Paris: The Collected Traveler (Vintage Departures) by Barrie Kerper

Source: Goodreads (First reads)
Category: Travel
Format: Paperback
Page count: 721
Published: July 12th 2011 by Vintage (first published September 2000)
ISBN: 0307474895 (ISBN13: 9780307474896)
Language: English
About the book:
This unique guide to one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations combines fascinating articles by a wide variety of writers, woven throughout with the editor’s own indispensable advice and opinions—providing in one package an unparalleled experience of an extraordinary place.(more)
My Review: 5 stars

I love this book! it's loaded with lots of valuable information like where you should go,the must see attractions,pictures of places,arts,food,culture,articles,website and shop recommendations,funny stories and revelations and all sorts of things that's definitely worth checking out.Even at the comfort of my home I felt and can totally imagine all these beautiful places,the streets,the french culture,what its like and so on.Though it's quite heavy and bulky I highly recommend it! especially to those people whose been dreaming and wanting to go to Paris,experience Paris life like you've never seen before,this wonderful compilation of a book is so awesome it will definitely bring and boost your knowledge about everything and what's Paris is all about.Definitely a must read before your trip/next trip to Paris! I also saw a bit of similarities between the French culture and my culture quite shocking yet interesting that made me happy knowing because I never thought I got a wee bit of French in me.

Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

Source: Book won from Tina's giveaway
Category:Fiction,Romance,Travel,History,Chick lit,
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 297
Published: August 2, 2011 by Crown
Language: English
ISBN: 0307719871 (ISBN13: 9780307719874)
About the book:
Three years after her husband Max's death, Shelley feels no more adjusted to being a widow than she did that first terrible day. That is, until the doorbell rings. Standing on her front step is a young man who looks so much like Max; same smile, same eyes, same age, same adorable bump in his nose; he could be Max's long-lost relation. He introduces himself as Paolo, an Italian editor of American coffee table books, and shows Shelley some childhood photos. Paolo tells her that the man in the photos, the bearded man who Paolo says is his grandfather though he never seems to age, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well.(more)

My Review: 5 stars

I love this book so much! let's start off with the cover it's very pleasing and easy on the eyes it immediately caught my attention because of the title,cover art and the author she's Filipino! the  edge of the pages looks and appeals to be really old torn like parchment.This novel warms my heart and entire existence to the core.Max and Shelley's tour along with their fellow campers around Europe was really awesome! I felt such uniqueness in every part of this very moving and amusing novel the side stories are amazing as well.What an Epic adventure!A tear jerker!hands down to Samantha Sotto I truly enjoyed the flow of these wonderful back and forth narration kept me company and nostalgic of my hometown.I actually felt like I'm one of the fellow travelers or bystanders watching the characters move from afar,eavesdropping to their conversations etc.

There's also a lot of chickens,life experiences,stories,valuable lessons and quotations you'll live by and never ever forget.This novel completely blown me away it's absolutely brilliant,well written and executed!I highly recommend it!

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