Happy SATURDAY, friends! I am home from Northern Ireland just in time for BOOK CLUB #6!
Woohoo!!
Who doesn’t love the 22nd of every month?!
Okay, just to recap, so far this year, our book club has read and reviewed…
The Last Love Note by Emma Grey. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
Before we get to today’s book, let’s revisit the “rules” of Shay’s Book Club:
Here are the details:
1: On the 22nd of each month, I will share a BONUS blog post that is only about the book we read together that month. So, if it falls on a weekend, look for it that day, if it falls on a Tuesday, expect a food post, a normal lifestyle post AND third post just for the book review discussion.
2: I picked the 22nd because I want this post to come out BEFORE our normal monthly BOOK REVIEW POSTS. I will still share my normal monthly book reviews (where I average 4 to 6 books a month) at the end of each month. I will reference said “book of the month”, but I will not be reviewing it on that post, I will be linking back to the BOOK CLUB POST. Why? Because I want all of the content about the one specific book club book in one spot instead of spread out over multiple spots.
3: Each month at the end of the Book Club blog post, I will share what the book will be for the following month. This will give everyone one month to read this one particular book.
4: Let’s be real, I’m going to try to pick new/popular/relevant books every month, but I’m also going to pick books that speak to me. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them with me. I’m going to *try* and make the books different genres each month. I would love for us to read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, chick lit, thrillers, etc this year. That’s the *goal*.
5: What are the rules of the book club? I know a lot of book clubs have rules and perhaps I’ll add some as we go, but basically, if you want to read along with us, we’d love to have you and on the 22nd we’ll dive a little deeper in the comment section here about that one particular book. Easy as that! That post is the one place where we’ll discuss the book so that all thoughts/opinions/questions/etc can be in one location.
6: In this blog post and in the comment section, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING SPOILERS. If you are interested in reading this book, you might not want to read below this line. In JUNE’S BOOK REVIEW later this month, I will give a quick recap and let you know if I recommend the book or not, so if you haven’t read it, you might want to wait until that official BOOK REVIEW because there will be no spoilers and based on that, you can decide whether or not to read the book. Anything below this though will include spoilers as everyone commenting here has already read the book.
Make sense?
Here we go!
This month’s novel was…
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
And boo.
This was my lowest rated book of the year thus far, and if I’m being honest, if this hadn’t have been our book club selection this month, I would have quit it about a third of the way in.
I’m not exactly sure why this one fell so flat for me, but geez, it did. I mean, it checked all of my boxes: fiction, set in Paris, about a young woman finding herself, there is a cozy book shop in the story, delicious food reference, a beautiful dress…hello?! It has all the makings of a “Shay” book, but for the life of me, I could not get into it. I thought the entire novel felt just so long and…boring. Of course, of course, of course, the terrible, terrible abuse the character endured as a young child was not “boring”, but the “bulk” of the story certainly felt very slow to me.
Stella, as a main character, I didn’t mind. I found her a bit quirky and lovable…she was timid and unsure and adorably set in her ways and type-A which I enjoyed. I didn’t really love Jules as a character…he made me uncomfortable from the start and I just never bought into his story line. The bookshop was a cute setting, but I couldn’t get excited about her place there, and truth be told, it felt all too bizarre. I don’t love when children have “adult” roles in stories which I felt happened in this one. I liked the ending and felt the last two or three chapters picked up speed, buuuuut I needed one more chapter (an epilogue would have been fabulous!) to really round things up. My favorite part? The Author’s Note at the end. That was the most unique and interesting part of the book for me.
I know a Two Star rating is a bit harsh, but when this book was over and done with, I enjoyed it much less than I did both The Heiress and The Many Lives of Mama Love which received Three Star ratings this year here in our Book Club. I didn’t “love” those books, but I never once thought about quitting them for being slow…I considered it several times when reading this one.
I am SO intrigued about what you guys think! This is such a “Shay book” that I’m shocked I didn’t love it. Am I the only one??
Okay, what’s next for our book club?
…well, of course. It’s Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand 🙂 .
I would imagine that MANY of you have already read this novel this month (even though it just came out last week!), so if that’s you, please don’t share any thoughts in the comment section of this post. Please wait until we all read and review it together on July 11th.
