Paris

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Quasimodo is one of the most tragic figures of all time. Hugo gains our sympathy for him at the start when a band of gypsies steal a baby and leave the deformed Quasimodo in his place. The shocked family abandon the "hideous monster." The baby ends up in the church of Notre Dame where he is raised by the priests.

He later ends up saving the gypsy Esmeralda (who ironically turns out to the baby he was switched for) from the hangman in one of the most dramatic rescue sequences in literary history. He and Esmeralda seem to have their lives intertwined throughout the book.

This novel is so well-written that I'm giving it five stars despite the fact that I wasn't greatly impressed with the plot. Hugo's penchant for digressing from the story and thoroughly engaging the reader in various discourses is perhaps the most brilliant aspect of his style. In Notre-Dame the educated layman gets convincing arguments in several subjects: philosophy, religion, science, human temperaments, architecture, justice, and others. On top of all that you get a good deal of humor. Quasimodo's trial before the deaf judge had me rolling on the floor.

You may have seen a play or the Disney movie based on this novel. These productions are by necessity abridged down to the bare plot. Unfortunately, the plot is really not what earns this title entry into the annals of the classics. On its own merits, the story is rather absorbing (and tragic) but replete with random coincidences that are often crucial to the progress of the tale but detract from its believability and by extension the likelihood of total immersion. For example, Phoebus's appearance near the end of the chapter "The Little Shoe" is a contrived coincidence. Events like these make the plot itself more suitable for teens than for adults. Thirty-one years later Hugo would use similar plot devices in the otherwise wonderful Les Miserables.

There's really not much else to say. Notre-Dame is one of the finest classics ever written. You're surely missing out if you haven't read it!

Having little knowlegde of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I failed to realize how drastically different the Disney version was from reality. The story does not focus on a loveable hunchback who finds happiness in the end, rather it is about the cathedral itself. The action and characters all feed off of Notre Dame and represent its values, but they are merely secondary aspects of the book. It is also a violent, depressing, and sometimes even erotic book, none of which of course comes through in a Disney movie.

Many things make this book an incredible read. The most obvious is the incredible prose. Hugo was a beautiful writer and his writing flows so smoothly. He also described with incredible detail the Paris of the late 15th century--the city's skyline, its culture, some of the notable people, and the issues of the day. He spent three years researching the book and he turned his noted into an historical epic. Finally, the action and characters of the book are well developed, exciting, and unique while still representing the values and controversies Hugo wanted to explore.

I originally picked this book up when I was in the 7th grade and was unable to make it more than 20 pages without giving up in frustration, but having more knowlegde of European history, a greater appreciation for literature, and more patience with a book that admittedly starts slowly, I am very glad I came back to it. I don't think this is a book that a young reader will find interesting--though the story itself is great so an abridged version would keep them reading--but any fan of great literature, beautiful prose, French history, architecture, or Victor Hugo will love this book if they give it a chance and do sit patiently while it revs up for 30-40 pages. I highly recommend it.

A friend gave this book to me just before my recent visit to Paris and it turned out to be the only one I used. There were extensive descriptions and background for places I'd never heard of before, the guidance intrigued me, and all of the ones I visited turned out to be little gems (and not overrun by tourists) that made my visit more memorable. The major sights are all covered also, but with more of an eye toward appreciation of their charms than a must-see checklist. A great resource.

Most of the mainstream travel books don't fit my personality or have listings that fit my pocket book. This one is for the traveller that wants to see the city - not just other tourists. It's easy to read, has opinions that you can agree (or disagree) with and encourages you to see things, not just for the first time but in a new way. You can tell the book was written by someone that loves the city and he makes you fall in love with Paris too. If you're going to Paris alone, or with someone you're fond of, you'll be delighted. I'm ready to go back.

Very usable guide to your personal tour of Paris. What Parisian visit are you looking for....this time? If it's casual, or romantic, or historical, or the great cafes, or quick highlights, this is the book to have in hand. Mr. Kraut out does himself in this addition to his books on Paris. As a long time American in Paris, Gary Kraut walks you through the most beautiful and interesting and tasty parts of Paris.

