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Black Girl in Paris

by Shay Youngblood (Goodreads Author)

3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 · rating details · 381 ratings · 43 reviews

From the author of the much-acclaimed Soul Kiss comes the story of an African-American woman's creative coming-of-age.

Paperback, 256 pages

Published January 1st 2001 by Riverhead Trade

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Jun 16, 2013 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: queereaders-group-read, fiction, lgbt, race-relations

I love Paris, its grandeur, its palaces, museums, monuments, breathtaking views, restaurants, cafes, its rich culture and history. It is a dynamic, international and happening place.

It’s been about 5 years since I’ve been there last, so I was really looking forward to taking a literary trip to Paris.

Eden, a 26-year-old Black woman from Alabama and an aspiring writer, journeys to Paris with just $200 in her pocket to follow in the footsteps of her literary heroes – James Baldwin, Richard Wright a...more

35 likes · like · see review

Sep 26, 2010 Fiona rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Fiona by: Queereaders Group-Read

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, female-writers-fiction, feminist-reads, lgbtq, goodreads-bookgroups

Hmmm… I had much higher expectations of this novel. These expectations were partly based upon the fact that this book was my first ever ‘group-read’. Perhaps my indifference to this fictional memoir is underpinned by my current temperament; perhaps I simply could not endure the idealism of the impassioned and inspired protagonist Eden, as she chased her literary dream around Paris.

“The words were crowded together carefully as if they had been written in a small, dark place by someone with plenty...more Hmmm… I had much higher expectations of this novel. These expectations were partly based upon the fact that this book was my first ever ‘group-read’. Perhaps my indifference to this fictional memoir is underpinned by my current temperament; perhaps I simply could not endure the idealism of the impassioned and inspired protagonist Eden, as she chased her literary dream around Paris.

“The words were crowded together carefully as if they had been written in a small, dark place by someone with plenty of time, lots to say, and no one to listen”.

In the first instance, the lacklustre title really bothered me as it utterly undermines the sensuousness of the young black female protagonist and of the French capital itself (however upon reading this book and connecting the title to the narrative I do now understand and appreciate that reason for this simplicity). Secondly and much to my disappointment, Shay Youngblood’s greatly-esteemed prose style only managed to glimpse a few opportunities to seduce me, as such and thirdly, this book failed to wholly captivate and reach inside of me, churn my emotions and enliven my senses in the way I had so hoped, and was under the impression that it would. I figure this might be because I am not so naïve to the charm, rhythms and colours which infuse a bohemian European lifestyle. Even so, I felt that something was definitely lacking in this piece of writing. And whilst it is clear that and how Shay Youngblood successfully explored the inner mysteries and developing spirit of her protagonist and gorgeously captured the unique essence of France, as I was working my way through this novel I began to wonder whether or not the aspiring writer Eden might have accomplished this to much greater effect, with even more intuition and grace. I would like to experience the exuberance of Eden’s book; Shay Youngblood’s attempt felt too considered, clichéd, constrained, less free.

“I have become wet earth for stories like these, they take root in me and grow wild, nearly choking me.”

I think that, most likely, this review has too much subjectivity in it to be fair. Yes, some Europeans drink deliciously dark and rich coffee from bowls - pick your jaw up from the ground, get over it and on with your Self.

From my perspective, this book was good, but not good-enough.

(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 23, 2012 Nikita T. Mitchell rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all young black women

Shelves: forever-faves, recommendations

I read this book during my freshman year in college as an English assignment. I couldn't put it down. I loved it so much that when I began writing my essay that was assigned(which I love doing for books anyway), I ended up rereading the book. Choosing quotes was so hard because there was so much about the book that I found beautiful. It is now my all time favorite book. EVER. That could also be due to the fact that for much of my teenage years I dreamed of the possibility of living in Paris one...more I read this book during my freshman year in college as an English assignment. I couldn't put it down. I loved it so much that when I began writing my essay that was assigned(which I love doing for books anyway), I ended up rereading the book. Choosing quotes was so hard because there was so much about the book that I found beautiful. It is now my all time favorite book. EVER. That could also be due to the fact that for much of my teenage years I dreamed of the possibility of living in Paris one day. Thus I instantly fell in love with the protagonist, a young black woman seeking to find her own true self just as I was doing at that time (I'm sure many of you were, too, at 18). All I can say is read it!

