As a Francophile, I was looking forward to this collection of letters. It was charming, but fell a little flat in the audiobook format. I felt like this would be a better in the physical format. While the stories were pleasant, they weren't particularly gripping - I think this would make a better coffee table type book to read excerpts from occasionally. I also felt that the physical book would be a vast improvement due to the inclusion of the beautiful illustrations. Overall a pleasant collection but I would advise the physical book instead of audio.

Dear Paris was my first ever audiobook! I’ve been saying for years I’d give audiobooks a try, but I kept putting it off because I know my tendency to get distracted. Plus I just couldn’t figure out where to slot them into my life - people say while driving or on a commute, but I work from home. Or they suggest listening while cleaning or working out, but I like music to keep me motivated. When I saw Dear Paris was available as an audiobook on Netgalley, I knew it was finally time to give audiobooks a try, and I listened to this one in the span of two days while house cleaning a bunch of old papers. Having Janice MacLeod’s company made a tedious task so much more pleasant, and the time flew by.

A couple of months ago, I randomly discovered Janice’s 2014 travel memoir, Paris Letters. I devoured the book, and it’s one of my favourites of 2021 so far. I immediately added A Paris Year and Dear Paris to my wishlist, hence why I was thrilled to discover Dear Paris on Netgalley. Now that I’ve listened to the audiobook, I’d like to have a physical copy even more so I could enjoy Janice’s artwork as well as her words. However, as an introduction to audiobooks, I’d say this was a good place to start since I was already familiar with Janice’s story and her love of Paris.

Dear Paris was such a delight. I loved Janice’s observations and anecdotes, and felt like I was wandering the streets of Paris with her. We got to see the simple, everyday aspect of life in Paris from the viewpoint of an expat, while also getting a glimpse of the more popular tourist side. I love that she took delight in both, and I especially enjoyed seeing things from an artist’s perspective. During a time when it’s not safe to travel, it was fun to step into someone else’s shoes and explore Paris. I’ve been to the city twice - both short, hectic visits that left me wanting so much more - and Dear Paris stirred up all my dreams of returning to the city and enjoying it at a slower pace. I had a huge smile on my face most of the time I was listening, and I laughed out loud several times.

My reasons for rating this 4 stars instead of 5 are specific to the audiobook. I love that the author narrated it herself but I found her voice to be...not the most pleasant, and her French accent was atrocious and made me cringe every time she said something in French. I also found the letters to be repetitive at times, especially seasonally (like how Parisians leave the city every year in August and then spend September getting back into the groove; I found this interesting the first time, but after the third or fourth time, not so much), which I think I noticed more because I listened to the audiobook in two days, and I might not have noticed it so much had I been flipping slowly through the book and taking my time to enjoy the artwork as much as the words.

Dear Paris is a love letter to the City of Light and Love. If you’re looking to be transported to Paris, look no further. While I still personally prefer Paris Letters (I think because it was so much more personal, plus we got to watch Janice fall in love with Christophe, and I AM, after all, a Romance reader and writer), this book would make a lovely addition to any Paris- or art-lover’s collection.

While Dear Paris undoubtedly will have fans from previous print versions of the author’s beautifully illustrated profiles of Paris, the audio version leaves much to be desired. Simply put, Janice MacLeod may be a wonderful artist but her voice is untrained and
I found her narration grating and annoying. I am sure it might be a diversion to pick up and put down the letters she wrote to Dear Anya but I could never be able to read through this version of the book in one sitting. . I wish the artist every success with the print title but will never recommend this audio version.

Letters by an American living in Paris. A little trio through Paris neighbourhoods and cafes to lighten up lockdown. It is not extensive, and can be repetitive, however it does make me want to book my next trip to Paris soon!

I have always wanted to go to Paris. This book, posed as a collection of letters the author writes about her experiences in Paris, is absolutely lovely. The author, Janice MacLeod, also narrates this audiobook, and she does a good job of expressing the sheer enthusiasm that comes through her words. I liked how lively the stories Janice tells are: they make Paris seem like a wonderland of interesting people, and incredible food, and beautiful views. I really want to see the flowers and the daytime in Paris!

Something I also enjoyed about this book was the quotes from famous works at the end of each chapter. Those were a nice additional touch.

I was unable to listen to the horrible voice of the narrator so I was only able to listen to the first part of the book which seemed interesting but I could not continue with that voice. This book needs to change the narrator and if you want me to read a printed copy I will but not this narrator. I lsiten to hundreds of books but this one was too hard with such a voice. I am sorry I was unable to review due to this issue. I can only say that this person should not narrate books if she wants to be sucessful.

This was such a great audio book! I will have to purchase this one to see all the drawings from the author but what a fun book. Since the pandemic has halted all travel this was a perfect escape to take me to Paris. I could picture the cafes and the people, I could see the fountains and the buildings. Oh how I miss Paris.

What a delightful way to bring Paris to the readers! I have actually never been to Paris, so Dear Paris was a fun and captivating read! Like some others here, I do believe that although I love audiobooks, Dear Paris seems much more suited to an actual book format.

What a delight this book was to read! I read through it a second time because I enjoyed it so much! Dear Paris by Janice MacLeod transported me back to my time in Paris and France.

I spent a summer living in France (a week of it being in Paris.) The second entry about the Metro is so true. I found this relatable, funny, and beautifully illustrated.

I do not normally gravitate towards books that aren't novels, but the cover and title grabbed me right away. I am so glad I picked this up. Whenever I am missing France, I can just pick up this book and read for a bit.

