Currently Reading...

As winter weather and the holiday craziness approaches, it's nice to have respite in the form of good books. Here's what I'm currently reading:

Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton

By now, most people know that I absolutely adore the Humans of New York blog. The Facebook comments tend to get a little crazy, but the book is purely a celebration of diversity present in a single (amazing) city. 

Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

Okay, I'm going to admit this one sounds hokey. It came with a great recommendation though, and I want to keep an open mind. The Amazon description says "Tolle expands on these powerful ideas to show how transcending our ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world."  So there you go - who doesn't want that?

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

As the only fiction book I'm currently reading, I'm expecting a lot out of The Fault in our Stars. This one also comes with stellar recommendations, and even the bookstore employees told me it was their favorite book, period.

What are you reading? Any great books I should know about?

xo,

Rachel

Bibliophilia Meets Francophilia

On a recent trip around Europe, I was lucky enough to spend a week in Paris. Hello, new obsession. Aside from being easily the most beautiful city I've ever seen, the Parisians I interacted with dispelled all the "rude French" rumors Americans like to perpetuate. Upon returning to the states, I wasn't quite ready to put Paris out of my mind. Luckily, there are about a million wonderful books about French culture. 

 

 

The Politics of The Veil

Master the Basics: French

Paris Street Style



 

The Politics of the Veil: The book explores the French government's 2004 ban on wearing "conspicuous signs of religious affiliation" in schools. It covers a lot of interesting subjects surrounding the ban, including immigration, racism, gender studies, and France's values of secular liberalism.

 

Master the Basics: French: Languages are not my strong point. I've dabbled in Spanish and Italian, but never attempted French. I realize how valuable speaking the language of a place you are visiting is. I truly wish I had even an introduction to French before visiting Paris. Next time, I will!

 

Paris Street Style: I could people-watch all day in Paris. This book is filled with illustrations and photos, making it a much lighter read. I'm especially enjoying the interviews with French designers.

 

Now if someone could just deliver Ladurée macarons to me....

 

 

Cheers,

Rachel