A Great Book To Really Know Paris
923015
How To Read Paris opened my eyes and mind far wider to see and fully understand WHAT I enjoy most in Paris --- and WHY. Yeah, this book really helps me to appreciate not only the city and people, but also the depth and history of the culture as well. It has helped me in looking at American architecture very differently. It's been truly amazing to be strongly attracted to so many small and massive Parisian buildings that are older than my country. Yet, they are still being inhabited, cleverly upgraded and well used in these very high-tech modern times. From this book, and several Paris trips, I've learn that the buildings a culture keeps explain who and what they are. I'll try to keep hope alive that we'll stop tearing down buildings in our US cities and towns until we FULLY understand what we have, and what we are REALLY losing on a cultural and human scale.
2440429
One can get a great deal of the best information reading Lebowitz's clear prose whether one is a devoted cook or a novice, and learn a lot about Paris whether one already loves the city or has never yet been.
831040
Almost French tells the story of Sarah Turnbull, an Australian journalist who makes an impulsive decision to move to Paris after falling for a Frenchman while on assignment in Bucharest.  This book chronicles her fish-out-of-water experience as an Aussie in Paris, and how she comes to love and appreciate this beautiful but frustrating city.  As months stretch into years, Sarah delves deeper into the history and culture of Paris.  She makes decisions about what she will and won't do to fit in with her French counterparts.  She discovers that even though she will never be French, she can be truly happy in Paris.

I've read a number of books about the expatriate experience in Paris, my favorite being Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik, but Turnbull's book is a welcome addition to the genre.  She isn't afraid to detail all of the things that drive her mad about Paris, and she also isn't afraid to openly adore the city.  It's a very honest account of her experience, and fortunately one that's entertaining to read.  Definitely recommended!
3936005
I really loved the book..it is a great description of the real Parisians and the contrast with the Ametican tourists. He has an extraordinary sense of humor and the recipes look easy to follow, although a recipe index would be useful for the Kindle users.every person buying a ticket to Paris should buy this book together with a french dictionary.
1037592
Well OK, not lives, but it made a first time visit to Paris in June 2007 even more wonderful than it already was!

We went to Paris as a family group of eight as the last part of a trip that also included Madrid and Barcelona.

This book and its companion edition on Barcelona were extremely helpful and up to date.  The beginning overview easily segues into the separate detail maps of different sections of the city.  They are large enough to show street level detail in print large enough to be read without reading glasses.  They are easily read in dim light, stiff enough to be read in a breeze and small enough to be somewhat covert (that is, it isn't obvious to everyone within a block that you don't know where you are).  The metro and train maps at the back are accurate and a real helpful and thoughtful addition to each book.

The entries on attractions, restaurants, shopping, and music were well written, accurate and up to date.  We did not encounter listed places that were out of business or at great variance as to price.
222374
I selected this book on a whim and it turned out to be a fortuitous decision; we are going to Paris early in 2013.  This guidebook provided invaluable information on each arrondissement, the shopping areas, hotels and sights to see.

My favorite part of the book is the historical overview of Paris and its culture, discussing the origins of each administrative district, what has changed over time and the like.  There is useful cultural advice contained therein, as well as an entire chapter of useful phrases (complete with phonetic pronunciation).

