clellman's review against another edition
3.0
i liked the first part about form more than the second part about content (because it was like the authors saying "ok now we can talk about anything french-related that we want to!) some good anecdotes and some subtleties i learned about, and also sometimes i felt like i had an anecdote or subtlety to add, which made me feel good
dansoper's review against another edition
4.0
Good guide to French conversation. Would recommend to all Francophiles.
jessicagatimu's review against another edition
4.0
Really fascinating book about French conversation. Between my study abroad time in college and my job working with French speakers, I find a lot of this book to be dead on. The authors did a lot of research, both hands on and through other references. They are very well informed and if you love anything French as I do, this is a definite recommendation for this book.
aspenpastore's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75
This was a lovely book to accompany my time in Paris. The authors are thoughtful, informative, and relatable. Their analysis from the outside of french culture helped me so much during my time in Paris.
rebeccaolee's review against another edition
5.0
Must read for anyone who learned French as a second language, travels to France or just knows French people. A staggeringly accurate deciphering of French culture and conventions for les etrangers. These two Québécois journalists reflect on their time spent living in Paris, and the "codes" of French conversation that they encountered : according to them, the French insist on conversing in strict invisible rules (codes) that are hard for foreigners to decipher, and without which communication becomes frustrating or leads to a dead end. The book takes its title from the first and most important "code" of speaking French : every conversation starts with the exchange of "Bonjour" no matter what. Well researched, with wonderful personal anecdotes from their travels around France and their experience of everyday life in Paris. I especially enjoyed learning about the French education system, and the authors' theories for the rise of the National Front. A lire!