I often enjoy when an authour narrates their own work. I often find them filled with emotion. The narration by Janice MacLeod was decent. I couldn't say I got that out of this. She spoke clearly, but it sounded very robotic. I preferred this book in its written format better.

If you have never been to Paris or France but you dream of it, I would highly suggest picking up a copy of this book. It will have you yearning to go. On the flip side if you have been and miss it treat yourself and be transported to a place you love.

I received an eARC from Andrew McMeel Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

I gave the original book 5 stars, but I gave this 3 stars just due to the narration not being very exciting.

Listening to the letters brought me back to my days as a Flight Attendant and having layovers in Paris. I felt as though I went back in time and I could see myself walking down the streets, drinking wine at the local street cafe, going to the museums or gardens. The letters give an intimate look into the lives of the people writing the letters. Also, it like traveling to France without leaving where you are located. I found myself reliving some great memories. Thank you Janice MacLeod for writing and narrating such a good book.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AndrewsMcMeelPublishing, #JaniceMacLeod for the advance readers audiobook copy of “Dear Paris” for my honest review.

Dear Paris is a wonderful look into every day life in Paris, France. I was partial to this book in the first place as I minored in French in college and studied abroad in Vichy. The largest city in France i've been to is Lyon, not Paris, so I was excited to hear about life and travel there.

I loved the audio version of this book, it made for very casual listening. I felt like I was reading my friend's letters as she's sitting in a café writing to me personally. The descriptions of places and events were well done and it had me looking up many places and adding them to my travel list!

I wish there had been less about touristy things and more about every day life, maybe even some more French thrown in there would have been nice. I just felt like a tourist wrote this instead of someone fully immersed in the city, culture, and people.

With that said, I would still love to own this as a coffee table book and definitely recommend to all my France loving friends. Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Dear Paris was a great audiobook to escape and travel in my mind. I have never been to Paris or France, but through this book, I felt like I was experiencing it alongside the author. There were so many letters and events that I remember the audiobook more as an experience that made me feel happy. Since there were it was difficult for the listener to connect them all. Overall, I felt like I was seeing, tasting, and traveling through Paris myself. I also learned quite a bit about the culture of Paris.

Reviewing
Dear Paris
By Janice MacLeod

This book is just what my pandemic homebound heart needed! I miss the days of planning trips, exploring new cities, and seeing the world through a new lense. I have never been to Paris, but in Dear Paris Janice Macleod enlightened me sharing the splendor of day-to-day living in Paris. The cultural traditions, the history, the architecture, and the food! My gosh, the food!!!! Baguettes with fresh soft cheese, macarons, warm croissants, and thick rich hot chocolate….. you guys why aren’t all Parisians extremely overweight?!?

Perhaps my favorite part of this book is the format. It’s a true compilation of 140 letters written by Macleod spanning 2012-2020. In print, you see a typed copy of a letter on one page followed by a hand painted and colorful written copy of the original letter. It makes for a breathtaking book with short “chapters” or letters which are quick to take in.

I loved every minute of my quick trip to The City Of Light, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Paris, history, or just needs to get away!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars for the gorgeous captivating compilation.

The premise of this book sounded lovely and I think as a book it would be fine, but as an audiobook this is really dull. I only made it about six chapters and my mind kept wandering. I might at a later date look for the actual book, which I’m sure is beautiful. I just think an audiobook based on a book which is based on letters and beautiful pictures totally misses the mark.

Who amongst us hasn’t dreamt of a glorious day in Paris as pictured in the movies? This audiobook, Dear Paris book will delight you as it takes you on a journey that will delight tourists from all walks of life. She picturesquely describes Parisian delights in terms of food and locations.

I love Paris, and so of course, the premise of this book appealed to me. What I was not prepared for was how much this book itself appealed to me. It is thoroughly charming and delightful, an absolute virtual tour of this beautiful city. The author's love for this city is so evident, and I found myself smiling and nodding with each destination that she mentioned. Yes, author Janice MacLeod knows this city well. However, making this epistolary tour extra special are her illustrations. Now I want to buy this book to set on my coffee table and browse over and over again. I will also keep this book in mind as a potential gift for all of my Francophile friends.

I first want to say, that I am NOT an audio book person. I am visual and like to see things - just hearing them, I have a hard time focusing, and I like to flip pages back and forth. But, I relented on this book because I adore Paris and it sounded interesting. I turned this on while I walked and was instantly transported and could imagine that I was walking the streets of Paris with the author/narrator rather than around my house trying to get my steps in. I LOVED it. I'm not finished with it yet, but I know the rest of the book will be just as enchanting as what I have heard so far.

Bravo Janice, for finding a way to turn your letters into an income. That is simply amazing and sounds like a dream. I want to buy your book to see the illustrations- that is the one disappointing thing about the audio book - not being able to see the illustrations! Thank you for transporting me back to a city I've not seen in far too long - hopefully one day in the not too distant future I will be able to see her again!

Delightful!

Fascinating way to describe your time in Paris. The author and narrator, both the same, did a great job in detailing her time in the city of lights. I could close my eyes and imagine myself in each of the described places. Having been in Paris for a long time, it was evident that the locations were described exactly as they are.

I truly enjoyed this audio book.

This was such a delightful surprise! I had the good fortune to live in Paris a few years and I would do it again in a heartbeat. In a year where even visiting Paris is beyond the realm of possibility, what a wonderful treat this is. Of course I think the best option is to get the book itself in order to enjoy the illustrations on page, but I love that the audio book includes a pdf of the illustrations. Just beautiful!