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Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're stepping between the pages of short story collection from an author whose name we've come to know. It came to my attention thanks to Jessica over at Penguin Random House and though I've not read this author's work before, I was most anxious to...more on that later. For now, allow me to introduce today's featured selection...
by
Jojo Moyes
9780735221079
Pamela Dorman Books
About the book...
Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She’s never even been on a romantic weekend away—to anywhere—before. Traveling abroad isn’t really her thing. But when Nell’s boyfriend fails to show up for their mini-vacation, she has the opportunity to prove everyone—including herself—wrong. Alone in Paris, Nell finds a version of herself she never knew existed: independent and intrepid. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life? Funny, charming, and irresistible, Paris for One is quintessential Jojo Moyes—as are the other stories that round out the collection.
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I'm not normally one for short story collections, but this one really spoke to me...after all, it's penned by the mind behind the book, Me Before You, and though it still sits on my wish list for a future read (hey, Santa!), I thoroughly enjoyed the film, hence my desire to indulge in this author's work. If this book is anywhere near an accurate sampling, I gotta say, I'm now TWICE as eager to read it. But let's get back to this one, shall we?
What begins as 'Paris for One', turns into a love affair with the written word. This collection of short stories captures each starring woman at a crossroads of sorts in her life. Whether on the cusp of discovering her inner diva thanks in part to a scene-stealing pair of heels ('Crocodile Shoes'), realizing how lucky she is with her sometimes humdrum yet steady relationship ('Thirteen Days with John C'), reminiscing on what might have been ('A Bird in the Hand'), or reevaluating her priorities amidst the holiday rush ('The Christmas List'), each moment of time captured, each woman's story shared, leads us on an emotional journey, for better or worse. In the space of a few pages (in some cases), the author managed to make me care about characters not easily forgotten and spun stories that while short were still complete.
Though they were all enjoyable in their own right, my favorite among them would be the title tale. It is the longest of them (go figure), but also the most magnificent. I felt for Nell as she ventured forth through a city made for lovers not singles. She was braver than she imagined she could be and by putting her faith in her instincts and her heart, had an adventure to last a lifetime (and might quite literally!). I could see the Parisian world brought to life before her eyes as she explored on foot and then arm in arm with...someone you'll have to read about. ^-^ Even her best gals back home were a jolly group! They had her back without question (didn't they Pete? *glares*) and when they saw a spade, they called it one...with a good kick in the pants! That ending though...what a heart zinger.
To conclude, this is one short story collection you don't want to miss. There's a little something for everyone that will warm the heart and tickle the funny bone, while bringing you bookish joy with each turn of the page. Recommended read for Women's Fiction and Contemporary Romance fans as a good clean read with heart!
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About the author...
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| Photo by Stine Heilmann |
Jojo Moyes is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of After You, Me Before You, One Plus One, The Girl You Left Behind, The Last Letter from Your Lover, Silver Bay, and The Ship of Brides. She lives with her husband and three children in Essex, England.
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Special thanks to Jessica at Penguin Random House for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so be sure to stop by your favorite retailer to snag your copy today!
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
2 comments:
A bit disappointed that this is a collection of short stories. Not something I'm generally keen on as, greedy as I am, I'm generally left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. Still, something to be considered as I do like this author.
Ah, but you see Tracey, THAT'S my usual reaction as well... I never seem to have enough time to get to know the characters, but this one really worked its magic!
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