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Doing Germany: Book 2
DOING GERMANY is a series of books for those who are looking for an easy read and to laugh. This is the second book, but it can be read without reading the first book.
In the sequel to the best-selling DOING GERMANY, Agnieszka Paletta picks up exactly where she left off. She is still a slave to chocolate and wine, still a Polish-Canadian-lover-of-Italy, still a grasshopper in a new country, Germany. Two years may have passed, but the moose-in-headlights persists as she continues to discover Deutschland. (After two years, what is there left to discover?) Ye, of little faith. Plenty and plenty and then some! And what’s more, with some unexpected lessons that come with having a baby and owning a house.
Ever an immigrant in a foreign land, Paletta will take you for a cultural spin as you explore Germany through her Polish-Canadian-Italian eyes. So just sit back and enjoy the humorous, witty ride. (And pour yourself a glass of wine while you’re at it.)
In the sequel to the best-selling DOING GERMANY, Agnieszka Paletta picks up exactly where she left off. She is still a slave to chocolate and wine, still a Polish-Canadian-lover-of-Italy, still a grasshopper in a new country, Germany. Two years may have passed, but the moose-in-headlights persists as she continues to discover Deutschland. (After two years, what is there left to discover?) Ye, of little faith. Plenty and plenty and then some! And what’s more, with some unexpected lessons that come with having a baby and owning a house.
Ever an immigrant in a foreign land, Paletta will take you for a cultural spin as you explore Germany through her Polish-Canadian-Italian eyes. So just sit back and enjoy the humorous, witty ride. (And pour yourself a glass of wine while you’re at it.)
- GenresMemoir
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2016
About the author
Agnieszka Paletta
8 books19 followersAgnieszka Paletta (née Mroszczyk) was born in Cracow, Poland.
When she was 9 years old, her family moved to Toronto, Canada. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a double-major in English and Criminology. Various jobs followed, both in North America and in Europe.
Currently being a stay-at-home mom is her most important job, but she also pursues her dream of not just reading a mountain of books but actually writing some. Her first book, DOING GERMANY, became a #1 bestseller on Amazon in Germany, Canada and Australia.
At present she makes her home in Germany, with her husband and children.
When she was 9 years old, her family moved to Toronto, Canada. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a double-major in English and Criminology. Various jobs followed, both in North America and in Europe.
Currently being a stay-at-home mom is her most important job, but she also pursues her dream of not just reading a mountain of books but actually writing some. Her first book, DOING GERMANY, became a #1 bestseller on Amazon in Germany, Canada and Australia.
At present she makes her home in Germany, with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 12, 2018
This loses a star for being a quite good book about new motherhood, but not so much a book about doing Germany. If you don't want to read about how Munich contrasts with Toronto for baby food (organic everywhere in Germany, full of chemicals in Canada) or feeding baby or the misfortune of losing a pregnancy, this is not the book for you. Try the first book in this duo.
Near the end we get a look at a few farms, such as an ostrich farm and strawberry farm, again from the perspective of bringing a child. The enjoyment of wine direct from the winery, seen in the first book, has of course vanished as the new parents have to grow up and be responsible.
As with the first book I found the odd strange use of English, but the Polish-born author largely writes approachable chatty memoirs, so it's acceptable. She seems to have coped well with the transitions in her life and I am sure she has children to make her proud.
I was sent an e-ARC by the author. I chose to read and review. This is an unbiased review.
Near the end we get a look at a few farms, such as an ostrich farm and strawberry farm, again from the perspective of bringing a child. The enjoyment of wine direct from the winery, seen in the first book, has of course vanished as the new parents have to grow up and be responsible.
As with the first book I found the odd strange use of English, but the Polish-born author largely writes approachable chatty memoirs, so it's acceptable. She seems to have coped well with the transitions in her life and I am sure she has children to make her proud.
I was sent an e-ARC by the author. I chose to read and review. This is an unbiased review.
