Jesse Cranford

Please DO NOT GO To Paris is a humorous tour through the famous City of Love. The author clearly has a lot of experience with Paris, and has highlighted not only all the usual place to see and things to do, but also provides hints about culture and language in amongst all the jokes. But, to be honest I found that humour very uneven. Sometimes the book is quite serious, and other times light and jokey, and once in a while the jokes get almost too mean and serious.

I feel like the book would seriously benefit from some pictures and maps, maybe some cute cartoon drawings. Also, sometimes important information is missing, like which arrondissement each neighbourhood or shop is in or when some of the festivals and events take place.

This is a mostly fun look at Paris from an American perspective. But, as a Canadian who parle un peu français and has some exposure to French culture via Quebec, some of the funny bits perhaps didn't translate as well (ha!) for me. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book well enough.… (más)

First this e-book's table of contents:

1. Neighborhood Nuisances -- Paris' Quirky Quarters
2. Ineffable Baguettes and Other Food Faux Pas
3. Lost in Non-Translation
4. Paris -- Capital of Romance for Couples on Every Stage of Love
5. Dusty Relics and Their Fancy Museums
6. Oddities and Extravagances: Paris' Most Peculiar Annual Festivities
7. Shopping Sprees and Souvenir Sins
8. Paris After Dark -- a Tour of Revelry, Revelations and Regrets
9. Greenscapes and Escapes -- Navigating the Verdant Veins of Paris
10. Escape Acts -- Day Trips From Paris for the Restless Traveler
Epilogue: The Last Croissant

The author, Jesse Cranford, is correct -- this is an "unhelpful guide" to Paris, even if its "text" were accessible only electronically by 'smart' phone or other device. In Library Thing's rating scheme, it deserves a "star" for playful language -- ineffable baguette, quirky quarter, verdant vein.… (más)

The author does a great job of describing Paris, what to do, and what to watch out for, all while being entertaining and never imitating any other travel guide. The chapters cover Paris neighborhoods, food, romantic adventures, museums, shopping, nightlife, parks, and day trips. Each description also includes tips on who would like a particular venue, and who would not. It’s a tremendously helpful book, and I know a lot more about the city than I did before I read it. The shopping section covers souvenirs as well as clothing, and has one of the best lines I’ve ever read: “Remember, it’s better to leave Paris empty-handed than to fill your suitcase with regret.”
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I used a Scribe to read the Kindle edition of this book. The formatting, paging, and chapter references were perfect.
… (más)