That’s it for Book Club #6! I can’t wait to discuss below! Head to the comment section to share your thoughts! xx
Stephanie Gregory says
I also gave this book 2 stars! I ended up quitting about 2/3 of the way through. This book should have been one that I loved, but I just didn’t. Not only was it boring, but I did not love any of the characters. I found that as I was reading my mind would wander and I would have to reread paragraphs. Then I realized I really did not care how it ended so I quit. Looking forward to next months book – I have a much better feeling about that one!
Heather D. Henderson says
Your review took the words out of my mouth. I 100% agree.
Emily G says
I could not agree more! I was going to be so bummed if you or lots of readers liked this novel. It was the most boring one I’ve read in awhile. And I almost felt at times I needed to know French! I got lost in all the food references- seemed pointless to the story. Living in the bookstore was odd!! I found myself uninterested most of the novel and only trudged through it to see what book club would say!! Two stars for sure!!
Kelly says
Shay my feelings were exactly the same as yours! I wanted to quit so many times! It was just slow and boring to me. The end was just ok but still my least favorite book I’ve read in a long time! I honestly just felt the whole time that there was no reason for the book. I’m so glad I’m not the only one. The whole time I kept thinking I can’t wait to see what Shay says about this! 🤣
Becky Simpson says
The Paris Novel wasn’t a favorite of mine as well.
I just finished Swan Song!
Elspeth says
I can’t wait for Swan song! I’ll be reading along!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah McQueary says
I could not get into The Paris Novel either! I wanted so bad to like it but found it downright boring! I never quit a book, but I just couldn’t finish it. Excited for July’s read!
Brooke Garwood says
I completely agree with you on The Paris Novel. I pushed through but at times hard. I am currently reading Swan Song!! Yay!
Erin says
Welcome back! Okay I am SO glad to hear your thoughts on this book because I haven’t been able to read it yet. I was iffy on it just from the description so I didn’t really want to buy it…..but I’ve debating on that this week because I’ve had it on the hold list FOREVER at the library and it’s starting to feel like I’ll never get off. LOL So thank you for a review that 1)prevents me from buying a not so good book and 2)confirms my initial “iffy” feeling.
Also, I just finished up Swan Song. I can not wait to see what everyone has to say. Much to discuss.
Deb says
I have to agree with you ⭐️⭐️! I almost stopped but felt since it was book club I felt I should plow on. The whole older man thing was creepy and I kept thinking something bad was going to happen with her drinking and deep sleeps. I got a vampire vibe a couple times but knew you wouldn’t do supernatural. Looking forward to Elin this month!!
Monica says
I had a similar reaction to this book, Shay. With all of the elements of discovery related to travel, food, people, libraries and even a cat, I should have loved this book. I would have loved to see more revealed about her mother, and maybe not acceptance of all that happened but at least a more powerful emotional connection.
Candice says
This book fell flat for me too.
What I did love, the fact that Stella found her father when she was not sure if she wanted to look or not. I also loved at the end of the book how she had her Mom’s dress and “Stella” was written on it. I loved also the setting, Paris.
However it was still hard for me to pick up at times. I was easily distracted with this book and did not have the feeling of I need to pick it back up to find out what happens or how it ends. I felt very bad for the abuse she received as a child and how her Mom did not seem really “present”.
Ashlie says
I too had a hard time with this book. I was so excited for it and it fell flat. The fashion and food descriptions were the best part! I was glad when I finished it and could put it away.
Michelle H. says
I gave this book 2 stars. I thought the book was long and dragged out. The only good part of it was when she found her father at the end. The end was weird because it kind of just stopped where I thought there would be more.
In your post it says the next book club review is July 11th. Is that true? Also, why can’t we see everyone’s comments on this book?
Kit says
I was also wondering about July 11th vs the normal 22nd! Cant wait for Swan Song!!!
Cindy says
Have you read Nantucket Daughters by Julie Gerstenblatt? I Went to her book event at a winery in Shrewsbury, MA Wednesday night and she was engaging, funny and provided her path to writing her first historical novel.