February 8, 2017
Equally charming, Doing Germany 2 continues exactly where the first book ended. Agnieszka now has acquired a home for her new baby and M, her husband. They are setting up, creating a nest for their little family and it is with surprise Agnieszka realizes that rather than a globe-trotting person, she is indeed a haus frau. Life continues, a bit less hilarious, but sweetly chaotic with baby Max colicky, and the seasons coming and going, identified by the various customs for holidays. Doing Germany is more about assimilation. Where in her first book, the author recounted humorous stories of immigrant life, this book spends more time describing Angieszka's adaptation, finding doctors that speak Polish, modifying her home so it reflects both her varied roots and the quirks of Germany. The pet peeves, the fact that German couples rarely share a bed, how they refer to cell phones or pizza are now seen through a rosy glow of indulgence rather than annoyance. The author has changed enough that she finds her beloved Canada lacking the necessities she now takes for granted in her German home like organic food for her son. Living in Germany has influenced Agnieszka, perhaps making her change her global identification to Polish-Canadian- Italian- German, making the world a more diverse and richer place.
August 6, 2016
Family rocks!
Klappentext:
„In the sequel to the best-selling DOING GERMANY, Agnieszka Paletta picks up exactly where she left off. She is still a slave to chocolate and wine, still a Polish-Canadian-lover-of-Italy, still a grasshopper in a new country, Germany. Two years may have passed, but the moose-in-headlights persists as she continues to discover Deutschland. (After two years, what is there left to discover?) Ye, of little faith. Plenty and plenty and then some! And what's more, with many unexpected lessons that come with having a baby and owning a house. Ever an immigrant in a foreign land, Paletta will take you for a cultural spin as you explore Germany through her Polish-Canadian-Italian eyes. So just sit back and enjoy the humorous, witty ride. (And pour yourself a glass of wine while you're at it.)“
Meinung:
Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um eine wahre Geschichte und die Autorin ist gleichzeitig auch die Protagonistin dieses Buches. Mit viel Witz und einem ganz eigenem Schreibstil, bleibt sich die Autorin auch in diesem Buch treu. Selbst nach zwei Jahren hat sie immer noch so viel zu erzählen über Dinge, die sie in Deutschland entdeckt. So schnell man sich auch manchmal in einem anderen Ort einlebt, man hört nie auf etwas Neues zu entdecken und das wird in dem Werk von Agnieszka nur allzu deutlich.
Was mir allerdings am meisten gefallen hat an diesem Band ist, dass während sich der erste Band noch hauptsächlich darauf konzentriert hat, was man in Deutschland alles entdecken kann und wie es ist in einem neuen Land anzukommen, so konzentriert sich der 2. Band aufs Bleiben. Normalerweise liest man Bücher über Menschen, die mutig genug waren umzuziehen oder mutig genug sind ihre Sachen zu packen und einen Neustart zu wagen. Gerade deswegen fand ich dieses Buch auch so erfrischend, weil es dieses Mal um eine Frau ging, die schon oft ihre Sachen gepackt hat und umgezogen ist und mutig genug ist, zu bleiben. Aus meiner Sicht ist es nämlich nicht nur schwer, immer wieder irgendwo neu anzufangen, sondern auch sich zu entscheiden, dass man sich irgendwo niederlässt. Ganz besonders, wenn man es gewohnt ist wie die Autorin durch die Gegend zu ziehen und zum nächsten Ort zu gehen, wenn man Lust darauf hat.
Wofür bleibt man am wahrscheinlichsten an einem Ort? Für die Liebe, die Familie! Da habe ich mich noch freudig auf einen weiteren Band voller neuer Entdeckungen in Deutschland eingestellt und wie es ist, meinen Alltag durch die Augen einer Entdeckerin zu sehen und bekommen habe ich so viel mehr. Dieses Mal wurde das nämlich alles verbunden mit einer süßen, lustigen Familiengeschichte. Selbst in dieser Kategorie hat die Autorin es noch geschafft, Vergleiche zwischen den verschiedenen Ländern aufzustellen, in denen sie gelebt hat. Allein was Bionahrung für Kinder angeht, Kindergärten und Schulsysteme. Da gab es immer wieder etwas Neues, was man selbst als Leser herausfinden konnte.