Favorite quotes:

"Paris. September 1986. Early morning. She is lying on her back in a hard little bed with her eyes closed, dreaming in French. Langston was here." 1

Before I left home I cut my hair close to my scalp so I could be a free woman with free thoughts, open to all possibilities. I was making a map of the world. In ancient times maps were made to help people find food, water, and the way back home. I needed a map to help me find love and language, and since one didn't exist, I'd have to invent one, following the trails and signs left by other travelers. I didn't know what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to be the kind of woman who was bold, took chances, and had adventures. I wanted to travel around the world. I was my little-girl dream." 3

"My name is Eden, and I'm not afraid of anything anymore. Like my literary godfathers who came to Paris before me, I intend to live a life in which being black won't hold me back." 4

"I carry words around in my pocket, put them behind my eyelids, in my mind. I let words float in my mouth. I roll them around on my tongue, taste them until sounds slowly push out of my mouth. Each word is a poem. Parler... la verite... a minuit... regarde... une etoile... le nuage... fumee." 35

"I began to make maps of my experience. I could feel my inner landscape changing, my edges softening." 43

"...here in another country I am new, I could choose what and who I would be. A writer." 126

"His words were like stones he laid at my feet. I have become wet earth for stories like these, they take root in me and grow wild, nearly choking me." 157

"Our people are a great race of people and though the Europeans raped and plundered, we have kept inner riches. You got a cup of African bood and that mean something, means you gota responsibility to be proud of it and use your talents or suffer self-destruction." 178

"I picked up the gold pen Dr. Bernard had given me, and between my tears words began to bloom on the page, one after the other. Words crowded each other, trying to lead me out of despair. I was exuberant. The maps I'd made were guides to my interior. I remembered all the places I'd been, all the things I'd seen, and caught them in my imagination. Jimmy was with me and Langston too. I wrote to understand where I had been, where I was going, to make sense of the world that had led me to the small room on the edge of the Abyss." 231

"I had discovered something that no one could take away from me. I had found a path on my interior map and learned to follow it. There was power in the pen. I knew this for certain. I didn't need Jimmy to tell me that." 232(less)

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Nov 10, 2007 Tamara Evans rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: african-american-books

It's not too often that I read a book that I can't put down. In reference to this book, that was exactly the case.Although this is the author's first work, I found myself unable to stop reading because of the way in which she writes.I feel that this book is great because it allows the reader to be exposed to various personalities of the main character.

When I first saw the title of this book, I'll admit, I was somewhat offended.I didn't know why I felt that way, it just seemed like the term "bla...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 31, 2009 Elizabeth K. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008-new-reads

This was one of those novels where, as I was reading, I thought two things. 1. This is a pretty good book, and 2. This book probably isn't for me. A young African-American woman decides to leave her job and set out for France, based on the long and rich tradition of black artists finding inspiration and sanctuary in Paris. Once there, she meets a series of people from all walks of life, each of whom give her some insight into an aspect of Paris. Naturally, as these things go, some of these encou...more This was one of those novels where, as I was reading, I thought two things. 1. This is a pretty good book, and 2. This book probably isn't for me. A young African-American woman decides to leave her job and set out for France, based on the long and rich tradition of black artists finding inspiration and sanctuary in Paris. Once there, she meets a series of people from all walks of life, each of whom give her some insight into an aspect of Paris. Naturally, as these things go, some of these encounters include romantic entanglements. In the fine tradition of young people going to Europe on a shoestring budget, another primary concern is finding ways to bring in some cash. This was one of the aspects of the book that was a bit distant to me -- I am one of those people who traveled once on a tight budget when I was right out of college, and I was probably out of the house for about 10 minutes when I realized that absolutely sucked and resolved never again to partake in any kind of trip without an enormous expense fund. Hence, I don't travel that much, but when I do, watch out. And, like every other American who visited Paris in the 1980s, I had a burning question on my mind, and wondered whether or not Youngblood would address it in this novel, and that is: Why don't people clean up after their dogs? And she did! It's a little freaky to me how satisfied I was when this came up in the book, because she did such a thorough job of making me remember when I was a young American on my first trip to Paris, and she evoked all those images of the "first times" that one encounters on one's Paris sojourn, and so the dog poo thing was legitimately part of all those memories. Overall, it was nicely written and creative and successful at capturing many of the things that are unique to Paris. There was possibly too much "young person experimenting sexually while abroad" for my taste, but then again, I am old and cranky.

