It's almost here. After last summer's huge success, Karen and Tamara are teaming up again to host another trip to Paris in July. The rules are simple. Karen says:
For those of you who participated last year the guidelines for the event will be pretty much the same (Tamara and I reserve the right to throw in some surprises here and there1). Paris in July will run from the 1st - 31st July 2011 and the aim of the month is to celebrate our French experiences through reading, watching, listening to, observing, cooking and eating all things French.
There will be no rules or targets in terms of how much you need to do or complete in order to be a part of Paris in July - just blog about anything French and you can join in. Some ideas for the month might include:
- Reading a French book - fiction or non-fiction
- Watching a French movie
- Listening to French music
- Cooking French food- Experiencing French art, architecture or travel
My pile of books is growing, but I have no expectation of reading them all. With any luck, I'll acquire another Colette novel to add to the stack. Cheri and The Last of Cheri were high points of my time in Paris last summer.
- The Belly of Paris by Emile Zola
- A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway (in progress)
- Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
- French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle
- Paris Was Ours by Penelope Rowlands
Short Story Mondays will feature French authors all month and my Weekend Cooking posts may take on a French flavor, too.
Departure is just a week away. Will you join us?
I still remember my read from last summer quite well, too. (It was Emile Zola's Therese Raquin, and I loved it!) I'm reading A Moveable Feast, too, and it's wonderful to feel that I'm in Paris with Ernest. I can't imagine how he calls himself poor, but eats in those beautiful cafes and visits such wonderful writers every day. I guess 'poor' is relative, right? :) Glad to be doing this with you, JoAnn!
ReplyDeleteYippee, you are doing this too! I have one "for sure" book and a couple of other ideas--including truly tackling Colette whose stories glare at me from the shelf. But who knows?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading your posts, as I always do, JoAnn!
Does this include books about France by non-French writers? I have a huge stack that would qualify!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually starting a little early as I'll be visiting the French Pavilion at Epcot on Saturday, eating lunch at the Chefs de France! And they always have interesting books about France in the gift shop.
I'm brining Zola's Germinal to read on the plane since it the July read for my Classics book group. I'm going to try and read another Zola as well.
JoAnn! Was Cheri really last summer!? I remember reading your review and it feels like it was not that long ago. Oh how time flies...
ReplyDeleteI really can not entertain the idea of entering into a love affair with Paris. My one true love is England but perhaps one of these days I may consider having a brief fling. Enjoy!
It was fun last year. And I do have a copy of that Gopnik too and it would be a wonderful time to read it. Always do this - don't want to commit but the closer something gets the more I do not want to miss it. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteHave fun in Paris...between your posts and Matt's I'm sure to make a nice list of books to read next year!
ReplyDeleteBellezza - Poor is definitely relative! The Hemingway's time in Paris sounds pretty spectacular to me.
ReplyDeleteDS - Can't wait to see which Paris books and stories grab your attention! Colette was such a wonderful discovery last summer and I certainly hope to read at least a few of her stories this trip.
Karne K. - I think it includes books about/set in France, even if the author is not French. The French pavilion at Epcot is my favorite, although it's been years since we've been there. Can't wait to hear what you think of Germinal. I'm reading a book for a tour now, then I'll be starting another Zola. Have a great trip!
Darlene - Amazing, but Cheri was a year ago. London holds a deeper place in my heart, too... but I do love Paris In July!
Frances - That's usually my style too, but Paris in July was a highlight of my reading in 2010 and I don't want to miss out. Hope you decide to join us!
Staci - Matt's post are making me just a tiny bit jealous ;-) I would love to visit Paris!!
Look forward to your thoughts on the Zola and Hemmingway. I'm planning on reading a Collette or two, and maybe finally finishing Suite Francaise.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great list of reads ready! After reading The Paris Wife earlier this year I am keen to read some Hemminway so I might have to look out for A Moveable Feast I think.
ReplyDeleteOoh, love this idea! If my July wasn't already scheduled to the gills I'd join in. You have some books on your list that are on mine as well. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteanothercookiecrumbles - I finished the Hemingway, but have another book to read before starting Zola. Suite Francaise was a favorite several year ago.... are you having a hard time getting through it?
ReplyDeleteKaren - After finishing A Moveable Feast, I'm thinking A Paris Wife needs to be added to my list!
Erin - Yes, this was such a great event last year... can't wait to get started!
I would really feel like a cheat if I were taking part!
ReplyDeleteI also have a book by Peter Mayle on my TBR pile :)
What are you planning to listen music-wise? May I suggest H. F. Thiéfaine, Téléphone, Jean-Louis Aubert? There must be other bands/singers I like, but they are not coming to mind at the minute...
Emeire - I hadn't thought about music yet... thanks so much for the suggestions!
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