It's back! Hosted by Tamara at Thyme for Tea, Paris is July is one of my favorite summer reading events. I have six possible reads this month, hopefully I'll get through at least three of them. Here's what's on the list:
The Complete Claudine by Colette. I read Colette's biography last summer and hope to finally finish the Claudine novels this year.
Maman, What Are We Called Now? by Jacqueline Mesnil-Amar. Don't be too impressed, I won't be reading this in the original French! The only English-language edition is the Persephone which just has a plain grey cover. I really love the cover image on this French edition.
The Dogs and the Wolves by Irene Nemirovsky. Takes place in both Paris and the Ukraine, so I can count it as my Ukranian read for the European Reading Challenge. (Also for my classic about an animal for the Back to the Classics Challenge!)
Renoir, My Father by Jean Renoir. Bought at the Frick Museum bookshop at least five years ago. I've really been obsessed with art lately, so I definitely plan on reading this one.
Emile Zola by Alan Schom. I found a used hardcover edition last year on a visit to Second Story Books in Rockville, Maryland. I don't know if it's the best biography of Zola but it was a bargain and I couldn't resist it.
The Bright Side of Life by Emile Zola. The twelfth novel in the Rougon-Macquart cycle. I've read 15 of the 20 novels, the end is in sight! (Then I guess I'll have to go back and read them all again, this time in order).
So that's my reading list for this year's Paris in July! I'm also planning to watch lots of French movies and eat French pastries -- might try to make some homemade macarons! Bloggers, what are you reading this year for Paris in July?
For me, the first week of July is devoted to Indigenous books for NAIDOC week and Indigenous Literature Week, but I have now finished my last book for the week, and I'm ready to jump into my Maigret's and French cookbooks!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of French cookbooks! I do want to do some baking this month, I've just bought some beautiful dark cherries and I think I might try a clafouti. Also bought some nice peaches so maybe a peach galette as well!
DeleteWonderful that you're diving in so wholeheartedly! I'm trying to read some books in French this summer, but it goes slowly. And not ones set in Paris (but I think that's not a requirement for the event). Currently L'étranger by Camus, and maybe then some Maigret. French cookbooks and cooking would be lovely!
ReplyDeleteI was inspired by Brona and checked out a bunch of Maigrets from the library. I've never read him but he's perfect for July!
DeleteProps on the Nemirovsky title doing triple duty!
ReplyDeleteI know, right??? Win-win-win!! And it's short, just over 200 pages. Quadruple win!
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