A Journey Around My Room
Xavier de Maistre
Dressed in pink and blue pyjamas Xavier de Maistre “travels” on a great voyage around his room. This book was written in 1790 but could have been written in 2020! Xavier was placed under house arrest for participating in a duel and was confined for 42 days (is this sounding familiar?). I’m sure he paused for reflection as we are all doing now, but then he set to work on a travel parody that made lounging on the sofa just as fascinating as crossing the Alps or paddling up the Amazon. This novel will make you laugh and maybe help with your own “fictional travels.”
Love Letters of Great Men
Ursula Doyle
A book to read late at night, perhaps with a glass of wine, or your significant other – or both. Indulge your inner Carrie Bradshaw, light some candles, wear your favourite perfume and enjoy a collection of romantic letters from the likes of Mozart to Oscar Wilde to Victor Hugo.
Paris Dreaming
Katrina Lawrence
“What the City of Light taught me about life, love & lipstick.” Australian beauty editor, Katrina Lawrence shares her obsession with Paris which began at the age of five when she first visited with her Francophile parents, and continues through her adult life until she introduces her two sons to her “happy” place. This is a great book to read before your first trip to Paris; when you return from Paris; and when you know you won’t be travelling to Paris until at least 2021.
Parisian Chic Encore! A Style Guide
Ines de la Fressange & Sophie Gachet
With plenty of time on our hands to do a wardrobe makeover this book is essential. I read the original version which came out 10 years ago and bought everything I needed for a “classic” French look. Encore! is the new updated version complete with all the photographs and lists you will need because “everyone knows you don’t have to be born in Paris to dress like a Parisian.”
On Paris
Ernest Hemmingway
“Who doesn’t read Hemingway when you’re in Paris?”. This book is a collection of articles written for the Toronto Star between 1920 and 1924, but it reads like a travel journal. Much like my own travel journals, Hemingway describes each meal he eats in great detail and because “Paris will always be Paris”, you can still go to many of the restaurants and bars he frequents and follow his “moveable feast.” In the meantime, why not create your own Parisian bistro at home?
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
A fable about following your dream to a far-off land – well that’s me to a tee! This book inspired my journeys around southern Spain and Morocco. Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who travels from his homeland in Spain to the pyramids of Egypt in search of buried treasure. On his journey of discovery, he meets an eclectic group of fellow transients including a gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king and an Alchemist, all of whom help Santiago on his way. “Santiago is a testament to the power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.”
Use 2020 for reflection and knowledge, then plan that trip for 2021 – that’s my dream!
