La Première Gorgée de bière et autres plaisirs minuscules by Philippe Delerm

Today we're going to go a little left field with the post. As I have mentioned, I studied French in college and even managed to spend a semester in France. One of the many reasons I love the French language so much is because of their literature. Who could forget classics like Les trois mousquetaires (The Three Musketeers) or 20,000 Lieues sous la mer (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea)? I love to read both versions of these stories to catch the little cultural innuendo that can often be over-looked due to poor translation and editing. Today though, I am discussing a more contemporary book that is more like short stories.

Do you remember what that first sip of beer tastes like? Or how about how green beans crunch when you snap them? La Première Gorgée de bière et autres plaisirs minuscules by Philippe Delerm was originally written in 1997, but I have a feeling that it will never fall out of favor with most people. Everyone can find at least one story in this little book that they can relate to and that will bring a smile to their face from a distant memory.

Delerm goes on to tell tales about when life was simpler and more enjoyable. There are no blaring electronics, no hustle and bustle; there's just life, in its purest form. At times we all say we need to just "get away from it all" and "unplug." This book is your way to do that without ever having to leave. While I think the translation loses something that can only be captured by the original French, the book is nevertheless a fabulous way to enjoy a nice afternoon.

Check your local libraries or bookstores for this gem. You won't regret it.