to look for in the paintings, and also learns entertaining facts about the various artists. The introduction is particularly helpful. For example, it explains basic concepts about colors and perspective, and sets reasonable expectations about what children can absorb. The section about "museum feet" is very pertinent. Obviously the authors know children as well as the art.

It is a thoroughly engrossing overview of the artists and their artistic accomplishments written in a manner so easy to read aand remember. It really could be for any age tii use in any museum in the world which has Impressionist paintings. Fascinating! Informative!

This book, with its two companion volumes on Egyptian Art and American Art, helps create a fun and focused visit to a specific collection. The reader learns what to look for in the paintings, and also learns entertaining facts about the various artists. The introduction is particularly helpful. For example, it explains basic concepts about colors and perspective, and sets reasonable expectations about what children can absorb. The section about "museum feet" is very pertinent. Obviously the authors know children as well as the art.

If you don't have children, but have a number of them on your holiday list, these three Off the Wall Museum Guides for Kids by Ruthie Knapp and Janice Lehmberg are truly a find. They'll delight everyone - the kids will love them, their parents will be thankful for something that is both mind-expanding and great fun, and, you'll be thankful for pleasing both parties. Every child on my list will be receiving them this year. What's more, if you need some brushing-up in American art, Egyptian art, or French Impressionism, take a look before you wrap them up or, better yet, get a set for yourself. ART 101 was never so much fun! (Make sure to order all three books.)

This is a wonderfully entertaining and a very informative book for kids, parents, school volunteers and teachers! There's something for everyone. I've used it as a parent and art volunteer in the classroom for our kids and the other presenters. My eight year old daughter reads from this and their other book on American Art. Wish there were more in the set besides, Impressionists, American and Egyptian Art guides!

My Grandson loved this book but it did get wrecked with the many times we read it together. I wanted to buy this for my Granddaughter but it looks like you cannot order it any more. What a bummer. It is a great book but why no more??

My baby learned to say "e-i-e-i-o" while chewing, tearing apart, and turning the pages of this book.

This is a wonderful book, so cute, esp. the page which Old Macdonald driving its red tractor. My son just can't have enough of it but I agree, it's pretty delicate for a 2 years old to handle. whilst I'm typing this, my son just pointed at the book on the computer. Should definitley buy this book, if can afford it, should buy 2, one for the kid to play with, the other use to read it with him.

E-I-E-I-O! Old McDonald Had a Farm brings to life the classic song through interactive, pop up cartoon pictures of a chugging tractor whose tires move, baaing sheep, clucking chicks, oinking pigs, and mooing cows who chew their cud and roll their eyes. Cony's use of pictures, which children can manipulate, adds zest to the experience of reading as children read (or sing along) to the tune of Old McDonald. It is a timeless song set apart by Cony's ingenious manipulation of the idea of a pop up children's book that will hold up to much use.

My 15 month old LOVES this book. I had never sung this song to her before we bought it but now it is a big favourite. She learned the words farmer and tractor from the book. She learned e-i-e-i-o. She loves the flaps, the pull tabs and the dials. However, she decapitated the three little pigs in the first few days and ripped the farmer right out of his tractor in another unattended moment with the book. I now give it to her only under supervision so I can protect its moving parts. I don't know at what age toddlers become less destructive. However, it seems like this book might be better for older toddlers, since the younger ones like mine will probably love it to pieces!

I bought this to read on a school trip and believe me, my friends wanted updates on everything that happened in this story. Give it a try!

I really enjoyed this enstallment in the S.A.S.S. series.
Nicole is aboslutely against going to France to study abroad. She has friends, a great boyfriend, and American stuff to do. And to top it all off, the family she stays with is a little on the crazy side. And their 'babysitter', Luc, is annoyingly adorable. Nicole just wants to be back at home. But when she finally relaxes a little and learns to enjoy herself while studying in France, Nicole finds that her stay was a life-changing experience.

