We’ll Always Have Paris

I’ve been to some fascinating places, but never before Europe. Quite possibly, while you are reading this, I’ll be in Paris! While many people visit Paris in the summer, I’m looking forward to the crisp air of fall, fewer crowds, and I won’t even mind the occasional rain.

What makes it even more special is that I’m going with my three siblings to visit our French relatives.  We are looking forward to getting a personal tour of the city and its history. I don’t know too much about Parisian history, but I am relying on the library system’s expansive selection of nonfiction materials, and even novels, to learn more. Here are just a few interesting titles:

Paris: Secret Gardens, Hidden Places, and Stories of the City of Light by Mary Sperling McAuliffe
This multilayered exploration of Paris weaves a narrative that takes the reader into secret and hidden places, even amid the most well-known Paris destinations.

Top 10 Paris by DK Publishing, Inc.
Capital of romance and revolution, a maze of streets made for strolling, a foodie paradise, and a culture-lovers dream, Paris has everything you could want. Planning is a breeze with the simple lists of ten, covering the very best that Paris has to offer and ensuring that you don't miss a thing. Best of all, the pocket-friendly format is light and easily portable; the perfect companion while out and about.

Paris: A Short History by Jeremy Black
A concise history of Paris and the great events and personalities, from prehistory to the present, that have shaped its cultural legacy. This book explores the unique cultural circumstances that made Paris the vibrant capital it is today.

The Last Dress from Paris by Jade Beer
A lush, evocative tale of two women's enduring friendship, exploring the ties that bind us together, the threads of our past that give us hope, and the secrets we hold that make us who we are.

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
A feast for the senses, this novel is a testament to what it means to live deliciously: to be authentic, to embrace adventure, and to find a home in the last place you might expect.

 

 

We don’t speak French, and most of my French family does not speak English! Luckily, the Mercer County Library System has excellent resources to help us bridge the language barrier:

Mango Languages Mango is an award-winning language learning resource for individuals and organizations around the world. The only single solution that combines quality content, intelligent technology, and an adaptive algorithm that delivers practical phrases from real situations. This is language learning centered around you.

Bluebird Languages Learn 164 languages with Bluebird, the largest audiobook library in the world. Features 12 million prerecorded lessons, personalized courses matching your interests and occupation, quizzes, daily lessons and more!

Pronunciator Pronunciator is the world's largest language-learning service - a fun and free way to learn any of 315 languages with Personalized Courses, movies, chat, and more. It offers a way for over 95% of the world's population to learn a new language. Pronunciator offers the full range of language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — in a structured, building-block approach.

You may find all of our language learning resources here.

This blog post would not be complete without talking about the food and culture of Paris. I am excited to see all of its famous landmarks, and visit the bakeries and cafes throughout the neighborhoods of the city. The thought of having an authentic, buttery French pastry makes my mouth water! I have been enjoying browsing A to Z World Food to expand my knowledge of French food. This database contains more than 7,000 traditional recipes from 174 countries, thousands of ingredients, food culture, and reference articles, making it the largest food database of its kind.

Additionally, A to Z World Culture offers insights into 121 topics across 175 countries. Beginning with a country snapshot and cultural overview, the topics covered include climate, food and recipes, history, language, maps, money, and much more. What a great way to get a head start on a place you are visiting.

I hope you get to explore a new destination soon. Whether near or far, there is always something new to discover. Bon voyage and au revoir!

-Ilene, Robbinsville Branch


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