Auch dieser Band ist kein Buch, an dessen Seiten man vor Spannung klebt, aber es ist was Wunderbares für zwischendurch. Der Humor der Autorin ist wundervoll und man lässt sich immer wieder gerne fallen in ihren kleinen Anekdoten. Es ist total bewundernswert, an was für Geschichten sie sich aus ihrem Leben noch erinnert und einem damit ein Lächeln oder Grinsen ins Gesicht zaubern kann.
Fazit:
Agnieszka ist eine sympathische, mutige, interessante Frau, die einfach eine tolle Geschichtenerzählerin ist. Man erkennt sich in einigen Dingen selbst wieder, entdeckt neue Dinge über das Land, in dem man selbst schon Ewigkeiten wohnt und bekommt auch immer wieder Einblicke in die polnische, kanadische und italienische Welt. Ich schätze, in diesem Buch werden sich ganz viele Menschen selbst erkennen, die schon mal umgezogen sind und schon seit mehreren Jahren an ihrem neuen Wohnort leben.
Zitat:
„‘You’ll never change,‘ I noted.
‚Why should I? To conform to society?‘ he made a queasy face. ‚I’m happy as I am‘“
Klappentext:
„In the sequel to the best-selling DOING GERMANY, Agnieszka Paletta picks up exactly where she left off. She is still a slave to chocolate and wine, still a Polish-Canadian-lover-of-Italy, still a grasshopper in a new country, Germany. Two years may have passed, but the moose-in-headlights persists as she continues to discover Deutschland. (After two years, what is there left to discover?) Ye, of little faith. Plenty and plenty and then some! And what's more, with many unexpected lessons that come with having a baby and owning a house. Ever an immigrant in a foreign land, Paletta will take you for a cultural spin as you explore Germany through her Polish-Canadian-Italian eyes. So just sit back and enjoy the humorous, witty ride. (And pour yourself a glass of wine while you're at it.)“
Meinung:
Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um eine wahre Geschichte und die Autorin ist gleichzeitig auch die Protagonistin dieses Buches. Mit viel Witz und einem ganz eigenem Schreibstil, bleibt sich die Autorin auch in diesem Buch treu. Selbst nach zwei Jahren hat sie immer noch so viel zu erzählen über Dinge, die sie in Deutschland entdeckt. So schnell man sich auch manchmal in einem anderen Ort einlebt, man hört nie auf etwas Neues zu entdecken und das wird in dem Werk von Agnieszka nur allzu deutlich.
Was mir allerdings am meisten gefallen hat an diesem Band ist, dass während sich der erste Band noch hauptsächlich darauf konzentriert hat, was man in Deutschland alles entdecken kann und wie es ist in einem neuen Land anzukommen, so konzentriert sich der 2. Band aufs Bleiben. Normalerweise liest man Bücher über Menschen, die mutig genug waren umzuziehen oder mutig genug sind ihre Sachen zu packen und einen Neustart zu wagen. Gerade deswegen fand ich dieses Buch auch so erfrischend, weil es dieses Mal um eine Frau ging, die schon oft ihre Sachen gepackt hat und umgezogen ist und mutig genug ist, zu bleiben. Aus meiner Sicht ist es nämlich nicht nur schwer, immer wieder irgendwo neu anzufangen, sondern auch sich zu entscheiden, dass man sich irgendwo niederlässt. Ganz besonders, wenn man es gewohnt ist wie die Autorin durch die Gegend zu ziehen und zum nächsten Ort zu gehen, wenn man Lust darauf hat.
Wofür bleibt man am wahrscheinlichsten an einem Ort? Für die Liebe, die Familie! Da habe ich mich noch freudig auf einen weiteren Band voller neuer Entdeckungen in Deutschland eingestellt und wie es ist, meinen Alltag durch die Augen einer Entdeckerin zu sehen und bekommen habe ich so viel mehr. Dieses Mal wurde das nämlich alles verbunden mit einer süßen, lustigen Familiengeschichte. Selbst in dieser Kategorie hat die Autorin es noch geschafft, Vergleiche zwischen den verschiedenen Ländern aufzustellen, in denen sie gelebt hat. Allein was Bionahrung für Kinder angeht, Kindergärten und Schulsysteme. Da gab es immer wieder etwas Neues, was man selbst als Leser herausfinden konnte.
