Uncorked: My year in Provence studying Pétanque, discovering Chagall, drinking Pastis, and mangling French

Will having smoke repeatedly blown in his face deter a foreigner from breaking in to French culture? Find out, as Paul Shore’s evocative story telling, wry wit, and big heart, inspire and entertain you, as he tells the tale of how he gained acceptance inside a charming village in France.

Shore’s storytelling humorously celebrates the “uncorking” of many of France’s most cherished traditions --- learning to play boules under the clandestine cover of darkness; cheese-plate etiquette; drinking before noon; and dodging exhaled cigarette smoke!

Paul also uncovers personal awakenings about the value of following paths-less-travelled, and slowing down to smell-the-roses. All while, his self-deprecating humor and sincere respect for the value of traditions enable him to make friends and gain acceptance within a quirky foreign culture.

And, triggered by living for a year in the village of the great artist Marc Chagall, Shore also reflects on the challenges that all newcomers face in their adopted lands.

TREAT YOURSELF TODAY to some laughter and fond reminiscing about your own travels!

WINNER of the 2017 Whistler Independent Book Award for Non-Fiction, and a 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist.

"Cross-cultural endeavors never go out of style. Shore will make readers smile and reminisce over their own youthful sojourns in faraway lands. Uncorked is a well written and diverting book that many readers will treasure." 
--- Judge's Commentary, 25th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

"Shore's use of the game of Pétanque as a point of entry to address areas of personal alienation is a great literary and narrative choice.  This memoir made me laugh; especially Paul's foil Hubert, who is a star. And its funny and illuminating stories contain a soul that is touching too!" 
--- J.J. Lee, CBC radio host, author, and Governor General's Literary Award finalist

“Exactly the type of book I crave...only better! Shore's writing immediately feels like you're on a tour with a friend who tells it like it is. His self-deprecating humor and humility make it no wonder that he found a way to ingratiate himself into a tight-knit community in the south of France and enjoy life as a local.”
--- “Sandy Abrams, entrepreneur, author of Your Idea, Inc, and Huffington Post blogger

"Like a wry cross between Bill Bryson and Dave Bidini, Paul Shore’s funny, self-deprecating and wholesome recounting of a year spent in Provence is one part travelogue, one part self-help guide, and one part memoir. Uncorked is just like a good French wine: light, delicious, and full of flavour."
--- Grant Lawrence, CBC broadcaster and author of Adventures in Solitude

“A computer geek in the South of France? What could go wrong? With remarkable storytelling skill, Shore brings to life a time and place where community, simplicity and a slower pace were revered — a younger generation's A Year in Provence.”
--- Sarah Bancroft, writer of the blog A Year in Paris