Diana Reid Haig's beautiful, well researched book is invaluable on two levels; as a work of art and as a practical walking guide. Walks Through Napoleon and Josephine's Paris will interest Francophiles as well as those who love history and art. This extremely readable history of Napoleon and Josephine chronicles the rise and fall of the doomed couple--a history which is also inexorably linked with the history of France and the French Revolution.

A blend of words and art, Haig's book is wonderful to page through, but is also a great read. I recommend this work to both armchair travelers and frequent visitors to Paris. This book is a brilliant new way to see and enjoy Paris.

Diana Reid Haig has produced a delightful book that is at once fascinating and useful. She tells short anecdotal stories of Napoleon and Josephine and their times while showing us beautiful photographs of the places they would have known and then showing us how to find them. No one who is interested in Napoleon should ever visit Paris without consulting this book, and even those who will never set foot on the Champs-Élysées will enjoy thumbing through its pages and reading Haig's well-written little vignettes of one of history's most famous love stories.

The book is organized into four "walks," which generally correspond to Napoleon's early career and meeting of Josephine, life as First Consul, the coronation, and the return of Napoleon's body in 1840. To these she adds a tour of Fontainebleau and Malmaison, two places where Napoleon and Josephine lived. Each walk comes with a map that clearly shows the major places she discusses as well as shops and other areas of interest. The maps are easy to follow and a dotted line traces her suggested route. A map of Paris showing where in the greater scheme of things these maps fit would have been useful, but any visit to Paris will be enhanced by this book.

One of Haig's most endearing qualities as a writer is her ability to provide interesting and useful information in a way that both informs and entertains. Throughout her book we hear of some of the standard discussions of Napoleon and Josephine, such as her affair and their near breakup after his Egyptian campaign. But we also are given brief glimpses into their daily lives and their relationship with the buildings that we can see on her tours. Haig also includes interesting "side boxes" on topics the basics of which are common knowledge but the unknown details of which can be quite interesting. For example, we all know of Napoleon's famous hat, but from Haig we learn that he ordered four a year as First Consul and later had at least fifty ordered from his hatter, Poupard, who charged exorbitant rates. Indeed, Haig presents enough interesting history that a scholarly reader is left wishing she had provided references.

This wonderful little book is like none other that I have seen. It is beautifully produced and well written. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing and understanding Napoleon and Josephine's Paris.

J. David Markham, Author
Napoleon's Road to Glory: Triumphs, Defeats and Immortality
Imperial Glory: The Bulletins of Napoleon's Grande Armée

An excellent book with a different perspective. It is not only well written but beautifully printed and bound. A joy to read and to walk in the very steps of these two historic and romantic personalities. Take it along on your next trip to Paris.Floyd McRae, Napoleonic Alliance, International Napoleonic Society.

What a sweet book! Great for cat or fashion lovers or any little princess. Feline fun with French flair! I just love the illustrations.

This book is a delight! It is an entertaining tale of a stray cat who owns the town of Paris. The cat gets into mischief when he jumps into a window of a building and tears dresses (for a fasion show) to pieces. However, the ripped pieces are a succes and the "Rage de Paris!" This book is wonderful! It combines French words into the story and is a neat tool for those who want a little culture in their children's books. I reccommend it to anyone!