Auch dieser Band ist kein Buch, an dessen Seiten man vor Spannung klebt, aber es ist was Wunderbares für zwischendurch. Der Humor der Autorin ist wundervoll und man lässt sich immer wieder gerne fallen in ihren kleinen Anekdoten. Es ist total bewundernswert, an was für Geschichten sie sich aus ihrem Leben noch erinnert und einem damit ein Lächeln oder Grinsen ins Gesicht zaubern kann.
Fazit:
Agnieszka ist eine sympathische, mutige, interessante Frau, die einfach eine tolle Geschichtenerzählerin ist. Man erkennt sich in einigen Dingen selbst wieder, entdeckt neue Dinge über das Land, in dem man selbst schon Ewigkeiten wohnt und bekommt auch immer wieder Einblicke in die polnische, kanadische und italienische Welt. Ich schätze, in diesem Buch werden sich ganz viele Menschen selbst erkennen, die schon mal umgezogen sind und schon seit mehreren Jahren an ihrem neuen Wohnort leben.
Zitat:
„‘You’ll never change,‘ I noted.
‚Why should I? To conform to society?‘ he made a queasy face. ‚I’m happy as I am‘“
May 16, 2016
Agnieszka Paletta, geborene Mroszczyk, war als Kind mit ihren Eltern aus Polen nach Toronto ausgewandert, hatte in Kanada studiert und lernt als Besucherin in Polen M. kennen, einen Deutschen aus einer polnischstämmigen Familie. Inzwischen (im Jahr 2010) erwarten die Palettas ihr erstes Kind. Wie kompliziert es sein kann, kanadische, polnische und deutsche Vorstellungen unter einen Hut zu bekommen, zeigt sich in der Namenswahl. Gesucht wird ein Name, den alle Verwandten aussprechen können, aber bitte kein altmodischer deutscher Name und auch kein Name eines römischen Kaisers, wünscht die junge Mutter. Sie werden es geahnt haben, Maximilian kommt nicht infrage, aber Max erfüllt alle Wünsche.
Bei der Suche nach einem Haus und der anschließenden Renovierung zeigt sich Deutschland mit all seinen Regeln, Gesetzen und Versicherungen von seiner typischen Seite. Ich kann mich immer wieder von Neuem amüsieren, wenn typisch „Deutsches“ entlarvt wird von jemandem, der noch nicht lange in Deutschland lebt. Warum haben Kanadier, Polen und Deutsche so unterschiedliche Grabsteine oder wie kann ein Paar nur auf einer zweiteiligen Matratze schlafen, beschäftigt die Autorin z. B. Kommt in Deutschland der Nikolaus oder der Weihnachtsmann, werden die Geschenke im Schuh, im Strumpf oder ganz wo anders gesucht, darum muss man sich spätestens kümmern, wenn ein kleines Kind im Haushalt lebt. Doch mit einem Kleinkind verändern sich bei Palettas die Gespräche bald von dem Punkt, warum es hier anders ist als woanders, zur unterschiedlichen Sichtweise eines ganztags arbeitenden Ehemanns und seiner nicht berufstätigen Frau, die zuhause Polnisch und Englisch sprechen, aber noch immer kein Deutsch. Schon im ersten Band fand ich die Abhängigkeit einer jungen Frau (ohne eigenes Netzwerk von Freundinnen und Verwandten) von ihrem Mann als Vermittler in Alltagsproblemen deprimierend.
Erzählt werden die Erlebnisse einer bi-nationalen Ehe humorvoll und ohne den Deutschen zu nahe zu treten. Die einzelnen - rührenden, komischen und für die Situation treffenden - Episoden sind geschickt gewählt. Dennoch fand ich Agnieszka Palettas Erlebnisse einer jungen Mutter in Deutschland ganz und gar nicht komisch. Sie zeigen im Gegenteil, dass Deutschland und sein Schulsystem nicht besonders gut vorbereitet sind auf die Bedürfnisse einer beruflich mobilen jungen Generation, für die eben heute noch nicht klar ist, dass Deutsch einmal die Hauptsprache ihrer Kinder sein wird. Dem Buch wäre zu wünschen, dass es nicht nur als leichte Unterhaltung gelesen wird, sondern dass Entscheidungsträgern wie Familienpolitikern dadurch deutlich wird, welche Netzwerke junge Familien brauchen, die sich nicht auf die Hilfe der eigenen Familie verlassen können, weil die über die halbe Welt verstreut lebt.
