Vicki Lesage

If this book didn't make me want to hop a plane to take me across the big pond, I don't think anything will. Right from the beginning, I fell in love with Vicki's antics and all of her adventures (including her many libations). I was able to live vicariously through Vicki and enjoy the beautiful Parisian life, if only for a few days. Truth be told, I tried to take my time reading it because I didn't want the adventure to end. I was in no hurry to return to the monotony of a dull life in the show more States. I saw ads for other books by this author, and I have no doubt that they will be equally as entertaining. show less

This book was like my freshman university soul speaking back to me. Who can resist thinking fondly back on drunken nights spent dancing on tables and making friends with strangers? Lesange’s latest book is a comedic and sentimental trip down memory lane of her adventures during an extended stay in Paris, as well as their relatability to your own adventurous alcohol-induced escapades.

“I hope you’ll laugh (at me or with me – I’m not picky), cry, and have a fab time taste-testing the show more mouth-watering libations.”

This book was laugh-out-loud funny, entertaining and charmingly endearing. Lesange’s honest self-deprecation and relatability made this book an absolute treat to read. No longer do you have to search for a book to commiserate and share your adventures with. Confessions of an Expat in Paris has something for every reader, despite being set in an exotic holiday location (for some – or home for the lucky others!).

“So come on over to my place! It’ll be a madhouse, I promise. But we’ll have some wine for you. As long as you don’t mind smudgy glasses and the unending chorus of the same kiddie song over and over again.”

This is the perfect summer read for those interested in exploring Paris through cocktails and embarrassing stories, while still relating to common-place issues such as a child’s obsession with the word ‘caca.’ From sharing stories of honeymoon café blunders, post-pregnancy weight loss and being unable to resist karaoke when Bonnie Tyler is playing – Lesange is relatable, funny and manages to find a dash of humour and silver lining for all of her Parisian tales.

“There’s a direct correlation between how loud I belt out “Total Eclipse of the Heart” into whatever microphone-shaped object I find at the bar and how crappy I’m going to feel the next morning.”

What hooked me in for this book was Lesange’s honesty in picking apart the awkward moments in life that we all experience and try to avoid thinking about again.

“I can’t stand it when strangers walk next to me on the sidewalk. Speed up, slow down, or marry me, but we’re not walking like this the whole way.”

I would recommend this to fans of chick-lit and humorous memoirs. I will definitely be reading the rest in her Confessions series!

Arc provided by LibraryThing Member Giveaway for an honest review. show less

I’ve just been chatting over a cup of coffee to Vicki Lesage about her first few years in Paris. At least that what it seems like reading her book Confessions of a Paris Party Girl. (Or should that be over several glasses of vino?).

Vicki begins her adventure in Paris optimistically: “The hardwood floors were old and creaky – or in my eyes, authentic and beautiful. The shower didn’t have a curtain, which simply provided a better view of the wooden sauna-like walls of the bathroom. The show more antique sofa was uncomfortable, which ensured I didn’t waste time lounging around when I could be exploring Paris. ”

Soon the foggy haze of illusion lifts and Vicki is thrown into reality. There is no doubting that she remains delighted with her decision to move to Paris (readily available baguettes, endless glasses of wine and beautiful landmarks certainly help) but between French bureaucracy, struggling with language misunderstandings and some strange characters Vicki is on the proverbial see saw. To her credit she never loses hope and remains steadfastly in love with her chosen city.

Vicki copes with everything Paris and its people throw at her. She has the rare ability to not only laugh at herself but to publicly share both funny and embarrassing (but still amusing to the reader) episodes in her very entertaining and fun book.

Being friendless in a new city doesn’t daunt her but she does have some hiccups along the way to finally find a group of friends that she can party with on a regular basis.

Although she has several ongoing jobs from back home as a web designer she realises that she still needs to earn an income from a job in France. (It’s a bureaucracy thing as well as a need for cold hard cash to fund the partying.) At first she finds a baby sitting job and then eventually gets a full time job.

Her story is certainly is never dull and boring.

My one and only criticism? There is a little spoiler towards the end of the story. I use spoiler in the sense that something lets you know what is going to happen not that the whole thing is spoilt. (I confess that I didn’t take much notice of the chapter titles – I needed to keep reading Vicki’s story to bother with that.) It’s only a teensy one but gave me the answer to something that kept me page turning – would she marry Mika?

This review is also available on my website www.pam.id.au show less

The first in a trilogy of a humorous take on true life drama about the author, Vicki Lesage, as an American expat in Paris.
‘Confessions Of A Paris Party Girl’ are Vicki’s memoirs and recounts of the hilarious frustrations that can occur when you first move abroad.
She writes in a manner that is highly entertaining. The simplicity makes for an easy read. Vicki actually talks directly to the reader like an old friend. The sarcastic comedy made me laugh out loud many a time. The events show more progress well and keeps you wanting to read more.
I am such a fan of of this author and I absolutely can not wait to read her second book ‘Confessions Of A Paris Potty Trainer’.
I would truly recommend this book (and her other 2), to anyone looking for a good laugh. show less