Grade: B+
Recommended: People who love Paris, especially the "student/young person on a budget" Paris experience.
2008/21(less)

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Jan 28, 2009 Velvetink rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, read-2009, african-american

Black Girl in Paris by Shay Youngblood is a colorful literary jazz arrangement where the author's narrative improvisations transport the reader through the streets of Paris, deconstructing in their wake many fixed preconceived ideas about France and its influence on African American artists. The interest these virtuosos show for the city of lights is still undeniable in spite of, or due to, the present tumultuous situation between the United States and France. However, one must confront the imag...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 25, 2010 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read most of this in two sittings. I still find myself picturing some scenes in my head, her language is descriptive and poetic.Though it's a quick read, it's compelling in that it brings a different perspective to a city that is so generally romanticized. It brings in the serious uprisings that were happening in the 80's all over Europe: bombings, hostage crises, mixed with the quintessential coming of age book. She was honest about the racism she felt, but I wish that the author could have b...more

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May 07, 2012 Ariana rated it 3 of 5 stars

I only came across this book because a friend wanted to read it together. I finished it in a weekend and I am not sure he has even started it yet lol. As someone who has lived abroad (although not under these circumstances and not in Paris) there were a lot of things -- not events or people, just feelings-- that I connected with. I definitely enjoyed taking this journey of self-discovery and life purpose with Eden. I wish the political backdrop was more influential on her daily life and maybe th...more

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Nov 15, 2010 Rachel Ieans rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a young black woman I have always romanticized Paris in my mind, having been only once (as a tourist) I feel that the potential for the city to meet my expectations that I've dreamed up in my mind is possible, but at the same time I'm no fool to think that I could be equally disappointed. This book made me draw so many parallels into my own idealistic ideas of what Paris is and what it could be for me. As for the main character in this novel, she goes into her trip with the same naiveté and g...more

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Jan 08, 2009 Twyla rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE this book. It is full of snippets that still follow me everyday. Here are a few of my faves....

"I am not afraid to die, because I am living, really living, not wondering what living would be like."

"No teacher can teach as well as the careful study of one great poem."

"You got a cup of African blood and that mean something, means you got a responsibility to be proud of it and use your talents or suffer self-destruction."

"You have to be willing to make mistakes to learn."

"Don't take only wha...more

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Aug 20, 2009 Francesca Fraser rated it 3 of 5 stars

Black Girl In Paris by Shay Youngblood
This novel is for anyone who has a strong desire to nurture a talent that is hidden while overcoming the fear of one day sharing that talent with the world. Shay Youngblood, does an excellent job in bringing the reader to the moment. Every, situation endured by the young artist presents situations one can easily relate. This is a coming-of-age story that paints Paris as the perfect backdrop for getting-to-know oneself. Yes. Yes. Yes.

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Jul 09, 2011 Korri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, race, queer, africana, travel, colonialism-imperialism

Shay Youngblood speaks to a universal experience of post-adolescent searching through the lens of being a black girl in Paris. Eden, whose name evokes the garden before the fall, is on a journey to discover herself and who she will become in the city that welcomed James Baldwin, her idol. She learns how to flatten herself to fit into menial jobs, how to love with white jazz musician Ving and a thief Lucienne, and how to negotiate France's complicated relationship with her skin color thanks the c...more

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Feb 12, 2011 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shay's book takes you on that youthful summer trip to Paris that we all as artists always wanted to take, but makes it meaningful through her struggles as a write and African-American, learning that even France is not a color-blind as she'd been told it was.

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Nov 07, 2011 Alison rated it 3 of 5 stars

Another 3.5 stars- a really good book. It was almost like poetry to read. As the title suggests it is about the journey of a black girl in Paris- isolation, love, racism, politics, creativity. Another gift of the Brooklyn stoop swap system.

