French like moi: a Midwesterner in Paris

Description

When Scott Carpenter moves from Minnesota to Paris, little does he suspect the dramas that will unfold: scheming neighbors, police denunciations, surly demonstrators, cooking disasters, medical mishaps—not to mention all those lectures about cheese! Nothing in the City of Light can be taken for granted, where even trips to the grocery store lead to adventure. In the company of a cast of recurring characters, he leads us through the labyrinth of the Parisian everyday, one hilarious faux pas after another. Through it all, Carpenter, winner of a Mark Twain House Royal Nonesuch Prize for humor, keeps his eye on the central mystery of what makes the French French (and Midwesterners Midwestern). “A delightful read…filled with levity and grace. A winning and witty collection offering humor and insight into the French way of life.”—Kirkus Reviews “French Like Moi tours the everyday Paris that’s found away from the Eiffel Tower’s tourism. With an entertaining guide at the helm, bon mots and corny puns find a home alongside solid timing, curious anecdotes, and self-aware mocking. This quirky travel memoir uncovers lesser-known facets with verve.”Foreword Reviews, Editor’s Pick. “Hilarious… In this literary tango between Paris and the Midwest, Carpenter captures the ironies, oddities, and attractions of the French capital in a way few writers have achieved—which is saying a lot, considering how many have tried their hand at conjuring the City of Light… French Like Moi is a delightful romp through French life and Midwestern sensibilities, all combined in one compelling story.”—Midwest Book Review “[A] a hilarious look at…figuring out life.”—Readers’ Favorite, Five-star review