"He was born a fine cat in the heart of Paree, the youngest of six in his petite family. But his mischievous ways led him astray. Now he roams about town, down the Champs Elysees, and when the mood strikes him, he dines au cafe..." Oh Zat Cat! He owns Paris, from the Louvre, to Jardin Luxembourg. And when he ventures into Le Grand Salon du Grand Couturier, Monsieur Pierre, an unexpected mishap creates havoc, and poor Monsieur's entire collection is completely ruined. "Before he can even meow or blink, he's whisked off his feet by a sash in pink! He flies through the air, clawing hats and hair. Ball gowns of satin are shredded to bits. Laces and ribbons totally ripped..." But the show must go on, and as the disheveled models in ripped dresses take to the runway..."Whispers of wonder turn to roars of delight, as our four-legged friend struts into the light. So original, exotic, and free. These ingenious designs C'est la "Rage" de Paree!" Chesley McLaren's lively, rhyming text is rich in clever wordplay, both French and English, energy, and puns, and includes phonetic help and translations tucked quietly at the bottom of each page. But it's Ms McLaren's marvelously vibrant, busy, and innovative artwork, swirling boldly around the pages, that really makes this picture book sparkle. Together word and art create an engaging feast for both the ears and eyes that begs to be read aloud and shared. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Zat Cat! is a masterpiece of humor and wit, and one of the new, stand-out children's books of 2002 that shouldn't be missed.

Apart from the "gripping" (boy is that word overused in book reviews) style, and an intense feeling of integrity, this book offers humorus/morbid insights to everyday life, through a not so regular week in the life of an american exchange student, trapped in a not so romantic paris. I found it very enjoyable.

Paris is usually written about in novels as romantic, luminous, but here it's grey, rainy, dangerous, claustrophobic--and thus, a revelation. On scholarship from Los Cruces, NM, Sabine is trying to fit in, to escape her lower middle class background, but can she ever really learn French so well that she *is* French? Powerful, gripping, hypnotic--and beautifully written.

A gritty taste of reality told by an author whose command of the English language is a thing of beauty. Samantha Dunn tells the story of a young woman caught in a crisis without anyone to turn to in a land that can never up to her expectations. I was compelled to turn the page and see this girl face difficult hardships, intense loneliness, and moral dilemmas that would test any resolve. I was surprised that I cared so deeply for the character of Sabine and her journey to become a woman. An amazing book written by an amazing author.

Lori Paris' first novel, "FOLLOW YOUR HEART" is sure to become a favorite. Persons needing to have a guide or a gentle nudge in finding birth parents will surely be captured in heart, mind and spirit with Lori's book. While reading Lori's book, I kept thinking how "in depth" and emotionally turbocharged the characters appeared. It was one day after I completed the book, that I found out Lori's book was fiction based on truth. A truth, so undeniably real, it was almost as though the characters were alive in my mind. Sara Martin, the heroine of the story is catapulted into a nightmare-a nightmare of uncertainty. As a small child, Sara's parents were viciously murdered. Her only living relative, Aunt Irene, fondly called Reni, takes on the task of raising Sara and teaching her the skills Sara will need as an adult. With Reni's help, Sara becomes a warm, loving soul whose only aim in life is to please her aunt, who has instilled in her, the will to succeed. The story begins with college graduation, a time of excitement and realizing she would soon have the opportunity to fulfill her dreams. Sam Evans, the love her life, although Sara wouldn't admit it, became thrust together in solid friendship and love with the sudden death of Reni. Sara, disheveled and alone turns to Sam for support. Fear grips Sara when she finds out, through papers locked in a safe deposit box, that she had been adopted. What would Sara do? Would she hire a detective to search for her birth parents? Would she be welcomed with open arms or suffer the unknown? How will she react to learning the in-depth reason for being given up for adoption? What were the circumstances surrounding her birth parents and the decision that would unravel the very essence of time-urgent time for patience and understanding? What is the meaning and symbol for the title, "FOLLOW YOUR HEART?" It's all revealed in Lori's book-a book of warmth, love, compassion and truth. "FOLLOW YOUR HEART" and read Lori's book. 5 stars, Lori!

Lori Paris reveals the complexities and challenges of the ability to search for a new identity through FOLLOW YOUR HEART. Lori understands and conveys courage and daring in this unfolding journey where nothing is guaranteed. Her work demands insight and balance of emotions with integrity and clarity of processing. She gains both and enables the reader to share a new perspective as the journey is traveled together. The reader can only gain from this work.

Follow Your Heart has told the story that every adoptee and birthparent wishes to have happen to them. I started reading this story, knowing full well that it was a novel about a very serious subject and found myself wishing and hoping that all the stories of adopted people the world over ended this way, with love and sunshine all around.

