Book Review: Paris in Love by Eloisa James

Book Review by Jane Ichord, Information Services Librarian

Want to take a break from your job, leave your house behind and move to Paris?  If you’re like me, your first answer is “Yes!” and your second answer is “I can’t!”, then follow my lead and pick up a copy of “Paris In Love:  A Memoir” by Eloisa James instead.  It’s the perfect outlet for living vicariously. James, a professor and writer of historical romances, documents her sabbatical year in the City of Love and Lights.  During the course of the year, she eats and shops her way through Paris, offering her audience a glimpse of daily life croissant by croissant.  As with any good read, there’s plenty of conflict on which to report — James’ European life is not all fun and games:   her husband and kids are along for the ride.   There are anecdotes about navigating Parisian schools, surviving ordinary marital spats in foreign territory, and gaining perspective on those less economically fortunate.

James’ account is the perfect T or beach read, packed with abbreviated vignettes that, in fact, started out as Facebook posts.  It’s my idea of the perfect summer escape;  shopping without spending, eating without the calories, and the right mix of adventure and reality to keep me from canceling my week at the beach and booking a one-way flight to Paris.

Interested in reading this book? We have it in the library for checkout!