It isn't easy to be an American in Paris, especially as an employee rather than a tourist. Knowing the language helps, but it really is a lot to figure out, from finding a place to live to how to shop for groceries to when to kiss hello rather than just shake hands. And that does not count the pressure of having everyone back home living "vicariously through" your experience.

Rosecrans and Rachel spend just over a year in Paris while he works in an ad agency. They are not miserable in Paris, but nor are they blissfully happy. Which is how I felt during my year in greater Paris, where I never did get my work permit though I had to renew my application, and on subsequent return visit.

I enjoyed this book because it is charmingly written, and honest. And I met Rosecrans when he read in Oxford -- we chatted about LCD Soundsystem and France -- and he is a really nice man.