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Jul 31, 2011 Katrina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: african-american

I really enjoyed this book, it was really different from the books i've read in the past. I really enjoyed Eden the main character of the story, she was so curageous to go to Paris with almost nothing. Great Read!

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May 31, 2011 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm not sure what to say about this book. I did really enjoy it. I connected with it for reasons that I don't quite understand. I will have to read it again, maybe next year to see why...

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Mar 14, 2011 Kellie rated it 3 of 5 stars

It wasn't bad and it wasn't great. It just seemed to be disjointed but each escapade and encounter was interesting. It kept my attention while lounging on vacation.

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Jul 25, 2010 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: heroine-amazing, favorites, sense-of-place, place-paris

This beautiful book is both a coming-of-age story of Eden, an American woman of color, and an homage to the Paris that Americans flocked to in the '20s and 30s. Eden goes through a series of low paying (and occasionally humiliating) jobs in her search for James Baldwin. Eden reflects on Baldwin's life and his writing as well as her own life as a woman of color in late '80s Paris. Facing violence -- from Parisians, foreign terrorists -- she still finds friends and lovers, and eventually, some of...more

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Dec 12, 2007 Evan rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone. Extra specially for black women writers who dream of Paris, Langston, Baldwin

I really liked this book. Eden, the main character is a young black girl-woman (24? 25? 26?) who one day decides to go to Paris. She wants to be a writer and wants to meet James Baldwin to ask him about love, about writing. Along her journey she works as an artist's model, an au pair, a poet's helper, a thief. She falls in bed with men, desires one white male jazz musician and loves a woman with skin like hers. I've dreamed of Paris and a cottage in a near by village or town where I could lay my...more

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Mar 06, 2013 S. rated it 3 of 5 stars

The narrator has much hustle. Model for artists, au pair, hustler, all while exploring Paris, exploring herself and searching for James Baldwin. A bit different than I expected, but still an entertaining read.

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Jul 10, 2011 Kendra Ross rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've already read this book but I am reading it again and I am sure I will read it again and again and again...it makes me dream purty dreams of gay Paris!

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Oct 01, 2010 Sherry Quan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love this book. I like to read books about writers and their pursuit of writing.

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Feb 01, 2011 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

One of my favorite works of fiction. Got really mad when the book ended.

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Sep 26, 2009 RK Byers rated it 4 of 5 stars

this book wins when at the end, she actually meets James Baldwin.

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Dec 15, 2008 Charreah Jackson rated it 4 of 5 stars

I look forward to my international voyage one day.

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Jan 13, 2013 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought the narrative voice was annoying at times.

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Sep 02, 2012 Misskittykilpatrick rated it 2 of 5 stars

I had high hopes for this book but, it just wasn't for me.

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Sep 28, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interesting, a little dark, thought provoking.

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Feb 03, 2009 Sherri rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: yes

Normally I would not have picked up this book if it was not on sale for a $1. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it.

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Jun 30, 2009 Shirma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2009, black-authors, fiction

So, Shay Youngblood went into my head when I was asleep and took her version of my dreams and wrote this book. I loved every minute of it. She pins her words together with a sweet precision, I got every picture she painted and it altered the rhythm of my pulse. Makes for good reading and a prod for anyone who, like me, longs to write and to experience all things French.

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About Shay Youngblood

Georgia born writer Shay Youngblood is author of the novels Black Girl in Paris and Soul Kiss (Riverhead Books) and a collection of short fiction, The Big Mama Stories (Firebrand Books). Her plays Amazing Grace, Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery and Talking Bones, (Dramatic Publishing Company), have been widely produced. Her other plays include Black Power Barbie and Communism Killed My Dog. She compl...more

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Quotes from Black Girl in Paris

“I was a woman and did not yet think of myself as a writer. I was a mapmaker.” — 1 person liked it

“Before I left home I cut my hair close to my scalp so I could be a free woman with free thoughts, open to all possibilities. I was making a map of the world. In ancient times maps were made to help people find food, water, and the way back home. I needed a map to help me find love and language and since one didn't exist, I'd have to invent one, following the trails and signs left by other travelers. I didn't know what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to be the kind of woman who was bold, took chances, and had adventures. I wanted to travel around the world. It was my little-girl dream.” — 1 person liked it

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