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the_naptime_reader's review
3.0
A memoir documenting an unusual place to find oneself living—a book store. Sounds like it could be the dream of a book nerd. And parts of it seemed so enchanting. Mostly this book made me long to travel to Europe again, and a strong sense of nostalgia. I’m not mad that I read it, but I also didn’t love it.
that_redhead's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
This book is a beautiful examination of life in its simplest form. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is beautiful, hopeful, warm, and restorative. It inspired me to be a tumbleweed, figuratively: go wherever life takes me, enjoy the ride and prosper, and literally: tumbleweeds being the name given to the residents at Shakespeare and co. I strive to life the type of life depicted in these pages. Simple, adventurous, and free.
gweenbean_'s review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
a fun read, diverse range of characters, wanderlust-inducing
krisrobinson's review
4.0
Really enjoying this book so far. As I prepare for my first ever trip to Paris in September and as I'm a junkie of the Paris literary scene, it would have been hard for this book to miss. That being said, I think it is very well written and offers incredible insights into the history and operation of Shakespeare & Company and some of the characters that call the bookstore home (literally).
**update**
Finished the book and while I wouldn't call it riveting all the way through, I absolutely LOVED it. Highly recommended for anyone who is enamored with the writing community in Paris and the romantic idea of living in a room at Shakespear & Company.
**update**
Finished the book and while I wouldn't call it riveting all the way through, I absolutely LOVED it. Highly recommended for anyone who is enamored with the writing community in Paris and the romantic idea of living in a room at Shakespear & Company.
steviec's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this. Shakespeare and Co. has been on my radar for a while, and is definitely on my bucket list. Jeremy Mercer captures the quirkiness and offbeat appeal of the renown establishment (and the bohemian city in which it resides) with wonderful dexterity. Sometimes you need to get out and have an adventure to grow up, and this is one of those times. I thought Mercer was autobiographical without being narcissistic, capturing the stories and encounters of expatriation with an interesting voice. At times it was a little typical, a view of Paris from the eye of a romantic, but I think he adequately explained the abrasive aspects of the transient life.
Ultimately I think it did what every good travel memoir does; it reminds the reader that the world is not as scary as we would believe, and interesting people and things exist beyond our suburban world if we would only get the courage to go look.
Ultimately I think it did what every good travel memoir does; it reminds the reader that the world is not as scary as we would believe, and interesting people and things exist beyond our suburban world if we would only get the courage to go look.