Satirical and clearly written by women who know all the Parisian stereotypes and lean in hard. But also a fun and flirty summer read.

How to have the French mystique

While the book is a little outdated and leans into some stereotypes about the quintessential Parisienne, it has fundamentally shaped me. I read this when I was in middle school, and I keep coming back to it. Definitely one of those books that you take what you like, leave what you don’t. The quotes and culture recommendations are top-tier, and I found myself writing many of them down to remember. All things considered, I really enjoyed this book. I believe it to be more of a “how-to guide” than a one time read.

Konnte man einfach und flott lesen, hatte dafür aber auch recht wenig Substanz. Für zwischendurch mal ganz nett, aber nichts besonders hieb- und stichfestes. Außerdem sollte man das Buch wohl nicht allzu ernst nehmen, da einige Punkte meiner Meinung nach durchaus ein wenig geschmacklos (Kapitel über fremd gehen how to) sind. Die Fotografien sind aber, um zur Abwechslung etwas zu loben, durchaus schön anzusehen.

Silly. Fun. Snobby.

It’s a fun and lighthearted book for someone who’s just starting to read again for pleasure after many years - like in my case. A teasing mix of sarcasm and truth that entertained me along the way. Other than one chapter towards the end that could’ve been omitted entirely ‘cause it wasn’t as upbeat and interesting, it’s well-done and beautifully illustrated.

Would I recommend it to someone else? Very unlikely. Would I read it again? Mayhap.

I keep hoping that I'll outgrow this phase of wanting to read about French women, but so far it hasn't happened. Apparently I'm not alone.

This one doesn't stand out in the crowd of books about how French women dress, smell, age, cook, eat, love, and parent. It consists primarily of lists interspersed with pictures of lovely women and would be a good gift for the college student who can't stop talking about her semester in Paris or the work friend who spends entirely too much money at Anthropologie.

Very quick and enjoyable read. Perfect for a plane ride or a day sick at home. Comprised of short, simple vignettes that peer into the lid of being Parisienne. I recommend it.