Travel to Europe

Paris to the Moon

Format: Paperback
Author: Adam Gopnik
ReleaseDate: 11 September, 2001
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Rating:

Boring. Boring, boring, boring, BORING!!!
So, as you can imagine, I absolutely love reading anything about France. Growing up, I was (and still am) fortunate enough to spend my summers in Paris, visiting my grandparents, and other relatives living in France. After reading the reviews on here, I was extremely excited about picking up Paris to the Moon, and OH MY GOSH! Do not be fooled by these reviews! This novel is so pretentious, I had trouble getting through the first few chapters, and once I reached his discussion of the variety of different wall plugs that exist in this world (which went on for PAGES), I'd had enough! Anyone who believes themselves to be so self-important that they can pass off the discussion of different wall plugs as great writing, and believes that THIS is the drivel that keeps the readers turning the pages, needs a severe reality check.

If you want a lovely, interesting, and vivid account of French or Parisian life, stick with Peter Mayle, or check out "Almost French" by Sarah Turnbull, instead.

Love this book!
I found it to be a very comforting, curl up in front of the fire, listening to jazz kind of book. I wanted this book to go on forever. Maybe I relate to it because I have to boys and adore Paris, I don't know. . . but I really enjoyed it.

It is completely unlike other books about Paris-- which I read whenever I get the chance. It is much more about the family in Paris than Paris itself, which gives a completely different perspective (obviously, since everyone would experience a place differently). Anyway, I fell in love with the entire family and Paris all over again.

4.5 stars is a good read, as long as you are not expecting something it's not.

But it is an extremely good insight into recent French politics; And it is an American journalist's documented 'thinking about the French and trying to understand them/describe them/contrast with them'; Expect lots of politics, and you should well enjoy. It's not an atmospheric travel memoir; it's not a memoir of youth (except in so far as a father relates to his young son); it's not "Almost French". .

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