I didn't flip the pages furiously or read this one in a day, but it was a cute little book that I enjoyed reading. A good read if you too wish to study abroad and find love along the way. :)

Nicole's (the main character)parents really want her to go to Paris but, Nicole really does not want to. Nicole cannot speak or read French at all and she is very happy with how her life is. She wants to spend the rest of her life with her boyfriend Nate. Nicole gets sent to Paris but, is staying with an American family. Nicole meets some friends at school and a boy named Luc. When Nicole gets to Paris, she is not very happy at all. She wants to be home with Nate and her friends. As Nicole is in Paris, she starts to think more about things and ask more questions. She begins to realize new things about her life back home. At the end of the book, she is very happy that her parents sent her there.
This book is really good! I read it in 1 day because I couldn't stop reading it!

If you are the type of person who loves to travel, this book is for you. Although this novel can be taken to merely discuss Nicole's journey to France, her emotional journey is also an important one, and rightfully shows the struggles of today's exchange students - along with the romance they meet along the way! In France, she is forced to experience new, unknown French ways instead of being a sheltered teenager. For example, she must learn to navigate around the French metro.
On a romantic level, this novel was a bit cliche for me. She falls in love with a French guy - why does this always happen in every exchange novel/movie?!?! The romance did add a little fun to the book, however, so I would recommend this book as a great read, especially if you like to be exposed to different cultures. There are also other books in the S.A.S.S. series, so after you read this one, go for them!!

While many teenagers would do anything to leave their small hometowns, and get away from their parents for a semester, seventeen-year-old Nicole Larson is stricken with feeling the complete opposite. Instead of going to Paris for the semester, she would do absolutely anything to stay within the confines of Peabody Corner, Maryland, ringing in the first day of senior year with her three best friends Zara, Patrice, and Annie; and planning what she'll wear to Homecoming with her boyfriend of two years, Nate. But, alas, Nicole's parents are put-off by her constant discussion of how things will be once she and Nate get married, and can't help but feel that she's selling herself short by deciding to follow Nate to whatever college he decides to attend. Not only that, they're sick of seeing their daughter follow the lead of her friends, and want to see her break free from their control, and find her inner self. So, they force her to enroll in the S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) Study Abroad Program, which is how she finds herself smack dab in the middle of Paris, where she can't speak the language, and is forced to reside with an American family named the Smith's. The Smith's are perfectly nice people, of course, but their four children...well, their constant screaming leaves much to be desired. Nicole can't stand Paris almost instantly. The food looks creepy - there's no way she'll ever eat a snail - and the cars move way too fast. And the metro is more confusing than anything she's ever encountered in her life. But, as Nicole begins attending Parisian school, and learning more about the culture and the atmosphere of Paris, along with her new friend, a Swedish girl named Annike, Nicole's Parisian perspective begins to change. Suddenly, she isn't so creeped out by all things France, and begins to embrace the culture, as if it were her own. And, with a few sightseeing tours from the Smith's manny (male nanny), Luc, Nicole finds herself actually enjoying the Parisian life. However, when she learns that Nate isn't missing her as much as she expected, Nicole begins contemplating whether cutting her trip to Paris short, and returning to the States would be a better idea than breathing in more of the sights with her newfound friends.

