I finished reading my book of the month, Jojo Moyes’ Paris for One and Other Stories early on and in one sitting! This is one of the Jojo Moyes books I bought from the last Big Bad Wolf Book sale event I attended. It’s also the second book from this author that I liked. The first was The Last Letter from Your Lover. You can check out my review of that too!

Anyway, read on below for a full review of this book.

Paris for One

Paris for One is the main story on this book. Yes there are other stories in the book which explains the title. According to the description, Paris for One is a novella.

What’s the Story?

Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She’s never even been on a romantic weekend away–to anywhere–before. Traveling abroad isn’t really her thing. But when Nell’s boyfriend fails to show up for their mini-vacation, she has the opportunity to prove everyone–including herself–wrong. Alone in Paris, Nell finds a version of herself she never knew existed: independent and intrepid. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life? 

Thoughts on Paris for One

I was drawn to this book because I dream of going to Paris. This was a fun read! I lived vicariously through Nell on her unexpected solo adventure in Paris. It was a short story but Jojo Moyes was able to really flesh out Nell’s character development. Honestly love how her solo adventure changed her life for the better and even found romance on top of that! Oh and this book also has some funny moments. Although her friends were only given a few pages in the story, they made me laugh and I loved how fiercely protective they were of Nell.

Paris for One made me long to have my own travel adventures again. I’m still dreaming of Europe. Have visit Paris in my travel bucket list. I’d spend a I’ll definitely look into that when travel is safe once more. Meantime, while I wait, I’m saving up.

The Other Stories

This book also had other short stories included:

  • Between the Tweets
  • Love in the Afternoon
  • A Bird in the Hand
  • Crocodile Shoes
  • Holdups
  • Last Year’s Coat
  • Thirteen Days with John C
  • The Christmas List

Out of these, my favorites are Crocodile Shoes and The Christmas List.

Crocodile Shoes told the story of how wearing the right pair of shoes helps boost someone’s confidence which is true, don’t you agree? I like wearing heels to a meeting specially because it’s all part of power dressing. Makes me feel confident.

As for The Christmas List, well this made me feel the same way I felt when I read Paris for One. Excited. Hopeful. It’s a story about a woman who breaks free from the chains that held her behind in her life. Who doesn’t want to feel free from the things, expectations and/or people that weigh us down?

This is my 6th book for 2021. Still a long way from my goal of 20 books for my 2021 GoodReads Reading Challenge. Hopefully by the end of the year, I’m able to reach my goal. If you’re yearning to travel again or you’re looking to feel hopeful and excited about life, pick up this book. It’s going to ignite those feelings in you the way it did with me!