Entre Nous
A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl
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4.4 • 15 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Ever wonder what gives French women that je ne sais quoi?
At first you might think it's the elegant figure, matchless style, and mysterious allure. Then you realize those qualities don't come from just anywhere. They come from generations of women raised to cultivate an extraordinary sense of self. French women know who they are, like who they are, and excel at presenting who they are.
The rest of us are often susceptible to the next fad, the new thing, the ultimate diet. We're always seeking, instead of realizing that what we already are may be just right. Rarely does an American woman feel as comfortable in her own skin as her French counterpart. And rarely does an American woman have that essentially French ability to say no---to refuse anything that doesn't suit her, whether that thing is a job, a man, or the season's latest styles.
Provocative and practical, lively and intelligent, Entre Nous unlocks the mystery of the French girl and the secrets of her self-possession. Why do French women always look inimitably stylish? How do they manage to sit in a café for a three-course lunch and a glass of wine...by themselves? How do they decide when they're ready to let someone become a part of their very private lives?
Laced with practical tips, engaging sidebars, and essential observations about French women and their ways, Entre Nous is a delightful book that will help you take the best of all pages from the French girl's book---the page that reveals how to really enjoy life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Most American women would agree that those Frenchies have something going on. La Femme Nikita, Catherine Deneuve, even Audrey Tatou of Amelie fame--they all possess a certain je ne sais quoi. In this cutesy pick-me-up of a book, Ollivier--an American married to a Frenchman--insists that you, too, can be glamorous, mythic and mysterious;"a star in the pantheon of feminine beauty and strength." How can American gals tap into their inner Frenchness? Ollivier lays down the law, interspersing her must-dos with sidebars detailing, for example, legendary French ladies from Josephine Bonaparte to Coco Chanel. Among Ollivier's tips: for loungewear, think silk mou-mous or padded zebra-skin mules, not baggy sweat pants; toss the Equal and use regular sugar in your coffee; and go ahead and gossip, but be discreet. Stereotypical? Peut-etre. But Ollivier's overall advice--seek beauty everywhere; accept character flaws; don't rush to define a romantic relationship--goes far beyond the realm of France and its women, and is evident in smart women the world over.
Customer Reviews
Thoughtful
I love the little movie and book references throughout. I am 100% Francophile so I enjoy reading and seeing movie pertaining to the French culture. What I think I enjoyed the most is the comparison of the American and French cultures. Debra touched on all the points of why we love/envy the French and gave me some ideas of how to do life better.
Loved it!
It was interesting to learn about another cultural approach to life. I will definitely incorporate some aspects into my own.
A good light read
A charming but shallow look at the tendencies of French girls. Helpful, interesting references to other books and films. Easy and enjoyable to read. Multiple typos and grammatical errors.