You've probably glanced through dozens of French travel guides and grammar books, but what about the human side of learning French and visiting France? There is some great non-fiction out there - humorous yet helpful, fun but not frivolous. The following are my favorite non-fiction books related to French and France - enjoy!
1. French Lessons, by Alice Kaplan
In this autobiographical tale of life and language, the author recounts how she learned, perfected, and now teaches French, interweaving French with every aspect of her life. Whether you've just begun studying or have spoken it fluently for years, French Lessons is an entertaining look at what it means to learn and love the French language.
2. French or Foe?, by Polly Platt
An indispensable guide for anyone planning to live or work in France. With case studies and plenty of humor, Ms. Platt adroitly explains why other cultures have such a hard time dealing with the French. If you travel to France without reading French or Foe?, you may end up wishing you’d never gone.
3. A Year in Provence, by Peter Mayle
A light-hearted autobiography, travel/restaurant guide, and cultural study, Mr. Mayle describes a year of adventures amid the French, including daily struggles with the strong Provençal accent. Whether you're interested in learning more about French, "the Hexagon," or French cuisine, A Year in Provence will get you started on your cultural discovery of the south of France.4. The Story of French, by Jean-Benoît Nadeau and Julie Barlow
The Story of French is a definitive analysis of French as it is spoken around the world. An in-depth, compelling, and above all affectionate look at the language of love, The Story of French is required reading for all Francophiles.5. Toujours Provence, by Peter Mayle
The sequel to Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence is just as warm and funny as its predecessor. Readers are treated to stories about pastis, buying truffles, digging for gold, singing toads, and, of course, a great deal of delicious food and drink.
6. On Rue Tatin: Living and Cooking in a French Town, by Susan H. Loomis
A delightful book! The author lived in France for the first time while attending a cooking school in Paris, and later in Normandy with her husband and child. She recounts every detail of her encounters with the people and culture of France, and also shares many mouth-watering recipes.7. France Without Reservations, by Maurice K. Thompson
A couple's travel diary during a 10-day trip through the south of France. This book is part novel, part travel guide; it describes their delightful unplanned adventures, and also offers some hotel and restaurant recommendations. France Without Reservations is flexible enough to give you some good advice about traveling in France without giving everything away.8. Vie De France: Sharing Food, Friendship, and a Kitchen..., by J Haller
Set in the Loire Valley, this book is written by a retired chef who, along with some friends, rented a 17th-century house. It's a charming narrative about France, friendship, and - especially - French cuisine.9. French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew, by P Mayle
Peter Mayle has apparently "finished" Provence, for his newest book steps over the line into the rest of France. French Lessons visits festivals for virtually every culinary delight in the country, including truffles, cheese, wine, and frog's legs, just to name a few.