'The Little Paris Bookshop' By Nina George Needs To Be The Next Thing You Read
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'The Little Paris Bookshop' By Nina George Needs To Be The Next Thing You Read

"Some novels are loving, lifelong companions."

19
'The Little Paris Bookshop' By Nina George Needs To Be The Next Thing You Read
WallpaperCave

"Books keep stupidity at bay. And vain hopes. And vain men. They undress you with love, strength, and knowledge. It's love from within."

Jean Perdu has perhaps the best job in the world. He is a bookseller who sells books much like a doctor would prescribe medicine-he can talk with a person and know exactly what kind of book they need in their life for any given situation. His bookstore, La Pharmacie Litteraire, is on a huge barge floating in the Sienne, in Paris. While he is friendly to all and seems to have a good life, Monsieur Perdu is broken on the inside. He has never recovered from the heartbreak of having his lover abandon him twenty years ago. He lives by providing happiness to others by finding them the books they need, but invests no happiness in his own life. He shies away from any interpersonal relationships for fear of being hurt again. When a letter from long ago surfaces, it sheds light on the circumstances around his romantic abandonment from long ago, Perdu takes off in his bookshop on a journey across France that will lead him to adventure, discovery, and personal healing.

"Some novels are loving, lifelong companions; some give you a clip around the ear; others are friends who wrap you in warm towels when you've got those autumn blues. And some...well, some are pink candy floss that tingles in your brain for three seconds and leaves a blissful void."

This might just be one of the best books ever written. First of all, it is a love letter to books and to those that love them. What's not to love about that, right?! But that's only just scratching the surface of this outstanding novel. It's also a love letter to France. Not just Paris, but countless other cities and towns that Perdu explores. It's very beautifully written. He makes everything, from the people, the sights, and the exquisite meals, come alive to where it really feels as if you are experiencing everything right alongside of him. To my surprise it was also very poignant. Themes of love, loss, and finding your purpose filled the pages from cover to cover. I also love the idea (and if you're a reader, I'm sure you do too) that you can use books as a means for making you feel better. They are medicine for the soul. Monsieur Perdu was exactly the kind of hero that you just enjoy rooting for; kind, humble, generous, big-hearted, and courageous. This is definitely a book to keep you warm on these long, cold February nights.

“Reading—an endless journey; a long, indeed never-ending journey that made one more temperate as well as more loving and kind.”


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59003
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38099
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959593
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196257
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments