One of the books I simply had to read in preparation for my latest vacation was Paris In Style by Janelle McCulloch. I had glanced through her other book Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City's Creative Heart, but Justin wouldn't let me purchase it. He commented that travel books featuring places often get outdated quickly. While he is right, that didn't deter me from checking out this book, especially since I knew we would be visiting the city of light soon.
The thing I found most appealing about Paris In Style was the layout of the book. McCulloch first provided an introduction following that up with suggestions on where to stay, where to dine, which gardens to see, which sites to see and, finally, sharing her favorite design, fashion, and style locations only minimally returning to topics she had already covered such as where to eat and sleep in those locations where style and fashion are central to daily life.
This book is very good at providing must-sees and must-dos for artists and fashionistas alike, but the reviews of each location are very short and somewhat minimal. I suppose in a city like Paris where there are so many different places, you have to be quick to the punch; however, I, personally, would have liked a bit more detail. A website perhaps, her favorite things to buy in the store, the store hours, or even (most helpful!) a map. Even the pictures (which are beautiful!) aren't really related to the stores mentioned in the chapters. It's almost like the book concept was slapped together. Maybe a blog would have suited this topic better?
While I do have my reservations about this book, I did discover so many stores and shops that I would love to visit that I would, otherwise, have not known about: fabric, button, clothing, and antique shops entice me. Flea markets and flower stores enthrall me. Where will I go this vacation? I wonder.
Yes, I do have a place in my life (and heart) for Janelle McCulloch's Paris In Style, but I'm not sure this will be the ideal travel book for just anyone. Definitely take into consideration the types of places you want to visit in Paris before purchasing. There may be a better book out there for you.
Buy Paris In Style here.
P.S. Click here to see a map featuring locations found in this book that I am interested in going to.
* I received this book for free in exchange for sharing my review. All opinions are my own.
** I'm participating in Susannah Conway's December Reflections. Are you? Today's post was #14 a response to "Space Between".
