Thank you to Emma at Words and Peace for the recommendation!
Craig Carlson fell in love with Paris at a young age, and after pursuing a career as a screenwriter, he decided to switch paths and open an American-style diner in Paris, serving up the types of dishes that he felt were the only things missing from his beloved city.
This memoir is a perfect reminder that with enough persistence and determination, you can make practically any dream come true. Craig Carlson had never worked in a restaurant or owned a business, yet his dream was to open a restaurant - in Paris, no less, and a diner, a concept which didn't even exist there. I think he was very honest with the myriad of problems he faced - from raising money, to getting a loan, to finding a space, to dealing with terrible employees. It's hard enough opening a business in your own country, let alone one where you don't know how the banking system or employment laws work. Craig pretty much had to learn everything the hard way!
I enjoyed Craig's writing - it's down-to-earth and very relatable. I think at times he could be a bit melodramatic, and it seemed that for all the problems he had, he also had many "lucky breaks" - it was kind of amazing how many times the exact thing he needed showed up at the exact moment he needed it. But, his love for his dream and business always shone through, as well as his love for France. If I ever make it to Paris, I will definitely check out his diner! 4 stars
In this graphic novel/memoir, Lucy Knisley takes readers on a journey through her lifelong love of food.
I didn't realize that this book was basically going to be a comic. I thought it was going to be a regular memoir with some illustrations, but the graphic novel approach worked here. The stories were simply told, and the pictures added fun context. As someone who has a lot of beloved memories that revolve around food, I really identified with Lucy. I loved reading about her helping her parents in the kitchen as a child and trips that helped open up her eyes to foreign cuisines. She also passes along some of her favorite recipes.
I think this could be a good book to read with children, although the chapter about a Mexican vacation had some elements that may not be appropriate for young ears/eyes. 4 stars
Thank you to Stacked for the recommendation during last year's Nonfiction November!
Sounds like both books were really great reads. I'm glad you enjoyed them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stephanie!
DeleteI enjoyed Relish, too.... all her books are great!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read her other books, I'll have to check them out!
DeleteOh! These both sound so fun!!
ReplyDeleteThey were!
DeletePancakes in Paris sounds awesome, and it's a real place? How cool! I think I'd stop there too! :)
ReplyDeleteYep, definitely a real place!
Deleteso it's a memoir done in a graphic novel? i've seen one of those lately, it's interesting take
ReplyDeleteYep! It's the first one I've come across!
DeleteThese both sound great!
ReplyDeleteThey were!
DeleteI am not familiar with either of these, but there seems to be a bit of trend for graphic novel memoirs. Glad they were both solid reads for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam!
DeleteThese both sound like fun nonfiction reads! And I'd like to read more foodie nonfiction :)
ReplyDeleteMe, too! I've read a few and got some great recommendations from Nonfiction November!
DeleteThese both sound really good. Pancakes in Paris especially interests me because I can't even imagine trying to open an American-style diner in Paris. Wish I had known about it while I was there. I totally would have gone, lol.
ReplyDeleteHaha, it's definitely on our list if/when we go to Paris!
Deleteso glad you got to read Pancakes in Paris, it was definitely a good book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendation!
DeleteThese sound like good books. I like that they are food related and I am always interested in reading about food and food things. =) I am really glad you enjoyed them!
ReplyDeleteMary
Yes, I've been really into foodie nonfiction lately!
Delete