Finding out that you are adopted is one of the most intense bits of information that a person could possibly stumble upon, and to have to do it in the darkest of times as Sara did, well, that is one of the worst ways to have it happen. It ruins everything that you ever thought you were or would become. Unless you are strong willed and adaptable. Many of your pre-set ideas and conditions you placed on yourself have to become less rigid and a whole lot more flexible. I applaud Ms Paris in her well defined drawing of the life of Sara and the situations she faces. I also highly congratulate her on her understanding of her birthmother and birthfather characterizations. She has taken the walk and understands all the emotions and feelings that happen when a person suddenly is confronted with this. Even if they have known about being adopted all of their lives, the feelings and emotions are relevant. And the wishes for the ending that everyone wants to be so promising and full. Sara finds herself and unwittingly helps her birthparents to finally find themselves also.

Follow Your Heart is a most excellent read for anyone, but especially for those who have walked the walk. Read it, give it to someone you love, give it to someone you know who may need it. It is a wonderful book.

"This series has long been respected as one of the best of its kind. Each book contains detailed color maps and a listing of accommodations by area. They include color photographs, the address and phone number, a star rating, amenities, price, and a brief paragraph describing the property. Newly revised and updated, these excellent guides to accommodations in Europe are highly recommended for all libraries." Library Journal

I lived in Paris during my junior year in college. Returning for a visit, I certainly am not interested in a businessman's hotel where the faxes may get to you on time but the room, itself, is cramped and void of personality.

If you feel, as I do, that a good part of your vacation is your hotel and you're on your way to Paris, then this book will not disappoint you. Paris is a city for people who love beauty, character and charm.

The book is divided into the areas of Paris called arrondisements: #1 through #18. If it's important for you to be in a specific arrondisement, simply find out where most of your business will be held and then choose from the wide variety in the book.

The photos, although not plentiful for each hotel (there's only one per hotel)are beautiful and give accurate views of what is important or what is a specialty of that particular hotel. The descriptions are full and give you every detail you will need to help you make an informed decision: pets? laundry? minibar? meals? And most important what makes this hotel one of "character and charm." You can always use the telephone or fax numbers to ask further questions of the specific place(s) you're interested in. And since rates vary from day to day, you can, of course, ask whomever answers your questions what the dollar is worth on that particular day.

An invaluable, beautifully designed, clever, practical book: It actually tells you exactly what the title announces. And nothing more or less. RECOMMENDED.

"The best guides for the finest kind of vacation." Elle magazine

In this novel, An American Dog in Paris, written by Kay Pfaltz. You learn about the story behind an abandoned dog. Kay lives in Paris, France who breaks up with her boyfriend Jason. In a few weeks after the break-up, Kay goes to America to visit her older sister Amy. Amy tells Kay that she should get a dog to help cheer herself up. When Amy shows Kay a little beagle named Lauren that she found under her porch who is thin, hungry, full of fleas and ticks, and very sick. After a few days, Kay decides to go back to Paris. When she leaves she also takes her sister advice, and takes Lauren with her. Kay and Lauren get along well and live together in Paris, France. Pfaltz does a great job on showing people that no matter what a living thing looks like, accept for what it is and give it a chance to love.

Lauren's Story: An American Dog In Paris by Kay Pfaltz is a heartfelt autobiographical testimony to her love of both the City of Lights and her gentle canine companion Lauren. Kay and her beagle Lauren enjoyed living in Paris. But when Lauren came down with an aggressive form of cancer, Kay essentially put her own life on hold to care for her beloved animal companion. An engaging and heartwarming story of adventure, trust, caring, and hope, Lauren's Story is highly recommended reading, especially for dog lovers everywhere.

What a wonderful story! I could not put it down and I did not want it to end. This book is for anyone that loves animals!

Kay does a remarkable job at expressing her love and adoration for that strange little beagle named Lauren. She also brings to life a culture so different from our own--its incredible fascinating. This is a book that people are sure to remember for years to come!

