The Paris House Book Club: Spring Reading Picks; The Book Club Dinner Party; What to Watch: Movies & TV; Audiobooks for Learning a Language; People We Meet Along the Way
The Paris House Book Club (Spring 2025)
Photo credit Paris House
The Wedding People, Alison Espach
Looking for a book that's as breezy as a summer day? 'The Wedding People' by Alison Espach is a delightful, fun read that's perfect for a relaxing beach getaway. Its light and easy narrative will keep you entertained without weighing you down.
Swans of Harlem, Karen Valby
I loved this book and felt so many emotions while writing a review. First of all, how did I not know the story of the Swans of Harlem, especially as a longtime patron of ballet and the arts? I feel grateful to have found and read Karen Valby's meticulously researched and written book on The Harlem Theater of Dance, founded by Arthur Mitchell in the 1960s, and the five first black ballerinas who danced there.
Raising Hare, Chloe Dalton
'Raising Hare' by Chloe Dalton is a book that's been on my radar for a while now. It's waiting patiently by my bedside, and I can't wait to dive into its pages. The anticipation is real!
Care and Feeding, Laurie Woolever
Laurie's writing and storytelling have readers turning pages at lightning speed. Her memoir is funny, neurotic, and a truthful account of the restaurant and food business, sparing no one and with no apologies and seemingly no regrets. This book is fascinating, from substance abuse to fending off the wandering hands and lasciviousness of Mario Batali to her close working friendship with Anthony Bourdain.
The Puritans, D.M. Lloyd-Jones
Don't dismiss 'The Puritans' as a dry historical read just yet! At only 100 pages, it's a quick and insightful journey through the history of the Church of England, the Puritans, and the start of America. You might be surprised at how engaging it is, and you'll definitely impress your friends at the next cocktail party with your newfound historical knowledge.
The Book Club Dinner Party
What To Watch
Babygirl starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickenson
There is a lot to unpack here; beginning with this romantic drama, it did not land the way I had hoped. I was left with a lot of unanswered questions. I am a huge fan of Nicole Kidman; she went all in, as usual. Dismissing all the nonsense of Women over 50's sexuality showed us that women want what they want, and she wanted her 20-something gorgeous, cocky, mysterious intern. What I loved about this movie, besides the fact that Harrison Dickenson is HOT, and the rave scene was even HOTTER, was the beautiful cinematography and Nicole's uninhibited, sexual, and maternal performance. I was left wanting to know more about her intern and would have liked to have seen more of the conversions as they navigated through this dangerous liaison.
Anora
After watching Anora, I could understand why it swept the Oscars. The acting was truly exceptional. This film may not be suitable for everyone, especially children, but it offers a raw and realistic portrayal of life as an escort. It's not a typical Cinderella Story or Pretty Woman ending, but it's a deeply moving and thought-provoking journey. I don't want to give too much away, but I can promise you that it's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The White Lotus
The White Lotus is a show that's worth watching for the fashion alone. But it's the layered story and dynamic characters that truly make it a must-see. It's wild, no doubt, but it's also poignant, sad, and fun. If you're looking for a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The White Lotus is it.
The Durrells in Corfu
All of the above are indeed a bit 'scandalous' due to their explicit subject matter. If that's not for you, PBS has wonderful shows that are a bit more mainstream. We highly recommend The Durells if you have not already watched it. The series has gorgeous settings overlooking the Ionian Sea, which transported us back to Corfu, one of our favorite islands in Greece. It's lovely.
Audiobooks
Our team enjoys listening to audiobooks in Spanish, Italian, and French. It's a great way to learn while stuck in traffic!
People We Meet Along the Way
In our Sunday Guides series “People We Meet Along The Way,” I recently met this adorable woman in Rhodes, Greece. Although we could not communicate with words due to a language barrier, she and I communicated with smiles and hugs each morning as I passed on an adventure. I showed her my camera and iPhone, her eyes lighting up with curiosity and wonder. She walked over to her stove – a spot she loves and finds pride and joy in and posed beautifully for me there. Her dress, along with all the interior colors, was perfect! Traveling solo and in tiny, intimate groups allows for a much deeper connection to the people who live where I’m traveling to, and that’s why I rarely go on group trips. I prefer to travel deeper, immersed in a culture where even a language barrier speaks more beautifully and profoundly than words can.
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