Bei der Suche nach einem Haus und der anschließenden Renovierung zeigt sich Deutschland mit all seinen Regeln, Gesetzen und Versicherungen von seiner typischen Seite. Ich kann mich immer wieder von Neuem amüsieren, wenn typisch „Deutsches“ entlarvt wird von jemandem, der noch nicht lange in Deutschland lebt. Warum haben Kanadier, Polen und Deutsche so unterschiedliche Grabsteine oder wie kann ein Paar nur auf einer zweiteiligen Matratze schlafen, beschäftigt die Autorin z. B. Kommt in Deutschland der Nikolaus oder der Weihnachtsmann, werden die Geschenke im Schuh, im Strumpf oder ganz wo anders gesucht, darum muss man sich spätestens kümmern, wenn ein kleines Kind im Haushalt lebt. Doch mit einem Kleinkind verändern sich bei Palettas die Gespräche bald von dem Punkt, warum es hier anders ist als woanders, zur unterschiedlichen Sichtweise eines ganztags arbeitenden Ehemanns und seiner nicht berufstätigen Frau, die zuhause Polnisch und Englisch sprechen, aber noch immer kein Deutsch. Schon im ersten Band fand ich die Abhängigkeit einer jungen Frau (ohne eigenes Netzwerk von Freundinnen und Verwandten) von ihrem Mann als Vermittler in Alltagsproblemen deprimierend.
Erzählt werden die Erlebnisse einer bi-nationalen Ehe humorvoll und ohne den Deutschen zu nahe zu treten. Die einzelnen - rührenden, komischen und für die Situation treffenden - Episoden sind geschickt gewählt. Dennoch fand ich Agnieszka Palettas Erlebnisse einer jungen Mutter in Deutschland ganz und gar nicht komisch. Sie zeigen im Gegenteil, dass Deutschland und sein Schulsystem nicht besonders gut vorbereitet sind auf die Bedürfnisse einer beruflich mobilen jungen Generation, für die eben heute noch nicht klar ist, dass Deutsch einmal die Hauptsprache ihrer Kinder sein wird. Dem Buch wäre zu wünschen, dass es nicht nur als leichte Unterhaltung gelesen wird, sondern dass Entscheidungsträgern wie Familienpolitikern dadurch deutlich wird, welche Netzwerke junge Familien brauchen, die sich nicht auf die Hilfe der eigenen Familie verlassen können, weil die über die halbe Welt verstreut lebt.
August 27, 2016
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in return for a review. The following is my honest opinion on this book:
Learning to live in a new country with a different language, different customs and a whole new way of life is something that Agnieszka Paletta has done. As she settles into family life there are still many new and funny things to be found when living in Germany.
This memoir starts right where the first finishes and although it can be read as a stand alone, it’s far better if you read the first book as you’ll be introduced into Paletta’s sense of humour and her whole family set up. While ‘Doing Germany’ was more about Paletta moving and getting used to living in Germany, in this second book she is far more settled into family life but there are still many observations to be made about how different the culture is and how hard it can sometimes be for a Polish-Canadian immigrant to fit into a country where she still has trouble speaking the language.
I preferred this book to the first one. It’s filled with more humorous moments and I really laughed out loud at some of the things that were happening such as the way to keep a fussy baby entertained. The first chapter takes you right into the story and gives you a good idea of the sense of humour you can expect. Unlike in the first book where Paletta’s viewpoint and stereotypes about germans and Germany could have annoyed some readers, there’s little of that here. She’s settled well into the country despite her language and culture differences and the story is more focused on the small things about everyday life.