Seeing Louise Brooks for the first time (in _Diary of a Lost Girl_)was one of the more memorable movie experiences for me; and then I was curious as to why an actress with such presence and natural acting skills didn't have more extensive screen credits. This book recounts why: she was impulsive, wilfully threw many opportunities away (including a role in Cagney's "Public Enemy"), and in the words from an Aerosmith song, "keep the right ones [people] out and let the wrong ones in."

As a whole I found this biography informative and balanced: it duly celebrates Brooks' gifts but doesn't downplay her faults -- and they (good and bad) were many; I suspect quite a few readers, like myself, will come away from this book much less enamoured with Brooks as a star but more sympathetic to her as a flawed but resilient individual. The book is also a fascinating introduction to the various personalities that Brooks came into contact with during her heydays, including Charlie Chaplin and Marion Davies.

On the negative side, I thought this biography relies too much on quoting wholesale various letters of Brooks (which aren't always reliable indicators of veracity) and offers no insight -- or at least reasonable speculation -- on several basic aspects of her life, such as whether she was ever with child.

For years, I was fascinated by the image of Louise Brooks as a cultural icon, so what an experience it finally was to absorb both Pandora's Box and this biography at the same time. I have to admit that my early impressions of Brooks were shattered upon reading this, as I did not end up feeling sympathetic towards her. For an actress of such few movies, she was quite the snob in assessing the "worth" of everyone around her -- all because her deep knowledge of literature made her feel a great sense of superiority (talk about frivolous and delusional), and she carried that attitude to the grave. She even had the audacity to tell George Gershwin that most of his compositions were tripe. My, if only dear Louise had possessed a fraction of the talent that George had in his pinkie. And that's a major point that needs to be made about Brooks -- she was more about an amazing look and on-screen aura then she was about measured talent. Which is not to say that she couldn't have developed her skills, with a longer career, but we'll obviously never know for sure. On the one hand, you admire Brooks for her fire, independence and take-no-crap attitude; on the other hand, you're left feeling that her fate was largely self-induced, due to her unwavering impulsiveness. And I guess I'm in the minority who's not impressed with her comeback as an "expert" Hollywood historian. No doubt, she could write, but her opinions lack the immediacy of someone who was *there* when events happened. At least Bette Davis had many years of acting and firsthand work experiences behind her to make her viewpoints more intimate and colorful.

Overall, though, I'm glad I read this book. It's very well-written, entertaining to read, and full of enlightening anecdotes about the flapper age and Hollywood's internal politics. Brooks' complexity was well worth exploring -- even to those like myself who feel that Paris pays her more honor than she truly deserved.

Extremely detailed and slow biography of one of the most sexually attractive actresses of the silent movie, based on her diaries.
Her life can be summarized by 'sex and gin'.
Abused child; having an orgy of two months with Charles Chaplin; kicked out of Hollywood because of her unrestrained life style; her successes in Europe as Lulu; her life as an escort girl. Even this career was not to last, because she was unable to feign sexual pleasure. Her later days on the brink of suicide.
The author relates it with compassion and love.
He also gives an incisive picture of Hollywood in the twenties and thirties: amoral and corrupt.
A bright actress, but what a sad life behind the curtain.
A model biography.

hi,
We are twins to and we love mka.Our names are:Marjolein and Christine.This book has a lot of high qualid pictures but there is not much whriten in it.The best part is,when there IS something whriten,mka themselves say it.It seems like their talking to you in person.It's a fun book and if you like ptp a lot,you must get it (...)

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are teenagers now and off to Paris, the City of Light, to flim the new movie Passport to Paris. The girls have a great time shopping, eating snails!, and riding on montorbikes with two handsome french boys. They each talk about how pretty Paris is and they have a great time there. This a great inside scoop of the hit movie.

Totally Awesome. Deserves a AAA. Has great pictures from the movie and even pictures behind the movie. Great for anyone who loves the Olsen Twins or loves the movie.