Charise says
I really enjoyed this months novel, but I do agree that an epilogue would’ve been nice to have just to wrap everything up nicely. The ending felt very abrupt and I was shocked that was it. I’m excited to see what you think of Swan Song next month!! I’ve already devoured it. (I also recently read “The Bordeaux Book Club” by Gillian Harvey and I think you may enjoy it!!)
Kim McGuire says
I also wanted to quit The Paris Novel, once I read the very descriptive scene where she eats the bird’s head and brain!! It was awwwwwful!!
Stephanie Snyder says
I agree. I had high hopes for the novel based on it hitting so many key factors, but was disappointed. There was so much missing and necessary to make it better. The way Stella met everyone and everything was so easily made to work that it was unbelievable and just not my favorite. I did like the ending and that she found her dad after the crummy childhood she had with her mom.
Cindy says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who didn’t like the book. I kept waiting for it to get better. I wanted to quit but made myself finish reading it.
Excited for the Swan Song.
Ashley says
Ok, I thought it was just me, but I didn’t like this book at all. I thought about stopping multiple times, but kept going since it was your book club pick. I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads, but only because I felt guilty giving 2 stars. 🤣
Excited for the Swan Song!
Alexis says
I’m cracking up bc I felt the EXACT same way you did reading this. I kept wondering if it was just me because it had such a cute premise but I was bored out of my mind and can’t say I really cared what happened to anyone. I liked the main character but never connected to her and while I enjoy some food descriptions (hello Elin books!), this book was never ending in them and hardly any of it sounded appetizing to me. I checked the percentage left on my Kindle what felt like every five minutes. I have only ever rated one other book a two on Goodreads but I had to give this one two stars because it fell that flat to me. Easily the book I’ve disliked the most in the last several years if I’m being honest. Like you, I thought the author’s note was by far the best and most interesting part of the novel!
Stephanie says
I’m glad I’m not the only one that couldn’t get into this book. I thought it checked all the boxes too, but nope, I could hardly finish. I listened on audiobook and that didn’t redeem it. Oh well you win some and lose some.
Joanne says
I have Swan Song waiting for me to pick up at our library today! It’s sounding like a good thing I didn’t find The Paris Novel to read.. I pretty much never buy books so if my library doesn’t have it I skip it.
Katie Tullis says
Same! Same! Same! If it wasn’t for the book club I would have quit this book. I gave it 3 stars, but only because the ending redeemed itself and the Author’s Notes were good. This was such a long and boring book for me. Then the last couple of chapters were pretty good. So annoying!!
Addy J Robinson says
Agree, agree!! I found a lot of the food descriptions gross?? 🤣 Very graphic and completely unappetizing. Did not love this one.
Jeanine says
I love Ruth Reichl! Garlic and Sapphires is one of my favorite books ever, and if you haven’t read it, I think you would enjoy it. It’s a true story about her time as a NY Times food critic in which she decided to disguise herself in order to get the same service as everyone else at restaurants and then be able to give an honest review (apparently, many restaurants had her picture up in the kitchen so that they could recognize her and try to wow her with their food and service).
That said, I haven’t read The Paris Novel yet because I’m still waiting in line for it at the library. But it looks like it may be one of those that I have to skim through. I’ll definitely give it a go and read the first couple of chapters though. If it doesn’t draw me in, then I’ll skim. So many books, so little time and all that, haha!
Leticia says
This was my first Ruth Reichl novel and I enjoyed it! I would give it 3 stars – enjoyable, some parts were a bit long, but I wanted to see how things turned out.
Christina Stava says
I was so bored and could barely finish it… I
Lorelei Boyett says
I did quit the book! About 2/3 in I just couldn’t take anymore. Two stars is being generous! Boring and just plain dumb!
Patt C says
I agree 100%. It took me soooooo long to read the book because I never wanted to pick it up. So boring. If not for one night of insomnia where I read this for a couple of hours (even this book couldn’t make me sleepy), I would have never finished it. And I only finished it because of the book club. What a waste of time.
Mary says
These were my thoughts too! I was afraid I was missing something great about this book.
Rayne Osborn says
I liked this one, while I agree it started slow and painful, I thought the middle and ending made up for it. I also thought the “tumbleweed” part to be a little strange, but the description of the book store and its revolving door were so charming. I loved the food descriptions! I also have read all of Ruth Reichl’s books and this was my least favorite. Save me the Plums is my favorite, so I encourage you to try that one.
