Review : Paris, My Sweet : A year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate)
Paris, My Sweet : A year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) by Amy Thomas
Pages : 280
Genre : Memoir, Cultural
Stand Alone
Rating : 
What it’s about :
For Amy Thomas, a woman obsessed with France, working on the Champs-Élysées and walking daily the streets of Paris sounds like a dream; even more if you get a taste of its delicious pastries and chocolates. When she gets the opportunity to work in the City of Light, she jumps on the chance. Leaving her life in New York for a life filled with the unexpected in Paris, Amy discovers her dream life might not be exactly what she expected it to be.
My Thoughts :
Pulling together two of my passions (Paris and sweets), this memoir sure was one I did not want to miss. I was looking forward to step back on the streets of Paris and dream of all the fabulous treats that I could maybe enjoy on our next trip over there.
Paris, My Sweet was, yes, sweet – and not much more. Most of it comes from the fact that I found Thomas not to be a very engaging writer. Maybe it came from the desire to keep a personal distance from her readers, but I just couldn’t connect with her or understand who she really was. Her real, emotional reactions are often quickly brushed over for more descriptions of food and Paris. There is little depth, but a lot of sugar in her writing!
If there is a book that will make you gain a few pounds just by reading it, this is certainly it. Thomas had me salivating from start to finish over all the glorious chocolates and pastries she was describing. If dessert description is not your thing, you’ll want to pass this one; however, if it is your thing, you’ll want to make sure to read it. And if you are planning a trip to the City of Light in a close future, you’ll be pleased to discover many of the best addresses to fill your sweet tooth (or teeth!)
In the end, Paris, My Sweet was not a bad read; I just prefer books, especially memoirs, with a little more depth. But for those who love to hear about melting chocolate and buttery pastries, this book will be a treat!
I had finished reading this just after I got back from Paris, so it was definitely nice to re-live the vibe and energy of the place. You’re right though, there was a lot more description into the food, and towards the end, I was feeling like “Okay.. we get it.. delicious food…. what else?!”
Great review!
Well darn, I was excited about this book, but now I’m not so sure. The pastries in France never tempted me and all of our guests who tried them were disappointed in them because they’re not as sweet as American pastries.
It’s a shame this one doesn’t live up to its promise. I was so hopeful.
Thanks for your honesty. I feel ya. Some memoirs I love and others not at all.
I’m sure I could definitely appreciate it for the chocolate/sweets aspect, but it’s too bad it wasn’t more than that.
hmm.. that’s a little disappointing when you read a memoir and you can’t connect with the author. i think that’s the reason why i like reading memoirs so much. because i get a taste of their life and understand them a little better.