Book Review-Meet Me In Paris by Juliette Sobanet

Since I can never get enough of reading about my favorite city either in fiction or non-fiction form, I decided to dig into Juliette Sobanet's telling memoir Meet Me In Paris.  I have read a few of her books before-including Sleeping With Paris, Honeymoon In Paris, and Kissed In Paris and loved all of them.  Juliette typically writes romance novels most set in the city of light which is why I have picked them up.  You can just tell from reading them she loves that city like I do.  It certainly shows in her writing which is rich in details. So much so that you feel like you are strolling the streets of Paris alongside her characters.

Meet Me In Paris is a beautifully written memoir, peppered with poems, about the authors decision to take a chance and live her French dream.  Through a painful process of divorcing her husband and having a lengthy affair with a married man she finds what truly makes her happy. In the end she lets go of the things that are holding her back and decides to take a leap of faith.  Along the way she has an incredible community of friends that are supportive and willing to offer advice (as well as incredible places to stay when she is in France).

From the first page I could not put it down! I too felt that I was French and lived in Paris in another life. I may have only been there once  (my second trip there is coming in September), but the first time I set foot in Paris I felt at home. It was heartbreaking to read about the pain Juliette was in all through her decision to divorce her husband and her self destructive affair, but in the end she overcame all the pain to come to the decision to make the big move to France.  I am so happy for her (and truthfully a tiny bit jealous!).

Fans of Juliette's books will love this look into the authors journey and others will love how revealing she is about her relationships.  I'm sure it was not an easy thing to put her life in words for all to see.  I sure am happy she did and I think it will bring inspiration to women who want to find their own happiness.

If you read this book and like the authors poems, you will love her new book of poems I Loved You In Paris

And My Favorite Book From 2015 Is..... Big Magic!

No book gave me a feeling this past year like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert did.

I've never considered myself a creative person, but I love to write. Once I find something to write about, I am in my "zone". Where I stumble is finding something to write about. I always had this big road block in my mind that who really cares about what I have to say. Even though I write basically for myself my hope is that maybe one other person in the universe might like what I have to say.

This is why Big Magic spoke to me. Whatever you passion is, painting, writing, interior decorating, ice skating, or finding passion in your everyday life, you can find those hidden jewels of creativity within yourself. When you do find them-that's big magic.  Elizabeth Gilbert shows us how to dig deep, encouraging like a cheerleader to work hard, practice your craft, and let go of the fear that is holding us back. I honestly am able to let go of the idea that my writing does not have to be perfect, after all I'm not giving up my day job....at least not yet! 

A Parents Guide To YALLfest

If you are not familiar with YALLfest you are probably asking yourself

What is YALLfest?

YALLfest 2014 and Blue Bicycle Books

YALLfest is one of-if not the largest young adult book events in the country.  It takes place in Charleston South Carolina every November.  It is put on by a fabulous little bookstore on King Street called Blue Bicycle Books.  Last year, there were approximately 60 authors that took part.  There are book signings, panel discussions and other fun events crammed into a two day event.  YALLfest is THE place to be if you are a book nerd or generally consider yourself a fan of the YA genre. Last year there were literally thousands of book nerds that attended. It is honestly something to see!

I just happen to have a 16 year old book nerd living under my roof. My daughter read about 130 books last year alone so I think she qualifies for the queen of book nerds if there is such a title. She LOVES books and I guess when other girls her age obsess over clothes and boys, she spends all her money on books.  This is not a bad thing. In fact, being a reader myself, I love the fact that my child spends all her free time reading. There are worse things she can be doing.

So, getting back to YALLfest. Coming from Wisconsin we decided to fly to Charleston because of time restraints.  The only problem with that was we were carrying about 50 hardcover books with us to be signed by various authors.  Yes you heard me FIFTY books!  Because of weight restrictions we divided those books up into 2 of our large size suitcases.  Thank goodness we were not gone for a week since we had little room left for clothes. By the way, did you ever try lifting a suitcase containing 30 hardcover books? I said a little prayer of thanks to the people who came up with the wheels on the bottom of the suitcase! I think the shuttle driver at the airport threw his back out lifting those suitcases.

This brings me to my first piece of guidance for the YALLfest parent.....you are there for 3 reasons

1) To transport books back and forth that have been signed or need to be signed to your hotel/vehicle/vacation rental. Some people do not do this. They just wheel their large suitcases with them all day from event to event. This is not such a bad idea since your suitcase can make an excellent place to sit when you back needs a rest from all that standing in line.

2)  Be a body to stand in line for your child as they go from book signing to book signing. While they are standing in line at one signing, you are instructed to stand in line at another signing or to get wristbands for a big named author signing or panel discussion.

3) To bring food to your child as they stand in line.  There will be no time for an actual meal during the day. You either have to have a food runner (said parent) or go without food all day. Side note:  Charleston has the most excellent food! Especially little hole-in-the-wall bakeries!!!!

Believe me this 2 day event is not for the faint of heart. It is brutal, exhausting, and worth every minute of it!

My daughter Megan and her friend Grace waiting in line for a book signing

If as a parent you think you will have time to fit in a little sightseeing or shopping, you might have some time. We arrived in Charleston late Thursday night and I had most of the day on Friday, and although there are events going on Friday, I was free to explore on my own.  I could not be in such a beautiful city such as Charleston and not see things.  Saturday morning I went to the farmers market and made some purchases, but by around 10:00 I joined the ranks of parents as official line standees.

Even I got to meet my favorite YA author Rainbow Rowell

The last piece of advice I have is to either stay at a hotel downtown, or find an awesome vacation rental if you are traveling from out of town. You can do this through VRBO.com or airbnb.  We found a cute little 1 bedroom villa through VRBO right off of King Street. It was perfect!  It was an easy walk from all the events which basically all take place on or around King Street. I walked back and forth during the day all weekend exchanging books, dropping off purchases and just to use the restroom and have a 5 minute rest.

YALLfest has become so popular that they added another event for the west coast appropriately titled YALLwest for this year.

The best part...sharing fun times with your daughter

This years YALLfest takes place in Charleston November 13th and 14th. Follow YALLfest on Facebook for all the latest info plus see pictures from last years event.  I hope to see you there!  One last piece of advice, have fun, after all you are sharing something fun to do with your book nerd! Oh and make sure and wear comfy shoes!!!!

Meeting some of Megan's favorite authors