From the article: Non-Fiction about French and France
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. I've shared my favorite non-fiction books related to French and France, so tell me about yours! More great books
My Life in France, by Julia Child
- Right after World War II ends, Julia Child and her husband move to Paris where he serves in the Diplomatic Corps. It is during this time that Julia seizes on learning to cook like the French and brings a French cookbook to the American housewife. Mastering the Art of French Cooking I is the by-product. Delightful memoir written at an advanced age.
- —Guest papergirl
Les Français (3rd ed.) by Wylie Brière
- A book, in French, for intermediate to advanced French students, which attempts to explain and give empirical evidence for why and how les français et les americains misunderstand each other. Culture is based in the social, political, and educational history of a people, and the authors give examples and evidence for the statements they make, contrasting the way the French see themselves in relation to space, for example, and contrast that to the way Americans do. I have read only the first chapter but I am delighted with this book! It is written in such a way that technical words are understandable in context. It is obtainable relatively inexpensively online.
- —Guest Leigh
The Discovery Of France
- I never realized just how fascinating the story of the French language was until this book. Until about 100 years ago, the language we now call "French" was only spoken by roughly 20% (if memory serves) of the country! You could start in one village, walk a mile down the road to another village, and there they would speak another language entirely, and neither villager could understand the other! Amazing, quick read. Highly recommended for any fellow francophiles.
- —evanblanton
Paris The Secret History - Andrew Hussey
- This is easily the most interesting and intriguing account of what has gone into making Paris the city that it is that I have come across. Every chapter is packed with intriguing facts and stories, and ends with an interesting link to the present. I found it unputdownable. Hussey is a former Liverpool musician who fell in love with Paris as punk busker (when punks were fashionable), and went on to become a journalist and academic in the city which has become his home. Fascinating, unusual book, thoroughly recommended.
- —Guest John Booker
A Moveable Feast
- Ernest Hemingway's tales of his life as a young struggling writer, living in Paris. The stories describe expat life in 1920s Paris, and offer interesting perspectives on Hemingway's effort to become a professional writer. It is enjoyable to read, both in English and in French.
- —Guest TonyCJ2
Suite Francaise
- "Suite Francaise" is one of my favorite books about the French during WWII because it humanized the war and what the French people, including the soldiers were going through. It was an eye opener for me.
- —Guest Alma Walshak
The Story of French
- This is a fascinating account of the evolution of the French language. Very well-written by a French Canadian couple.
- —Shumanata
French Milk by Lucy Knisley
- It's not my favorite, but it's a very interesting take on a young woman's 6 week stay in Paris. She wrote about her experiences in a journal which became this graphic novel.
- —kuyyek
At Home in France, by Ann Barry
- A memoir of a single woman writer who finds a special house in the southwest of France a d makes wonderful friends.
- —Guest Marilyn Munsterma
Almost French
- J'ai lu beaucoup de bons bouquins sur ce sujet mais ce livre est extra. Meme si on connait la France et les francais tres bien, on y apprend tant de choses.
- —Guest Sarah
French Dirt, by Richard Goodman
- A short book about the author's dream of living in France and having his own garden. It's not fantastic, as he does a bit too much jumping around (foreshadowing and flashbacking), but his love for France shines through.
- —Guest Jardin
