Four French things for 2024
I don’t know about you, but this year nearly broke me several times. And each time, I cobbled the pieces of myself back together, hoping they would stick. I. Am. Tired.
So while I intended to compile a list of 24 things I learned or enjoyed reading this year, the task became a little too daunting. Four, however, I could manage (and it’s a still a digit in 2024 so it fits, right?).
With that, here is my favorite video moment from the Olympics opening ceremony, an online read, an episode of a podcast that isn’t my own, and the last France-related book I read in 2024 that I highly recommend. Plus, a bonus: one piece of my own writing. Wishing you a restful conclusion to the year and sending continued thanks for reading!
REVOLUTION ROCK: GOJIRA AT PARIS 2024
No comment other than !!! This performance is nominated for a Grammy!
ONE FINAL READ THIS YEAR ABOUT GISELE PELICOT
This essay went rather viral for a reason and I hope you’ll take the time to read it. What would a woman do to an unconscious man if she thought no-one would find out? By
.OTHER THOUGHTS ON NOTRE DAME’S REOPENING
DECEMBER BOOK: IMPOSSIBLE CITY
I always enjoy reading Simon Kuper’s astute observations on life and culture in his column for the Financial Times, particularly when they focus on France. His latest book, Impossible City, is billed as a memoir but Kuper weaves in his personal motivations for moving to Paris twenty years ago, anecdotes from buying a Parisian apartment back when it was still eminently affordable, and countless snippets from everyday Parisian life (in all its complexities) with sharp, insightful, and often humorous reporting on educational and political elitism, religion, housing, and general urban strife. Some passages may feel overly familiar if you’ve previously consumed any life-in-France tales (eg. It’s hard to make friends with the French; they love a long lunch…) but they are few and don’t detract from illuminating social analysis. Pay close attention to the sections on Macron’s rise.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF NATURE TOURISM: FONTAINEBLEAU
My favorite story to write this year was this deep dive (gift link) for the New York Times into the Fontainebleau Forest and the emergence of nature tourism, a place that’s near and dear to our hearts.
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I have recently started following you as every time I came across your writings I was caused to think and to feel. Today was especially moving and the selections were deeply poignant. I look forward to the new year. Thank you.
Sending me back down memory lane with that video of Gojira. I am gutted I didn't know they played at the opening of the Olympics!!!!