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268 reviews for:
The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious---And Perplexing---City
David Lebovitz
3.68 AVERAGE
268 reviews for:
The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious---And Perplexing---City
David Lebovitz
3.68 AVERAGE
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this, since I don't really like Paris, I don't bake (or eat baked goods) often, and I've not read anything by Lebovitz before.
I enjoyed his stories, they were amusing. Some of the recipes seem delicious, but they are way beyond my skill level. I've been to Paris once and absolutely loved it. After reading this book, I'd certainly never dream of living there. But if I'd never been, these anecdotes might keep me away, which I think is a shame.
In "Pandemic Times" and no traveling, pick up this book an take a journey to Paris. Lebovitz's Parisian escapades are a balm to a shelter-in-place spirit. From learning French, to visiting a doctor, to discovering the local flavors... it gives the reader a feeling of being there, in the best way!
Although I enjoyed learning about what life in Paris was like for David, it fell a little flat. Maybe I was comparing him to Peter Mayle too much. Although Peter pokes fun at the French’s ways, he does it lovingly and it totally works. David’s way of poking fun sounded more like complaining. I’m not sure why, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped to.
Hopefully these recommendations are still good!
I appreciated all the little Parisian etiquette tips for navigating the locals. Hope to put it to use soon!!!
I appreciated all the little Parisian etiquette tips for navigating the locals. Hope to put it to use soon!!!
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
In the book description the question posed was "When did he (the author) realize he had morphed into un vrai parisien?" The answer came to me after reading the first few chapters - when he started to COMPLAIN about everything. Just like Parisian, the author complains non-stop. Complaints about the service, the pedestrians, the coffee, the water, the small apartments... On and on he goes. I was so disappointed in this book. I was expecting to be transported into the "Sweet Life in Paris" but instead was given a detailed list of reasons we should all stay away from Paris. Talk about misleading. I didn't even finish the book.
I still love Paris and France though - I always will.
I still love Paris and France though - I always will.
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
I enjoyed the anecdotes of the author's adventures in Paris, and his recipes sound delicious, but I didn't always see eye-to-eye with his perspectives on French people (reading this book would reinforce stereotypes for some Francophobes) and the experiences of Americans in Paris. He probably knows better than I do--after all, he's lived there for years, and I haven't--but it still rubbed me the wrong way. What I could relate to were his foodie experiences in Paris, since I have sought them too.
I'm inclined to like books about people thrown into a new culture, books set in France, and books with a good sense of humor. This one about an American chef and cookbook author's life in Paris combines all three things into one fun and easy read.