Although about living in Germany this book is really more about an individual story and less about the country. I felt a better connection to Paletta and along with a lot of humour there are some more poignant moments and one in particular sad moment. I like the fact that her attitude in this book has changed, there’s more of an acceptance and love for Germany than there was in the first book.
The book has one use of the s swear word and a couple of more adult references which might not be suitable for younger teens. I again think this book would be better enjoyed by women than men though some men with a sense of humour might enjoy this too.
The ending is predictably similar to the first but it’s still a fun and nice ending to this book. Although Paletta’s story is focused more on family life than that of a single woman I still found it easy to relate to her and the others in the book. With yet another book planned I’m looking forward to reading more about her life.
Learning to live in a new country with a different language, different customs and a whole new way of life is something that Agnieszka Paletta has done. As she settles into family life there are still many new and funny things to be found when living in Germany.
This memoir starts right where the first finishes and although it can be read as a stand alone, it’s far better if you read the first book as you’ll be introduced into Paletta’s sense of humour and her whole family set up. While ‘Doing Germany’ was more about Paletta moving and getting used to living in Germany, in this second book she is far more settled into family life but there are still many observations to be made about how different the culture is and how hard it can sometimes be for a Polish-Canadian immigrant to fit into a country where she still has trouble speaking the language.
I preferred this book to the first one. It’s filled with more humorous moments and I really laughed out loud at some of the things that were happening such as the way to keep a fussy baby entertained. The first chapter takes you right into the story and gives you a good idea of the sense of humour you can expect. Unlike in the first book where Paletta’s viewpoint and stereotypes about germans and Germany could have annoyed some readers, there’s little of that here. She’s settled well into the country despite her language and culture differences and the story is more focused on the small things about everyday life.
Although about living in Germany this book is really more about an individual story and less about the country. I felt a better connection to Paletta and along with a lot of humour there are some more poignant moments and one in particular sad moment. I like the fact that her attitude in this book has changed, there’s more of an acceptance and love for Germany than there was in the first book.
The book has one use of the s swear word and a couple of more adult references which might not be suitable for younger teens. I again think this book would be better enjoyed by women than men though some men with a sense of humour might enjoy this too.
The ending is predictably similar to the first but it’s still a fun and nice ending to this book. Although Paletta’s story is focused more on family life than that of a single woman I still found it easy to relate to her and the others in the book. With yet another book planned I’m looking forward to reading more about her life.
November 9, 2016
The best thing about this book is that Agnieszka is so damn relatable. Within pages of the first book I felt like I just got her; a rarity these days for me, particularly amongst the travel memoir type of shelves. It's been a while since I've read Doing Germany, but this book easily stands alone so you can start with either book.
So it's been two years since our chocolate loving, wine worshipping, friend ventured across to beautiful Germany. And for those of you familiar with the first book you'll remember Agnieszka is brilliant at getting into a spot of bother; this book is no different. Except we're adding new houses and a new baby to the chaos! You can imagine the laughs already. Ostensibly this second instalment shows us how Agnieszka deals with her new found responsibilities, and in her very own way.
I find myself so immersed in these books. And it's not so much about the story, because aside from her unique background, Agnieszka has a fairly ordinary story. And her story is probably most enjoyed by mothers who understand what she's going through in this book, rather than the more diverse audience the first book might have targeted, and as such some of the inside jokes will resonate with some more than others. But there's just something about her comedic nature that makes her likeable, relatable and utterly addictive to read about regardless.
Also, please someone give M a name. The mystery is killing me!
I like this book, and the series actually, and I hope there's more to come. The blurb for both books didn't grab me and force me to read. But the characters surely did. In comparison to the first book, I still enjoyed the insight into living in a new country and finding out little quirks of Germany - that's really cool and true to the travel theme which I was afraid might be lost now the story has settled in one place. I felt the pace was slightly less exciting than the first, mostly because Agnieszka became slightly less witty (there are still plenty of giggles though) and slightly more self deprecating with a static story like this one; there's still a dash of sarcastic wit to keep you hooked though. I think there's still room for another entry into her diary. And I for one can't wait!
