Z/Web

Author: Adam Gopnik

This is a fascinating collection of essays by a writer for the New Yorker who moves to Paris for five years. His essays compare Paris culture with that of New York, France with America, and are funny, touching, and occasionally profound. Even if you’re not a fan of French culture or have never been to Paris, there are stories and little discoveries that will entertain you. Adam’s a brilliant writer, completely genuine, and his style is witty and engaging and makes Paris come alive.

While I didn’t agree with all his observations (his comments on the world’s sport of soccer were particularly naive and American), Adam often has some insightful comments on American society.

Personally, I found this book had a major impact on me for a number of unusual reasons. For instance, the fact that the author and his wife just up and decided to move to Paris was fascinating. I’ve often thought of moving overseas, but figured an opportunity needed to present itself. It never occurred to force an opportunity simply because it was something I desired. Another thing: since I myself grew up overseas (in Africa, France, and Belgium), I related and understood much of the cultural analysis that goes on when living in a foreign land. However, it’s been years since I’ve done much thinking about that, and reading about the confusion of Adam’s three-year-old as he’s raised in Paris with a mixture of American and French cultures, reminded me of my unique perspective on the world and how valuable that is. I may not be very educated or knowledgeable, but I have had experiences that are uniquely mine, and there’s power there. Basically, I’d like to write — not non-fiction, but fiction — about similar experiences. There were other aspects of the book that also influenced me heavily, from the talk about French cooking (while I love French food, I, unfortunately, also enjoy American cooking, and I think that’s tarnished by taste buds) to Adam’s writing style. Excellent book.