I know it won't be the last guidebook I read before we depart, but I know that it will be one of the more helpful.
303121
Thoughtfully written, well researched, and absolutely spot on, Lindsey Tramuta's book on Paris today is a refreshing look at the city's creative evolution. Tramuta clearly has a full grasp on what's moving Paris forward--and it's a fun, smart, delicious ride. (And a gorgeous one--Charissa Fay's photography is outstanding.) I've been recommending it to all friends who want the real scoop on the City of Light. A beautiful read!
2175327
I am in Paris right now and use this book as a guide for both Paris and surrounding cities.  It gives me such a connection of present Paris and the history of Paris and surround
3601511
I just returned from staying in La Marais area of Paris and found this book to be very fascinating.  I walked the area, finding all that was described in the book and found it most interesting in the historical background of many of the houses and street in the immediate area.
1964670
I enjoyed using this book to find some great new places to try in Paris.  I also enjoyed reading about the new food movement and some of the new chefs, coffee roasters, and organic vegetable places.  If you are into food and spend time in Paris then I would recommend this book as it makes it fun to go out and track down some of these new places for coffee, drinks or really good fresh food.  My favorite restaurant I tried from the book so far is Clamato but I look forward to trying more places on our next trip.  Wish I bought the paper version rather than the kindle though so that I could keep all my notes about the different places in the book itself.
417744
This was a great read during the beginning and much of the middle. I learned much about the history of Paris and how it influenced all of Europe as well as the rest of the world. Interesting read. There are even illustrations to help give details on specific parts of Paris life and history. I did feel like some parts were repeated and I was rereading sentences because they were so similar in some chapters.
40254
Great book from a thorough, knowledgeable guide. Great suggested walks and in depth tours of the most important museums and sites.  I don't pay too much attention to suggested places to stay or eat in guidebooks but he does provide that kind of info, as well as some info about day trips from Paris.  Good maps and transportation info too.
3387528
Puchase this book for my wife after I told her about how much I enjoyed and learned about Paris. She told me we should plan to go there soon.
1707441
As a frequent visitor to France, I knew a little about social behavior, rules of etiquette, etc.  But this book has enlightened me in many areas and has done so in a clearly written, often humorous fashion.  The authors are experienced writers and have lived in France long enough to become accepted into the social fabric of their neighborhood.  Then, as observant and eager to learn as they both are, they drew material for this book.  I enjoyed it very much and will probably review its major points (nicely summed up near the end of the book) prior to my next trip to France.  If you are a francophile, or if you are just preparing for your first visit to France, I highly recommend this book.
1751607
I must say that I love this book.  My sister and I went to Paris last April for about a week, and this book was our bible.

It was actually loaned to me by a teacher at the school were I work, who is from Paris. She said in her opinion this was the best guide for someone who is going to Paris for the first time.

I am so glad I had it with me, it was very informative, easy to understand and overflowing with useful information.  One of the best pieces of information I found was that some historical monuments are free the first Sunday of the month.  This was extremely useful to us, especially since our third day in Paris was the first Sunday of the month.

We ended up getting into the Norte Dome for free and a couple of other places.  It was great because by that time we were beginning to feel the effects of paying the sometimes-high fees to get into most of the other historical monuments.

If we did not have this book we would have wasted lots of time trying to figure out what to see and how to get around.  In response to the reviewer who said that this book does not go into depth or explain enough about the historical monuments, I say a person traveling to Paris should already have a good deal of knowledge about the history of Paris and its sites.

In conclusion, I think this book is great and recommend it to anyone going to Paris.
3675535
I liked reading about their life in Paris.  It kept my attention with all the other famous artists and authors they knew.
1345489
I'm an American who's been living in Paris for 4 years now.  I've read a few books on France before, and always learned from them.  This book is no exception.  What I liked about this book is it really studied the French from different angles.  For example, a lot of detail was given on their school system, government, and history (especially the wars).  I've been here 4 years and I learned so much about the French that I never knew before.  I feel like I have a much better understanding of the French.
While living here I constantly find myself comparing France to the US.  France does a lot of things right, such as universal healthcare, 7+ weeks of vacation per year (this year was higher than normal with 38 days).  But there is a cost:  Taxes are high, there is a 19.6% VAT tax.  Gas is 3 times the price in the US.  There are very little part time jobs.  Most jobs are in Paris and the housing is insanely expensive (a 100 year old 1 bedroom apartment costs as much as a brand new 1400 sq foot home in Arizona).  If you read this book you'll understand a little more of these tradeoffs.  I wish the book had focused more on this angle as I think this is one of the most interesting.
I also highly recommend "French: Friend or Foe".  it deals more with the social aspects of living in France.
-Michael