Today was so not going to be a post about dreaming about Paris but thanks to Danielle and Marg, I saw that the Paris In July reading challenge hosted by Karen and Tamara is back! Now in it’s fourth year. How could I have missed that.
I’ve never been to Paris, although for a couple of hours I will be setting foot in Paris when we travel later this summer, but in the meantime why not indulge in some reading set in Paris?
It’s funny because at first I thought I don’t have any books set in Paris and after a very quick glance at my bookshelves, look at what I found:
- A Novel Bookstore by Laurence Cosse
- Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico
- Paris Was Ours by Penelope Rowlands
- Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
I know I’ve been very reluctant about joining reading challenges this year but I don’t know, now I’m excited about them all over again. Besides this challenge is easy because you can also participate in other ways – watch a French movie, eat some French food, listen to some French music. Lots of possibilities and fun ways to enjoy the challenge.
So who else is joining and what are you planning to read/do?
This is one of my favorite challenges, too. Perhaps we like it for its very brevity, but certainly one can never have too much Paris in one’s life. I’m going to read Ruthurford’s Paris, and JoJo Moyes’ Honeymoon in Paris, and don’t you think we should have a croissant or two? 😉
Did you say Paris? I definitely have to take this challenge after being there just a few weeks ago! One day soon you will have to spend some time there as I think you would love it. Such a beautiful city (and country!)
I am currently reading The Paris Wife-about Hemingway’s wife which I am quite enjoying-if you like mysteries try Cara Black-I also have a giveaway for a book set in France.
Good luck with the challenge! I was thinking I don’t have many books on my shelves set in Paris, but I think, like you found, I just might. 🙂 No more challenges for me this year, but I look forward to hearing what everyone else is doing to celebrate Paris for the challenge.
I have just started a short Colette novella, Gigi and it also contains The Cat. I was thinking only of French authors, but I am sure I have lots of other books with Paris settings–may have to add one of those to the list of possilbilities, too. Maybe The Dud Avocado? I have the Vreeland and the Cosse–sounds like you have a good lineup to choose from!
Will be have a chance to run around and see anything while in Paris? I haven’t read any of these but a few years ago I read a charming memoir called Paris Times Eight that I really enjoyed. For some reason Paris always makes me think of A Moveable Feast, though. Enjoy these!!
Bellezza – That’s right, you can’t have too much Paris! You’ve got some great choices. I need to read another Jojo Moyes book. And, oh yes, I think a croissant is called for! 🙂
Christine – Chica, I thought about you! You have to get your pics up on your blog. Perfect for the challenge!
Esme – The Paris Wife sounds so interesting! I love mysteries and tried one of Cara Black’s books but I think I was not in the right mood for it because I didn’t finish it. Must check her series again. I’ll stop by and check out your giveaway – fun!
Literary Feline – Isn’t it funny? And, I just thought of a few others that would be perfect too. So exciting!
Danielle – I went back on forth on whether I should focus on French writers or just the Paris setting so I listed a mix. Let’s see what I actually read! The Dud Avocado would be another great choice and I do have that on my shelves.
Trish – Unfortunately we won’t. We really are there as a stopping point between cities so I’m sure our time will just be spent getting from one terminal to the next. And, ooh, A Moveable Feast – so true!
Oh, the Gallico novel: great idea. I’m going to add that to the “maybe” stack. I finished a short story by Paul Headrick from The Doctrine of Affections which felt like the perfect choice for this event, and now I’m just 30 pages into Benjamin Constable’s debut novel The Three Lives of Tomomi Ishikawa, which has a playful tone and has just gotten very-Paris-y too. Enjoy your “travels”!
Buried In Print – I haven’t heard of either of those titles you mentioned. Will definitely look forward to hearing more about them!
I was going to recommend The Paris Wife to you, but I see someone else has already done that! I started my virtual ‘trip’ with a guide book that’s older than I am, but I have short stories in mind, and some Balzac, and I plan to explore some French music, and maybe a film, and some cooking – there is so much choice with this challenge it’s hard to know what to do! http://goo.gl/BjpB9
Christine Harding – Ok, The Paris Wife is one I must look for! Loved your virtual trip with your guide book. So beautiful.