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An American in Paris Celebrates the Maddening Mysteries of the French

Eliot Foster

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Published in French Toast: An American In Paris Celebrates The Maddening Mysteries Of The French

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In his new book, **An American in Paris**, Adam Gopnik celebrates the maddening mysteries of the French. From their love of bureaucracy to their disdain for punctuality, Gopnik finds the French to be a fascinating and often frustrating people. But he also finds them to be full of life, passion, and creativity.

French Toast: An American in Paris Celebrates the Maddening Mysteries of the French

by Harriet Welty Rochefort

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

Gopnik has lived in Paris for over two decades, and he has come to know and love the city and its people. He writes about the French with a mixture of affection and exasperation, and he captures their unique blend of logic and passion. Gopnik is particularly interested in the French way of life, and he explores their attitudes towards food, wine, fashion, and art.

**An American in Paris** is a delightful and insightful book that will appeal to anyone who has ever been fascinated by the French. Gopnik's writing is witty and engaging, and he provides a unique perspective on one of the world's most beloved cultures.

The French Love of Bureaucracy

One of the things that Gopnik finds most maddening about the French is their love of bureaucracy. The French seem to have a need to regulate everything, from the way people dress to the way they eat. This can be frustrating for foreigners, who are often used to a more laissez-faire approach to life.

But Gopnik also finds the French bureaucracy to be strangely endearing. He writes about the time he tried to get a new driver's license. The process was so complicated and time-consuming that it almost made him give up. But in the end, he was able to get his license, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

Gopnik believes that the French bureaucracy is a reflection of their desire for Free Download and control. The French want to know that everything is in its place, and they want to be able to predict what will happen next. This can be stifling at times, but it also gives the French a sense of security.

The French Disdain for Punctuality

Another thing that Gopnik finds maddening about the French is their disdain for punctuality. The French are notoriously late for everything, from appointments to social gatherings. This can be frustrating for foreigners, who are used to being on time.

But Gopnik has come to realize that the French don't see punctuality as a virtue. They believe that it is more important to enjoy the moment than to be on time. The French often say, "It's better to be late than to be in a hurry." This attitude can be maddening at times, but it can also be refreshing.

Gopnik believes that the French disdain for punctuality is a reflection of their desire to live in the present moment. The French don't want to be rushed, and they don't want to be tied down to a schedule. They want to be free to enjoy life as it comes.

The French Love of Life

Despite their maddening quirks, the French are a people who love life. They are passionate about everything they do, from eating to drinking to making love. The French know how to enjoy themselves, and they don't take life too seriously.

Gopnik believes that the French love of life is a reflection of their deep-seated belief in the importance of human connection. The French believe that life is meant to be shared, and they love to spend time with their friends and family.

**An American in Paris** is a celebration of the French way of life. Gopnik writes about the French with affection and exasperation, but he ultimately finds them to be a fascinating and wonderful people. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, think, and fall in love with the French, then **An American in Paris** is the book for you.

About the Author

Adam Gopnik is an American writer and journalist. He has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of several books, including **Paris to the Moon** and **Through the Children's Gate**. Gopnik lives in Paris with his wife and two children.

French Toast: An American in Paris Celebrates the Maddening Mysteries of the French

by Harriet Welty Rochefort

4.3 out of 5