This book was provided to me free from the author in exchange for an honest review; this in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
So it's been two years since our chocolate loving, wine worshipping, friend ventured across to beautiful Germany. And for those of you familiar with the first book you'll remember Agnieszka is brilliant at getting into a spot of bother; this book is no different. Except we're adding new houses and a new baby to the chaos! You can imagine the laughs already. Ostensibly this second instalment shows us how Agnieszka deals with her new found responsibilities, and in her very own way.
I find myself so immersed in these books. And it's not so much about the story, because aside from her unique background, Agnieszka has a fairly ordinary story. And her story is probably most enjoyed by mothers who understand what she's going through in this book, rather than the more diverse audience the first book might have targeted, and as such some of the inside jokes will resonate with some more than others. But there's just something about her comedic nature that makes her likeable, relatable and utterly addictive to read about regardless.
Also, please someone give M a name. The mystery is killing me!
I like this book, and the series actually, and I hope there's more to come. The blurb for both books didn't grab me and force me to read. But the characters surely did. In comparison to the first book, I still enjoyed the insight into living in a new country and finding out little quirks of Germany - that's really cool and true to the travel theme which I was afraid might be lost now the story has settled in one place. I felt the pace was slightly less exciting than the first, mostly because Agnieszka became slightly less witty (there are still plenty of giggles though) and slightly more self deprecating with a static story like this one; there's still a dash of sarcastic wit to keep you hooked though. I think there's still room for another entry into her diary. And I for one can't wait!
This book was provided to me free from the author in exchange for an honest review; this in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
April 21, 2016
After reading and reviewing Doing Germany (Book 1,) I was again given the opportunity to rate another one of Paletta’s work, the sequel.
My first commentary is on the title. Why use the same name for both books? I mean, I understand that Book 2 is the sequel, but wouldn’t it have been better to come up with a name for it, even something like Doing Germany Again or Still Doing Germany? I don’t know, having the same name for both is okay, I guess. I just would’ve done it a little different. That was my first impression anyway.
Like the summary states, this book picks up right where the first one left off. The girl’s still in Germany, except now she’s adding a baby and a new house to the mix.
Again, the reader is given the brief highlights to her life in Germany. We also have the return of “M” (I still think this guy should have a name.) Main character still babbles on with her Polish-Canadian-Italian-German point of view, which can be daunting. She continues making comparisons between life in Germany and life everywhere else. It almost reads like a How-to book.
Following the same format as the last, this is a diary/memoir of a young foreign mom. Although she still had that biting wit, I, personally, related to and liked the first book better mainly because I know nothing about children and this book deviated completely to the life of a mom.
Again, okay, but not too impressive.
My first commentary is on the title. Why use the same name for both books? I mean, I understand that Book 2 is the sequel, but wouldn’t it have been better to come up with a name for it, even something like Doing Germany Again or Still Doing Germany? I don’t know, having the same name for both is okay, I guess. I just would’ve done it a little different. That was my first impression anyway.
Like the summary states, this book picks up right where the first one left off. The girl’s still in Germany, except now she’s adding a baby and a new house to the mix.
Again, the reader is given the brief highlights to her life in Germany. We also have the return of “M” (I still think this guy should have a name.) Main character still babbles on with her Polish-Canadian-Italian-German point of view, which can be daunting. She continues making comparisons between life in Germany and life everywhere else. It almost reads like a How-to book.
Following the same format as the last, this is a diary/memoir of a young foreign mom. Although she still had that biting wit, I, personally, related to and liked the first book better mainly because I know nothing about children and this book deviated completely to the life of a mom.
Again, okay, but not too impressive.
March 22, 2016
Agnieszka Paletta was born in Poland and raised in Canada where she moved with her family when she was 9 years old. After she graduated from the University of Toronto with a double-major in English and Criminology she worked on various places and different jobs, all around the world – from teaching and IT to waitress and executive assistant.
I started this review with author's bio for clear reason - Agnieszka Paletta due to her life experience understands what big picture is, she has sense of humor and in her writing is evident how restless spirit she is.
I did not had chance to read the first part of her “Doing Germany” series, but its sequel is full of humor - an easy read, unpretentious work that is fun to go through.
