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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 An Entertaining Look at Americans Living in Paris Jun 14, 2010
By RCBR
Paris, Moi and the Gang is part faux memoir, part travel guide, and part romance novel and is absolutely entertaining. Frances Gendlin is a veteran travel author; she writes with a friendly, conversational style that will quickly have you feeling like you and she are old friends.
The story is told from protagonist Frances' point-of-view as she researches and writes her latest Paris guide. Paris, Moi and the Gang follows an eclectic group of friends affectionately known as the Gang. This group of American Expatriates truly cares about and supports each other through the successes and failures of daily life in "the city of light." The gang's number grows and shrinks as members travel abroad or return from stints in the US. There's Caroline, the historian, who is researching the history of famous Americans who lived in Paris for her own book; and Sandra, the divorced pianist, and a connoisseur of everything Parisienne from the shopping to the men. Men are not left out of this club and we meet the recent widower, wine aficionado and master of high finance, Richard. Paul and Klaus are the self-professed Oldest Queens in Paris. "The boys" have an endearing uncles-niece type relationship with Frances and are never far when needed for advice on men, failed relationships, and the best spots to lunch. The chain-smoking Alice and her husband, the crusty Findlay, who have called Paris home for over 60 years, round out the circle.
Life in Paris appears simple enough; write a little, greet friends with a warm kiss, sit down for great food, wine and conversation at a wonderful locale. However, as Frances often remarks, "everything in Paris is an event." Gendlin shows how seemingly simple tasks like sorting out a cell phone glitch or having new house keys cut become a prolonged adventure sure to test even the most reserved temper, as customer service is non-existent. This is where the guide portion of the book shines as Gendlin gives helpful hints for dealing with cashiers, repairmen, and shop owners in procedures differing from that in the States. Throughout the book are sidebars containing a wealth of useful hints, history, and advice. From the best cheese, bread, and wine, to a unique recipe for scrambled eggs with truffles, to a full restaurant guide and a helpful look at accents.
Frances has an appreciation for living in Paris and a romance, so to speak, with the city, not that she doesn't see her fair share of attention from men. She picks her male "projects" and then goes with the flow as events unfold as they may, much like she does everyday.
From this book, I take away a belief that visiting Paris for a few weeks of vacation is like taking a single sip of a fine wine; you get a nice taste but not the full experience. Whether Paris, Moi and the Gang is fiction or memoir, it is an exceptional book with characters and scenery so well written and described that you are captivated from the first chapter and your interest is held until the final pages. Anyone contemplating a move to life in Paris must read this book. Think of it as a test-drive! This book is easy to enjoy; if you add it to your summer reading list, it won't disappoint.
Highly Recommend by William Potter for Reader's Choice Book Reviews
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Enchanting Story of Life in Paris Jul 28, 2011
By Jeri Mihm
This is a story of a middle-aged travel writer who lives in Paris amongst her "crew" of expat friends. The book follows her through her daily activities for the better part of a year. It offers insight to actual daily life in Paris, through shopping at the markets and meeting and eating in the many cafes, hosting guests from abroad and holding dinner parties; a far cry from what one might think is the "glamorous" life in Paris. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 not really a fan Dec 27, 2011
By reluctant reviewer
The glowing reviews encouraged me to buy this book. I was about to return to Paris and I was impressed by the author's credentials. However, even though there was certainly good information included, there was way too much moi and the privileged gang for me. As others have said, it is well written and easy to read and a journal of personal information open to the reader, but I did not find it charming or informative enough to continue the story of writer's dilemmas and coffee dates. This is just my opinion, of course, but I wanted to register a little balance.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Paris, Moi and the Gang Aug 25, 2010
By Judith St Gaudens
Paris, Moi and the Gang is far more than entertaining. It's author, Frances Gendlin, graciously invites the reader to follow the daily routines of expatriates, herself included, living in one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities in the world. The travels and events that Fran shares with us are at once exhilarating, mirthful, fascinating and enviable. She takes us to a Paris rarely seen by tourists, and through her, the reader is given the opportunity to meet and assimilate the true City.
I grew to adore each member of the "Gang". Fran brought each character to life with in-depth descriptions of their personalities and peculiarities. What a fascinating crowd to be with, in a group setting or as individuals.
Even the author's "affairs of the heart" held intrigue, happiness, passion then sadness once ended, for they had to end. Fran was lyrical in her treatment and I was pleased she found love, however brief, in the City of Light and Love.
Paris, Moi and the Gang held my interest throughout. The style of writing, so easy going, conversational, replete with amusing, and wry opinions offered as asides, is such that I felt I was a part of the story...one of the gang. What a privilege. This is a book I will keep, cherish and reread, at least in part, again and again.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Captures the essence of Paris--a great read. May 22, 2010
By S. A. Lambert
"English Instructor"
Reading this book is like having a conversation with the author, as you sit in a cafe in Paris and watch life unfold around you. She has caught all the nuances of shared confidences between friends, you feel as if you know her and are part of her world. You care about her life, her friends, her activities, her "projects." I loved every moment of reading this. I looked forward to getting home from work so I could spend a few more minutes with my Parisian "friend," and hear more stories of the Paris that only denizens of that city know.
Because she knows the city so well, her "memoir" creates an atmosphere shared only by those who live in Paris. The frustrations and delights that expats invariably experience slip into the narrative quite naturally, providing humor, gentle irony, and a fair dash of self-mockery. For people who have only visited the city, the depth of cultural awareness and the intimate acquaintance with the small streets and tiny cafes will provide a new and welcome dimension to the experience. For those planning to visit--the same. And for those of us who live here--a welcome and sometimes surprising take on the way a sensitive and observant compatriot views our chosen home.
This is an excellent book. I couldn't put it down!
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