In recent months, I have fallen in love with the idea of sitting in outdoor cafes in Paris, sipping cafe au lait, and munching on croissants, and have even begun embracing the works of various artists who display these types of scenes in their paintings. However, I realized that I knew very little about Paris, aside from the Eiffel Tower, and various other landmarks. So I was ecstatic to stumble upon an S.A.S.S. novel that took place in the city of lights. Cathy Hapka does a wonderful job of describing the nervousness that one feels when stepping out of their comfort zone, and being forced to take on an entire new culture - including language, to food, and even transportation! Hapka's character development for Nicole is wonderful. The way she brings Nicole more and more out of her shell throughout PARDON MY FRENCH, giving her the chance to become more confident with herself, and make her own decisions is truly uplifting; while her ability to really make Nicole realize the error of her ways back home is interesting to delve into. While Nicole is a fabulous character, it is her Swedish friend, Annike, who really claims the spotlight in my eyes. While Annike is not an extremely large character in PARDON MY FRENCH, her presence really puts all eyes on her. Her positive outlook on everything surrounding her - from the Nutella and banana crepes she savors, to the Parisian museums - really makes the reader feel more positive about their own surroundings. She is so jovial, and kind, and just really sparkles as a character from the moment she's introduced. In fact, I hope that, someday, Annike is the star of her own spin-off S.A.S.S. novel, because I'd love to learn more about her. Grab a crepe, and explore the city of light alongside Nicole!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Now in a completely updated and expanded sixth edition, Paris Inside Out by David Applefield (an American writer who has been living and working in Paris for almost twenty years) is a thoroughly "user friendly" and comprehensive resource for finding housing; getting a job; studying in a university, exchange program, or language school; or simply becoming immersed in French culture, society, vocabulary; arts, and cuisine. Paris Inside Out is particularly recommended for its "insider" tips for such newcomer survival skills as how to use the phones, computer and online needs, accessing health care, and even banking information. If you are planning a trip to Paris for business or pleasure, whether for a weekend, or a summer season or a year 'round adventure, then begin your planning by getting a copy of David Applefield's Paris Inside Out!

This book is clearly written by someone who knows! Appelfield speaks to the American with a firsthand account of the French experience, and with humor to boot. Many references to websites and other materials make this book a must have, especially for the potential expat.

Paris Inside Out is written for people who intend to live in Paris, either permanenetly or for a while. Much of the information is of use to tourists, too - at least, tourists who want to do more than just see the top ten sights in Paris. As one other reviewer noted, the book is written for an American audience, and consequently some of the discussion (such as the political and social differences between France and the U.S.) may not be entirely relevant to non-Americans.

Let's just say, I don't even like to think what would have happened if I hadn't had this book when I moved to Paris. The format and writing makes it a pleasure to read. People ask me about living in France and I just tell them to read this book. I wish there were one like it for Strasbourg!

Having moved to Paris from the States myself, I rate "Paris Inside Out" as one of the two most helpful books on my bookshelf. The other would be Polly Platt's "French Or Foe?" Platt's book gave me vital information on understanding French culture and how things work here in general. Applefield's book gave me technical information on how things work specifically - laws, processes, names, addresses, etc. I have read it countless times and still continue to refer to it even now that I'm well settled.

I especially appreciated Applefield's attitude on moving to France. Whereas other books I've read have been pessimistic (or completely dismissive) about the chances of Americans finding work in Paris, Applefield remains positive. He explains the obstacles involved, then brainstorms up a multitude of ways that it could be possible. Other books might take a tone of exasperation when talking about dealing with French bureauocracy or laws, but Applefield greets them with determined enthusiasm. Anything is possible so long as you understand how things work and keep the right attitude. Applefield has the right attitude and it easily rubs off on you.

This book also goes beyond other books in that explains more than just how to rent an apartment and get the telephone plugged in. His "insider tips" teach you how to get plugged into Parisian life, as well. He gives you pointers on finding the Paris arts scene, sports scene, French language schools, cooking classes, and a number of other things that help you build your new life here.

The book has only a couple of minor shortcomings. First, even though this Sixth Edition was completely revised, some of the addresses and phone numbers given in it are already out of date. Applefield makes up for this, however, by keeping the website that accompanies the book (www.paris-anglo.com) more up-to-date. Definitely check the website before wandering off in search of an address.

I also found the sections on getting a visa/carte de sejour to be a good overview, but not enough specific information. The book gives lists of documents that might be requested, but little more information than this. (e.g., What should an "attestation d'hebergement" say? How much money do you need for "proof of financial resources"? What exactly do you need your insurance company to state? What's involved in the medical visit?) Applefield states that these rules and processes change too often to detail them fully in the book. However, I doubt that they change more often than any of the other specific information he gives.

Overall, if you are planning to live in France for more than a couple of weeks, "Paris Inside Out" is essential reference material and even a fun read.