French Affaires Book Series: Spring & Summer 2010

April

French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of France by Richard Goodman

May

Paris: Made By Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk

Join us as we take a unique voyage around Paris via this month's book selection Paris: Made By Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk. This new volume highlights unexpected workshops and boutiques around the French capital where beautiful objects are still fait main (made by hand). Each chapter tells a story in itself of French creativity and craftsmanship.

In keeping with our book’s theme, we'll meet at the lovely Yves Délorme boutique in Dallas which features wonderfully made French linens and decorative objects for the home. As part of our book discussion, Yves Délorme manager Amanda Lang will share her experiences visiting workshops and artists’ studios in France which supply the store with handmade and traditionally crafted items. As an added treat, our private Yves Délorme book club evening will include shopping discounts and a special parting gift.

June

On Rue Tatin: Living and Cooking in a French Town by Susan Herrmann Loomis With a special appearance by the author!

In our June book pick On Rue Tatin: Living and Cooking in a French Town, internationally recognized journalist and cookbook author Susan Herrmann Loomis recounts her introduction into French culinary life at the La Varenne cooking school in Paris. She then charms us with the adventures of her move to a small town in Normandy where she and her family renovate a former monastery while cooking her way through regional specialties. Her book includes recipes, ending on a fitting note with her exceptional tarte tatin, the quintessential dessert of Normandy.

We are excited to announce that Susan will be part of our June book discussion during her visit to Dallas this summer. She’ll regale us with highlights from her cooking life in France and also give us a glimpse into her latest cookbook released this year. Reserve early as this session will be sure to sell out!

August

Suite française: A Novel by Irène Némirovsky

Our August book is Suite française, the celebrated posthumous novel of Irène Némirovsky, which begins in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation. What makes this book especially poignant is the fact that Némirovsky’s own story falls under the cloud of World War II. A Jewish writer living in Paris, she was arrested and deported in 1942 to Auschwitz where she died. Her fictional work came to light with much acclaim more than 60 years after her death.

We will gather for our book discussion at The Dallas Institute of Humanities & Culture where we will be joined by Executive Director, Dr. Larry Allums. A literary specialist, Dr. Allums will discuss Suite française with us and give us his thoughts on the book as a work of literature. If you have never been to the Dallas Institute, you are in for a real cultural treat!

January 2010

Gourmet Rhapsody

Our December book is the celebrated first novel of Muriel Barbery, the French author of the best-selling fictional work The Elegance of the Hedgehog. It recounts the last moments of the world-reknowned French food critic Pierre Arthens, the 'Pope of Gastronomy.' We'll discuss our book as well as the status of French cuisine with local food experts including Michelle Rodarte, Senior Foodie and Cooking School Manager at Central Market Cooking School Dallas. And we'll enjoy gourmet bites and beverages as we talk about this hommage to French flavors, tastes and culinary accomplishments.