How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are

Love, Style, and Bad Habits

By: Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret, Sophie Mas

Narrated by: Carrington MacDuffie

Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

From four stunning and accomplished French women—a charming bestseller about how to slip into your inner cool and be a Parisienne.

In short, frisky sections, these Parisian women give you their very original views on style, beauty, culture, attitude and men. The authors—Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas—unmarried but attached, with children—have been friends for years. Talented bohemian iconoclasts with careers in the worlds of music, film, fashion and publishing, they are untypically frank and outspoken as they debunk the myths about what it means to be a French woman today. Letting you in on their secrets and flaws, they also make fun of their complicated, often contradictory feelings and behavior. They admit to being snobs, a bit self-centered, unpredictable but not unreliable. Bossy and opinionated, they are also tender and romantic.

You will be taken on a first date, to a party, to some favorite haunts in Paris, to the countryside, and to one of their dinners at home with recipes even you could do -- but to be out with them is to be in for some mischief and surprises. They will tell you how to be mysterious and sensual, look natural, make your boyfriend jealous, and how they feel about children, weddings and going to the gym. And they will share their address book in Paris for where to go: At the End of the Night, for A Birthday, for a Smart Date, A Hangover, for Vintage Finds and much more.

©2014 Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret, and Sophie Mas (P)2014 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Four whip-smart, successful French women poke fun at the stereotypes of the 'Parisienne' and give genuine beauty and lifestyle tips, recipes, and fashion dos and don’ts ... De Maigret’s photography and a witty, wise, often tongue-in-cheek delivery puts the reader on a sure path to achieving the French femme’s je ne sais quoi.” —Publishers Weekly

“You don’t have to be French to be a Parisian.“ —Karl Lagerfeld

“Very, very funny. While reading, I actually felt chicer, wittier and très Parisienne. I was laughing out loud by the end.”  —Plum Sykes, New York Times bestselling author of author of Bergdorf Blondes and The Debutante Divorcée

LOVE this book, now listening for the second time.

What did you love best about How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are?

It is easy to follow, the reader fits the book perfectly and I love all the information in the book. It is like listening to talk radio, something I could listen to several times over and still learn something new.

Perfection.

"The Parisienne already knows what she must think: the opposite of what you think, no matter what." I loved it

So silly. Don’t waste your time or credit.

Honestly this book is insulting to Parisian women, painting them as vapid, silly and immature. The lack of structure isn’t charming. It just speaks to the banality that is this book. Just a bunch of clichés and old tropes. Also, this narrator, who has narrated many other books with not a hint of French accent, suddenly puts one on, like a caricature in a cheap beret and red lipstick. Please. Go for something by Mirele Guiliano instead. Someone who portray French women with soul and depth, not some goofy Nora Ephron character.

Superb!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! It was full of delicious moments and typically French madly wonderful antidotes for every day life! Throughly enjoyed it.

What did you like best about this story?

All of it!

What did you learn from How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are that you would use in your daily life?

I already am, however one can always add more to their little book of ideas.

Not what I was expecting

What would have made How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are better?

I felt a little mislead by the books title and audio sample, and was sadly disappointed as a result. The book is mostly made up of single sentence/quotes, and less of a life story narration as I thought it would be.

What didn’t you like about Carrington MacDuffie’s performance?

I think Carrignton MacDuffie performance was fine. Its the book that I disliked, not the reader.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

disappointment.

A Delightful Read!

I especially enjoyed the voice of Carrington MacDuffie. Each of the small chapters were randomly organized which made the book even more interesting. I loved it!

FANTASTIC!!

A book that every young woman should read! It is so well rounded and gives great advice on all aspects of life.

Ridiculous. Amateurish.

I found the style annoyingly flip, and the boring narrative devoid of any substance. The reader's failed attempt at a French accent didn't help matters. Couldn't push through it, so I returned it.

loved this book. So authentic and fun.

This book highlighted the dicatomy of being a parisian. Elegant get humble. Being a Parisienne women is sexy, genuine, passionate and intense. no snobbery here. loved this book.

A must for every woman

Extraordinary book. Straight to the point and inspirational. I would not pass it up if I was you!