In “Into A Paris Quartier,” Diane Johnson explores St-Germain-des-Prés, that most touristic of Paris neighborhoods, and tries to do it justice. Part of National Geographic’s Literaty Travel series, which challenges authors to write guidebooks to the areas that inspire their fiction, Continue reading “Into A Paris Quartier”

“The Accidental Connoisseur,” journalist Lawrence Osborne asks himself the question what is taste and, as a British-born New Yorker, does he really trust his own? With this in mind, he embarks on a wine tasting journey throughout Europe and California as the ultimate exercise in testing his taste buds. Continue reading “The Accidental Connoisseur”

This is a collection of essays dedicated to Paris’ most written about expat. Over the past 25 years, Jim Haynes has become famous for his Sunday night dinners, a modern-day take on the “salon” concept where artists, writers and intellectuals mingle over a plate of hot food and a glass of wine. Culture has always been central to Haynes’ life and since leaving the United States in the 1950s, he has, among other things, started the Traverse Theatre, participated in creating the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, launched several magazines and been awarded the Whitbread prize. These essays, written by friends and colleagues, capture perfectly his way of life and involvement in the arts as well as his love of people and gift for friendship. In addition to the essays, the book also includes a selection of personal photographs, drawings and letters documenting Haynes unusual existence.  Reviewed by Alice Quillet

It is fitting that Kyle Jarrard’s new book, “Cognac,” starts by summarizing millions of years of tectonic shifts and geological systems. After all, when you are as passionate about the subject as he is, cognac is an entire world of its own with a story as old as the earth istelf. Continue reading “The Seductive Saga of Cognac”

When the long days of summer lure you out of your lair, what’s to do? Or – Yikes! Aunt Zelda and Uncle Austen are coming. For two whole weeks? If either sounds like your situation, don’t fall into the ho-hum, same-old, same-old Paris syndrome that can infect frequent visitors and those of us who live here year’round. Continue reading “Around and About Paris”

Steamy French memoir goes global One of the most talked-about women in France last year was Catherine M. And, the subject she talked most about was… sex. Catherine M. seduced French readers with graphic descriptions of sexual escapades in Paris swingers’ clubs, on hoods of cars parked in the Bois de Boulogne, in staircase landings and on office desks. Continue reading “The Sexual Life of Catherine M.”