If you are expecting even one critical word about Vivian Swift's wonderful book "Le Road Trip: A Traveler's Journal of Love and France," stop reading and go somewhere else, because you won't get it.
In fact, I think I lack enough superlatives for this beautiful book with magical illustrations and a witty and informative text to really do it justice.
Vivian and her husband James did a month in France for their honeymoon. The book follows that journey and along the way highlights Vivian's travel guidelines, some favorite spots and some lovely observations on love and traveling together.
Best of all, every page is illustrated with her beautiful watercolors -- and I don't mean one per page -- that happens, but it's rare. We're talking lots of fabulous images. 
Along the way you will discover delicious dinners, snacks, cafes and the terrific French bread... 
...spots well known to those who travel to France (or long to)...
...and places that might not be on your itinerary -- yet. 
You'll find delicious quotes...
...and terrific travel tips.
But most of all, you will simply swoon at a love story in words and pictures.
A late addition to this post: On Vivian's blog, she just posted how she puts her books together. It's fascinating -- check it out HERE.
A late addition to this post: On Vivian's blog, she just posted how she puts her books together. It's fascinating -- check it out HERE.
(A note -- when I first got this book, Rick grabbed it before me. Later, when I had it at the lake, I found him reading and savoring it as well. It really crosses all the lines -- just so long as one loves France, art and love.)
This post is part of Paris in July. Please visit Tamara at Thyme for Tea or Karen at Bookbath for more links about the City of Light (and France, too).
This looks SO good! Thank you for posting as it reminded me to request it from the library. Although, it looks like one I am going to want to own for my France book collection!!!
ReplyDeleteThe watercolors look really beautiful! Also thanks for the link to the author's blog.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I would not be able to resist that book for the illustrations alone. I love it!! I must get my hands on it.
ReplyDeleteI must see if I could link something up with this Paris in July party. Sounds irresistible.
Have a beautiful day, friend, and thank you for stopping by.
xoxo's
What an interesting sounding (and looking) book!
ReplyDeleteWow. First I discover "When Wanderers Cease to Roam" through you and now this. I'm ordering it. Also found during the search, "Doodling in French". Have you seen this. Another treasure to pick up.
ReplyDeleteO this is pure delight! I'm not going to France any time soon, but wouldn't mind indulging in a beautiful book like this. You see, this is the kind of illustrations I'd suggested you do when you posted your own drawings. Think about it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love love that book. at the end of the year, I received a gorgeous long card with her illustrations of the 4 seasons. such talent! have you read her other book? same style, same beauty. on my TBR!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book suggestion. I'm thinking of compiling a book of my poems, paintings, letters & comments. I'd like to see how it was done successfully. PPS
ReplyDeleteShe really does totally wonderful paintings, doesn't she? :-) I love looking at her work.........
ReplyDeleteEvery word you wrote about "Le Road Trip" is true. Months ago, you pointed me to Vivian's blog. From there, BOTH books ("When Wanderers Cease to Roam" is every bit as good as "Le Road Trip," but unique.)
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear Jeanie. XOXO Maryanne
Oh, absolutely! Her illustrations are utterly enchanting. And, I was surprised, but I really enjoyed her comments, anecdotes,and insights on traveling through France as well. Did you know, btw, that she hand-lettered the entire book? Thanks for pointing me in this direction!
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are beautiful. I can see why you enjoyed it.
DELICIOUSLY BEAUTIFUL! Ooo... adding this to my reading list immeditately! Such lush illustrations... This might call for a double *swoon* !! ;o) Thanks for the great review, Jeanie ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI read Le Road Trip a few months ago, and really loved it too. He illustrations are so beautiful. My Road Trip in France covered much of the same ground in 98 and that helps too.
ReplyDeleteThe water color illustrations are wonderful and so unique. I can see why you don't have enough superlatives to describe this book and why you love it so much.
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanie....I've been wanting to purchase this book. I ready her other book and was totally smitten with her art and writing style.
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct in saying she is something special to be enjoyed.
xo
Jo
It looks just delightful, Jeanie! Thanks for letting us know about it!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun read. I'll check Vivian's blog out!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love photography, I do wish I could draw/paint! I have also wished this - and both my grandmother and mother were quite good at taking paint to paper. My son, as well, is a wonderful artist. But me? Not so much. The illustrations in this book are just what I would love to create. Is it too late to start, I say?:)
ReplyDeleteHow lovely Jeanie and how interesting that Mont St Michel is the 2nd most famous tourist stop after La Tour Eiffel!
ReplyDelete♥ Patty
A lovely book and I can't even think of how much work went into the watercolours. I bet she was delighted when she'd produced it, and will I am sure be even more delighted to read what you thought of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this! What a beautiful book. I definitely want to pick that.
ReplyDeleteI have this book on my wish list with Amazon and wondered if it was worth it. Sounds like I need to buy it.
ReplyDelete