C'Est La Vie: An American Conquers the City of Light, Begins a New Life, and Becomes--Zut Alors!--Almost French Hardcover - 2004

by Suzy Gershman

Who, at one time or another, hasn't dreamed of leaving her life behind and moving to Paris? Bestselling writer Suzy Gershman (dubbed 'Super Shopper Suzy' by Oprah and 'the most famous shopper in the world' by American Express Card Services) had always planned to retire to the City of Light with her husband. But when he died, Suzy decided to fulfill their dream alone making a new life for herself in her favorite city.

C'est la Vie is the deliciously chatty chronicle of her first year in Paris, of the dizzying delights and maddening frustrations inherent in learning to be a Parisian. After a grueling apartment search, the woman who was Born to Shop sets out on the terrific adventure that is French daily life from the great flea markets and restaurants to the mysteries of a French fax machine, the chimney sweep, and a French love affair. Heartfelt, breezy, funny, and garnished with little-known shopping tips, C'est la Vie is a treat not just for armchair travelers, Francophiles, and fans of Peter Mayle, but also for anyone who has ever dreamed of starting life anew.