Together with histories and nonfiction accounts, publishers keep turning out historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries, picture books, children’s books, guide books, cookbooks, best of books, garden books and even shopping books and guides. Books have always been, and still are, a sure way to transport you to another world and they do the same for Paris. They are the perfect way to explore Paris before going so you can learn more about what you like and what you do not like. Remember, it is important to narrow your focus to what you love and what really interests you. That is important so that you can create your Paris List and have the best trip to Paris possible.
Narrow Your Focus in Advance
In order to figure out what you want to see, one website, guidebook or history is not enough. Paris is so diverse that you should consult multiple sources in order to get a feel for the monument, museum or neighborhood that may spark your interest. Each author has a different perspective and each offers a different insight. And, you may learn something from one book that you would never find out from another book.
My “Paris Library” contains some of all types of books. It contains a range, from little mini books on bistros to oversize coffee table books. Each one has a particular appeal. Some are so specific that they would be unhelpful to the casual Paris visitor. But, since I write about Paris, I need some pretty specific books to help with some of the articles that I write.
To help you begin your initial armchair journey to Paris, I have reviewed my library and propose some books for your pleasure. You probably only need a few to really make a difference in your life. And by making a difference, I mean providing information and photos to get you really excited about going there, providing information to make informed decisions on what will meet your expectations, and providing a way to have a great traveling experience even at your home through photos, writing and recipes.
I find these books are especially helpful, with plenty of information. They are books that I find myself returning to time and again for the great resources and reference. But also, because they conjure the feelings of Paris.
Guidebooks
It would not be impossible to visit Paris without a guidebook, but…. You may have a few questions before, during and after your trip and a guidebook could provide the answer. Plus, they are fun to read and pretty much essential for preparing your Paris List.
More info here: Guidebooks for Paris
Fiction
To be able to write like Balzac! Or Victor Hugo??? What about Ernest Hemingway??? Each novel takes us deep into Paris. And, who doesn’t like to sit on the edge of the seat waiting for what comes next in mysteries and thrillers? A car wreck, Soviet spies, snipers – and set in PARIS!
Nonfiction
Like most nonfiction, we can learn more than we really want to know about the real goings on in the past. From the bedraggled pauvres that are the subject of one of the longest running Broadway plays, to the daily rituals of Louis XIV, these books illustrate the reality of the past and present.
Photo Books
Nothing is quite like sitting with a photo book and getting a bird’s eye view or seeing oversize full-page photos of Paris. One image can make your heart leap! So many try to publish books that capture the City of Light, but some seem to do it better than others.
Garden Books
Well, if you want to admire beauty up close and personal, garden books can set you straight. The grand gardens, the little pocket parks, the areas surrounding monuments that would not necessarily be called gardens. Each one is elegant and thought out beyond what we can imagine. Formal, wild, vegetable, preserve – you name the garden type and you can find it in Paris.
Cookbooks
Cookbooks are a great way to learn about the food that you may see on a restaurant menu. Not that you have to learn the name of every French dish in French, but being familiar with some of the names can help ease you into your culinary experiences in Paris.
Children’s Books
What joy to read a children’s book and see characters come to life with caricature drawings – and then – see them in real life. Children’s books are just as fun for adults and really dig deep into the French mindset preparing and exciting the whole family.
Movies
Dancing like Gene Kelly across the screen is about as wonderful and magical as you can get!!!! Audrey Hepburn takes on Paris in her own way and everyone knows The da Vinci Code! Images of Paris, style, culture, glamor – all rolled up in these movies. Movies are pure entertainment.
