Welcome to Litsy!

I love Laurain‘s books so much! They have the perfect blend of humor, charm, and “what if…” ☺️ I appreciate them being on the shorter side too, like a dessert, they‘re just right when you need something a little sweet 🧁🍪🍰

Refreshing, original, uplifting, charming. A testament to the magic of confidence! Written in 2012, but takes place in the 1980‘s, and the references to the trends and technology was a fun throwback. This was my #ReadOrDonate selection for April. Usually I donate them once I‘ve read them, but I‘m keeping this one. 🇫🇷
#ReadYourTBR @melissajayne
#Pantone2024 @BarbaraBB
#BookChain2024 #ISpyBingo @TheAromaofBooks

I‘m looking forward to reading The President‘s Hat as my #ReadOrDonate selection this month. It has been sitting on my bookshelf for years. 🎩. Plus, it takes place in Paris! 🎶 April in Paris… 🎶

This was fun, but I don't think I enjoyed it as much as everyone else on here. The first half was outstanding. The second half dragged a little, and this got a bit too strange at the end. This is somewhere between a So-So and a Pick for me.

In his office, Daniel settled into his swivel chair, stroked his hat, which he had placed on the desk in front of him, and savoured the quiet of the room. He had got through the meeting without being assailed by... waves of anxiety. On the contrary, he had experienced a sense of serene calm. Just a few days ago, the very idea of a confrontation ...would have raised his blood pressure...would have emerged drained at the end of the day.
Not so now.

François Mitterrand - president of France 1981-1995.
I‘m back in Rouen, this time in 1986 (rather than between the wars with Arsène Lupin).
Detailed snippets of the hat-wearers' lives, lovingly told. Mitterand's hat is passed from person to person, imbuing them with the courage to change their lives.
💖 💖 💖 💖 🤍

This is a delightful book. It's a fable of sorts, and it is full of interesting characters. Each of them is grappling with something or the other in their lives and each of them finds a way out and finds themselves changed thanks to a hat.

I particularly loved the way all the threads of the narrative come together in the end. This is the second book of Antoine Laurain's that I have read. He's quickly becoming a favourite writer.

A fun exploration of the life of an object and its power for those who “find” it. Very enjoyable way to pass a Sunday in quarantine.

One benefit to virtual church is that I can start my Sunday with a snuggle and a new book.

My husband bought me this when I was studying French a few years ago...

@erzascarletbookgasm has already posted the English-language version!

#thehat

#lilithjuly

It‘s 1986, 5 years into François Mitterrand‘s 16-year reign as President. Accountant Daniel Mercier was dining alone in an elegant Parisian restaurant when the President sat next to his table. And left his hat when he was gone. Daniel decided to keep #thehat as souvenir, then started wearing it, and began to feel ‘different‘.
This was a fun read that brought a smile to me.

#lilithjuly

A light hearted and uplifting Sunday read!

10p! Yes, 10p.
Charity shop bargain!
Plus I've read two others by the author so know it'll be a light hearted and whimsical read. Just what I need after a busy week and the rainy weather :)
😊📚💦🌧🌧

The internet is full of gold nuggets. 😀
This German article explains the mysterious quote at the end of the book a bit:

http://m.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-8870970.html

A nice tiny book to read “in between”. Until it told the story of Bernard I really liked it but all the politics and the contemporary artists that turned up in that part were too much for me. Suddenly the book was too much elitist. It had turned away from the rather light entertainment that by all coziness also transports a (worldly) wisdom. That kind of spoiled my reading pleasure and made me rate “So-So”.

The epilogue again is very clever.

I took this one out from my online library‘s wish list now. It‘s the book that “replaces” Sophie Jordan‘s “Infernale” two-parter.

it‘s a tiny book whose blurb reminded me of the movie “Amélie” because it‘s about how the hat ? the President forgets in a brassiere changes the life of various other people.

A fun, light-hearted read with a generous portion of magic and serendipity. If you‘re looking for some positivity and would like to roam the streets of Paris, Rouen, and Venice while you read, pick this one up! #ReadingAroundTheWorld #France

#OctoberPutASpellOnYou #Witch‘sHat

Ok, so it‘s not about a WITCH‘s hat, but I take every opportunity I have to recommend Laurain‘s novels. The President‘s Hat May not be witchy, but it is magical! ✨

#Library #BookHaul Which one should I start with? 🤔 I'm thinking The President's Hat should be read first, because I'm a #Francophile.

I just love his writing. This was a light, short read which is exactly what I needed!

Enjoying this little gem. I love his writing

Starting this today - thanks @Ottergirl 😁

🇫🇷Here is my shelf of Paris books. 🇫🇷
🥐☕️#setinFrance 🍷🧀
#jubilantjuly

@RealLifeReading

Oh my gosh! I'm so overwhelmed. Thank you @Ottergirl you've made me one happy Litten with your thoughtfulness and generosity. I've read Surfacing before but none of the others. And the little notebook is perfect as book journal. #SummerSantaGoesPostal

An entertaining read for those of us who are Francophiles, and hopefully those who aren't. Reminds me of The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett.

#MarchMadness #BooksSetInParis

I'll use any excuse to plug these delightful books!!! The author has a third, French Rhapsody, which is on my TBR.

This book rec from Liberty! I really like the story and but it was too short!!! Several pieces that went together to make the overall novel. Some pieces were more exciting to me than others, but if you like French food and culture, it's a definite pick.

I'm so glad I picked this after my last sad read. What a delightful book! Affectionate, funny and engrossing. I enjoyed reading the amusing adventures of a hat and how it affects the lives of those who own it. The epilogue is an icing on the cake. The book is very well written and translated, it didn't even feel like a translated work. I'll be looking out for more of Laurain's work. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
#litsyatoz

I seldom snack when I'm reading (beverage is fine), but when I do, I like this muesli bar. #riotgrams #booksandtreats
@bookriot

I don't know how to pronounce these, but they sure sound fancy and delicious! 😊😋🇫🇷
#currentread

What great fun.

Imagine an item of clothing that could change your life. How would you change? What different choices would you make?

No, my monkey hat has not changed my life. But, like this book, it is great fun!

My recent library haul. ❤📚❤

#Reconnendsday

I've been having trouble lately settling into books. If you are the same, here are two short, sweet and funny novels that might help.

Antoine Laurain is one of the most charming writers I have ever read. The translations are fabulous. I would recommend any of his books. Very light hearted.

Loved The Red Notebook, so thought I would give this a try.

This was a quick read. It was fun to see the transformations as each person came upon the President's Hat.

Sometimes life carries you in different directions and you don‘t even realise you‘ve gone down a fork in the road; the great GPS of destiny has not followed the planned route and there has been no sign to indicate you‘ve passed the point of no return. Life‘s Bermuda Triangle is both myth and reality

Enjoying this book! A calm story in the middle of the chaos.