Paris In Love

Maybe it’s the secret desire I have to reinvent myself, or maybe it’s the recognition that life is as full as we make it; but something drew me to the title of this book and the synopsis which shared the author and her family relocating to Paris for a year.   Although I am not sure I would be quite that adventurous, throwing caution to the wind, and spending a year reconnecting with myself and those closest to me doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

Ms. James is extremely candid throughout the book and though brutally honest at times, I found myself wondering how much rebellion she must have truly faced when she uprooted her husband, and two children, ages 15 and 11 to leave the life they had created for one entire year.  In my home, we would have had a revolt.  Her family seemed to embrace the adventure even with the hurdles they encountered along the way.

The memoir is broken up in to little tidbits of her life.  Some as short as a facebook post, and most no more than an “blog”, but in these short essays she covers the entire year, highlighting both the high and low points.  I chose to listen to this book on audio tape but I would recommend the paper or electronic version since her writing style in this book, jumps quickly from one moment to the next.  Listening on audio could quickly lead to confusion.  Once I realized the writing/listening style.  I found myself eager to listen to her next essay.  From the friends they made, to the struggles her family had,  from the 27 pound chiuaua to the death of her dear friend Rose, you’ll find yourself laughing and crying within the same few moments. 

Moments that replicate life for all of us, whether in a small rural community, a large city, or even Paris France, are easily identified in her honest sharing of Paris in Love