Acquired Tastes
by Peter Mayle
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 167)
i just like Mayle's writing style!!! easy reading; i read it in less than a week's time mostly in the subway....this is a very good resource material for someone who'd like to be so rich, so wealthy to get to afford all the best things in life that money can buy!!! i'm certainly one of them!!!! as someone said, the best revenge is to be able to live life in a wealthy way (or something to this effect!) while your enemies cast envious glances at you!!!
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Someday, I want to be able to afford bespoke shirts, hand-crafted shoes, and to practice the proper way to eat Beluga caviar (with a plastic spoon, if you're interested.)
Guilt then reminds me that if I ever have that much money, I should be doing something socially productive with it, not spending it selfishly. Then Mayle starts talking about cigars, and once again I abandon myself to temptation....
Guilt then reminds me that if I ever have that much money, I should be doing something socially productive with it, not spending it selfishly. Then Mayle starts talking about cigars, and once again I abandon myself to temptation....
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Read in August, 2008
fun, fast read. Though, it felt a bit dated in 2008. It was very interesting reading about the secret lives of the wealthy but I couldn't help but wonder about how the new rich handle it. I couldn't imagine Britany, or Paris or even Brangelina doing some of the things in this book.
I think if he did this now he'd have to add chapters on publicists, paparazzi, adopted babies, etc.
I think if he did this now he'd have to add chapters on publicists, paparazzi, adopted babies, etc.
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Read in January, 2008
I picked this up at a resale shop because I love all his other books. It was actually pretty interesting, but about last on my list of his books. It's a collection of columns he wrote for mens magazines, examining how the other half lives. He was fitted for bespoke suits and shoes. He eats the best caviar, stays in the best hotel in the world, drinks the best wine, etc.
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pure decadence and charm: Mayle's book on the best that money can buy is like living the lives of the rich without paying the large sums of money. His wordpainting is so vivid, I imagine I'm sitting in a room furnished with astronomically priced antiques, sampling caviar with my 50 servants by my side. Perfectly charming and entertaining. I recommend this book highly.
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Read in October, 2007
I would recommend Peter Mayle's other books (A Year in Provence, Toujours Provence and Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew) over this one. Not nearly enough food writing in this one for me! And a little too much about luxurious living. Still good writing and funny though.
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I read this book a few years ago on my first Peter Mayle reading spree. I liked it well enough that I gave it to my brother as a Christmas present. And when I saw it this afternoon at the Strand, I thought "I want to read this again!" A more thorough review to follow.
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Peter Mayle gives an insight into the lifestyle of the affluent. Beautifully written essays and quite insightful too!! He'll take you through the vineyards and tell you how to light your cigar, a trip to his fav hotel and treat you to the most lavish delicacies!
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Read in August, 2006
Nothing spectacular, but amusing and easy to read, and some of the stuff you'll discover is pretty interesting.
I definitely prefer A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence, but liked this one, too.
I definitely prefer A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence, but liked this one, too.
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Read in March, 2007
A collection of essays by Mr. Mayle on the finer things in life, where he samples some of the most expensive luxuries available. Most of them are very clever, but some of them fall flat.
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just in case you ever wondered what the elite do...well, here's a clue, at least. even if it is 20 years outdated.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
food/travel fanatics
It's much more than just food/travel though. Humorous take on the rich life.
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Love this author, but don't like his non fiction as well as his fiction
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Read in July, 2007
A fun look at lifestyles and tastes of the elite.
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