Thea says
I finished the book just now and came on here to read everyines thought, and I was quite surprised!! I did not find it slow at all!! I loved all the references to culture, art, Paris and food. What I didnt like was the mix of real people into this fictional story.
First time commenting today
Lauren R says
I really enjoyed Ruth Reichel’s book Save the Plums but I think this passion project was just too much outside of her comfort zone. Her nonfiction writing about food is spectacular – you can see this in how she describes the food throughout this novel- but the narrative arc fell a bit flat here. I wouldn’t count out her nonfiction food centered books though, they are great!
Jen S says
Well, I have to say I really enjoyed this book! I go to Paris at least once a year and I have been to many of the places mentioned! It is true that Tumbleweeds really did (and some still do) inside the Shakespeare and Co bookstore! I loved the restaurants mentioned and especially the Dior dress!
Kay says
I find again and again that you and the readers of your blog are my people!
I have read and really liked all our book club books so far. But I 100% agree with your review Shay, you took the words right out of my mouth! All the “ingredients” of a good book for me were there…strong female character, finding yourself in Paris (I lived in Paris for a summer in my 20s!), food!, a cozy bookstore, a cute father-daughter relationship and yet, I was so bored! I guess overall, the writing was more of a “summary” for me. I didn’t feel like the story was unfolding as I read it. It was more like someone recounting a VERY long dream that just doesn’t interest you much? And because of the terrible things that happened to Stella as a young girl, I could NOT relax with Jules! I just kept worrying for her!
I’m excited for Elin’s book! We can’t go wrong there. As long as there are no ghosts?
Carly says
I sent you this in an DM as well but I’ll add here. I’m about a 100 pages in on this and actually went to review to get spoilers. And THANK YOU FOR TELLING ME TO QUIT BECAUSE IT SUCKS! I’ve been staring at my juicy stack of summer beach reads trying to get through this. Normalize quitting books. Picking up Swan song for the pool today!
Jessica says
I kept reading The Paris Novel thinking surely this book gets better, surely it will come to a climax, surely it will gain some depth and purpose……. a was 3/4 of the way through when I finally admitted defeat. Nope, this is really all there is. A book that describes food and has far too many coincidences to be realistic.
2 STARS, but I will say it did make me very hungy.
Yolanda McLean says
Oh, I am so relieved to see your review and all these comments. I feel so validated in not enjoying this book at all. I was so relieved when it was over and I agree an epilogue would have made me feel like my time wasn’t so wasted. The authors note was the best part, I agree. Oh well, win a few and lose a few. This was a loss! Two stars is generous!
Lisa says
This book was a complete disappointment for me. I stopped reading it because it never captured me (I kept waiting)
Too many good books out there to waste on this one hoping it would get better.
Laura says
I would have stopped reading this if it weren’t a book club book. I have read a few of Reichls books and they were so much better than this one was. I was glad I finished it though because I think it got a little better at the end and then the authors note of why she wrote it was touching. Excited for the next month’s book!
Lynelle says
I called it quits 1/3 of the way through. I thought the audio version might help it along, but…nope! There are too many good books waiting for me to trudge through this one!
Jessica says
Ah I listened to the audiobook and liked it! Maybe it was more enjoyable being listened to – I felt the descriptions of Paris back then, the food, the journey… it was a really nice listen!
Shannon says
Wow, can’t believe so many people hated Paris Novel. I loved it and gave it 5 stars. I loved all of the layers from fashion, found family, food, art history, etc.
The only parts that bothered me was the trauma of her abuse was never mentioned again. I wish there had been some kind of healing moment or at least telling someone so she wasn’t holding it in but to be in the beginning and then really never spoken of again was weird to me. And then I didn’t connect to it being 1983 at all, just felt like modern day so I kept forgetting it was supposed to be the 80’s.
Laci says
I also found this one to be a bit slow and boring! Boo
Detroit Duchess says
I LOVED this book! It made me want to go to Paris. I loved all the real people and places and all the different art, culture, and food stories to explore. I hope they make this into a movie. I definitely wanted more.