Member Reviews

This is a wonderful and in-depth description of Paris. It’s obvious that the author loves the city. I will definitely use Paris as a guide to plan a trip.

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I am an avid Francophile and have been to Paris many times, but this book is a bit dense for me to enjoy. For me, this may be a better read while at the places mentioned in the book or perhaps after visiting, but it’s not lively enough reading to capture my attention with little-or-no personal experience with the locations.

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Many thanks to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield Publishers for the opportunity to read Mary McAuliffe's Paris. Anyone who loves Paris will want to read Ms. McAuliffe's latest. Off the beaten path there are secrets to be found.

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The cover of this book will, I think, draw in those who love Paris right away. Inside are a map, photos and many suggestions for places to visit in this over 2,000 year old city.

McAuliffe begins by sharing the history of Paris from its earliest days. Don’t skip this to move to ideas of places to visit as there is much to learn in this section of the book. The author goes on to share her knowledge of the city and offers many good suggestions of places to go.

This title is much more detailed than the average guide book. Those looking for a deep dive into the City of Light and those who want to see less well known venues will find much to admire here. Those who hope to travel to Paris should begin reading this title well in advance. It will enhance their time away.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rowan & Littlefield for this title. All opinions are my own.

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Paris is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world and there must be millions of guidebooks about it. This one is different in that it shows hidden treasures off the beaten path. Everyone knows the Tuilerie Gardens but how about the Bagatelle? The Louvre is widely famous but the Rodin Museum is not. Mary McAuliffe explores all these magical places and gives brief explanations about the history of Paris and the people who lived there. From Gertrude Stein to Picasso, from Victor Hugo to Eiffel, and many other figures that helped make the City of Light what it is today. Even more well-known places have a hidden side that is shown here. For the armchair traveler who can’t take this guidebook to the actual spots, I wish there were more photographs. An internet connection helps look up pictures that make sense of the text. My parents lived in Paris for years and I’m lucky enough to know if well but, after reading this book I realized that I don’t know it at all. Even Parisians would benefit from this wonderful book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Rowman & Littlefield!

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This is a wonderful companion book to take with me on my next visit to Paris. McAuliffe's book is a guide to "secret gardens" and other unique spots in Paris that are most often completely off the radar for the average tourist. I have been to Paris many times but typically go to the well-known gardens and monuments. This book is structured by neighborhood and gives a nicely detailed historical context to establish what we will be seeing and experiencing. We learn more about the beauty and destruction caused by Haussmann in the creation of the Boulevard system and other controversies, feuds (Gertrude Stein and Sylvia Beach) and Palace Intrigue. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book and I plan to bring a copy on my next trip to Paris. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for an ARC and I voluntarily left this honest review.

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A wonderful travel guide that fills your mind with the secrets of Paris. McAuliffe knows all the hidden spots and history of this beautiful city and whispers them in your ear while dangling juicy bits of historical gossip like treats to be devoured.
Very handy for planning my next trip.

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I enjoyed the book. It talked of little known places visited in Paris, but it seems it would be difficult for someone who isn't familiar with Paris to seek out the locations.

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A beautifully written history/travelogue of Paris. McAuliffe's love of the city shines throughout the text of the book. Images scattered through the book are captivating as well. Whoever the photographer is, it is clear they have a special talent with the camera. The images pull you in, make you visualize yourself in the image. Definitely a worthwhile read, and a wonderful way for the armchair traveler to experience the history and unique flavor that is Paris.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers Rowman & Littlefield for this arc, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

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Perfect book to visit Paris with.Whether your their in person or visiting from your couch you will be charmed and enchanted with this beautiful city.#netgalley #Paris

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A 'must-have' for anyone traveling to Paris for the first or the hundredth time. Guaranteed to teach you something new every time you open it up.

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