While she (continues to) discover Germany there are plenty of situations that will make you laugh, though there are also few great unexpected lessons to be learned while browsing through her pages.
“Doing Germany 2” is a good read and though in opposite order, Agnieszka Paletta intrigued me enough to read the first part of her series (as soon as I manage to).
I started this review with author's bio for clear reason - Agnieszka Paletta due to her life experience understands what big picture is, she has sense of humor and in her writing is evident how restless spirit she is.
I did not had chance to read the first part of her “Doing Germany” series, but its sequel is full of humor - an easy read, unpretentious work that is fun to go through.
While she (continues to) discover Germany there are plenty of situations that will make you laugh, though there are also few great unexpected lessons to be learned while browsing through her pages.
“Doing Germany 2” is a good read and though in opposite order, Agnieszka Paletta intrigued me enough to read the first part of her series (as soon as I manage to).
April 14, 2016
Doing Germany by Agnieszka Poletta was a hilarious romp through a foreign culture through the eyes of a hybrid immigrant North American who, despite her multi-cultural background, was something of a naif when she encountered Germany for the first time.
In Doing Germany 2, the author picks up right where she left off in the first book. Married now, to a German-Pole, or is that Polish-German, with a baby newly arrived, Agnes and M (she refuses to name him through two books, can you believe that?) argue over whether the kid should be named Max or Maximillian—thankfully, Max wins. Agnes (the anglicized version of her Polish given name) continues to struggle with the cultural chasm she must cross to learn to get along in Germany.
If you’re into sophisticated, low-key humor, in the words of the infamous mobster, ‘fuggedaboudit.’ This book is low-brow, in your face humor from start to finish. If you’ve been in a situation where you’re encountering a completely alien culture for the first time, though, you’ll immediately see the point.
Light reading, quick to read, and funny as hell. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
In Doing Germany 2, the author picks up right where she left off in the first book. Married now, to a German-Pole, or is that Polish-German, with a baby newly arrived, Agnes and M (she refuses to name him through two books, can you believe that?) argue over whether the kid should be named Max or Maximillian—thankfully, Max wins. Agnes (the anglicized version of her Polish given name) continues to struggle with the cultural chasm she must cross to learn to get along in Germany.
If you’re into sophisticated, low-key humor, in the words of the infamous mobster, ‘fuggedaboudit.’ This book is low-brow, in your face humor from start to finish. If you’ve been in a situation where you’re encountering a completely alien culture for the first time, though, you’ll immediately see the point.
Light reading, quick to read, and funny as hell. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
July 18, 2016
When I first got the book I expected it to be a funny view on German habits. Being German myself I always enjoy and also reflect on those things I don’t realise I’m doing. That is exactly what you get. In some cases I couldn’t relate to them as I don’t have a baby, a house or a husband. But it doesn’t make the book less worth reading.
What I enjoyed most about this about this book is the fact that in there not only the situation in Germany is shown but also how a similar situation would be in Poland, Canada or the US. That way not only Non-Germans can learn about Germany but also Germans can learn how a situation is handled in other countries.
The idea to this book is something that I like. It’s not a new idea but I like to read books about how people see their life in Germany.
The writing style is good once you get used to it and I got used to it pretty quickly.
All in all it’s a great book that is fun to read. 3 of 5 stars.
What I enjoyed most about this about this book is the fact that in there not only the situation in Germany is shown but also how a similar situation would be in Poland, Canada or the US. That way not only Non-Germans can learn about Germany but also Germans can learn how a situation is handled in other countries.
The idea to this book is something that I like. It’s not a new idea but I like to read books about how people see their life in Germany.
The writing style is good once you get used to it and I got used to it pretty quickly.
All in all it’s a great book that is fun to read. 3 of 5 stars.
August 9, 2016
Paletta's second installment of her memoirs as a global citizen living in Germany, buying and fixing up real estate and beginning a family is better than her first book. She seems to have found a more mature voice, while keeping her sense of humor. I loved reading about her adventures in parenting Max, and I would love to see her give fiction, versus only memoir, a try, as her voice is charming and witty. I believe she is an author worth watching grow. Three stars.
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