Paris Lost and Found

Scott Dominic Carpenter teaches French literature and creative writing at Carleton College (MN). Winner of a Mark Twain House Royal Nonesuch Award (2018), he is the author of French Like Moi: A Midwesterner in Paris (winner of a Next Generation Indie Book Award), This Jealous Earth: Stories, and Theory of Remainders: A Novel (a Kirkus Best Book of 2013), which is currently under option with a major motion picture production company. Carpenter splits his time between St. Paul and Paris.

Praise for Paris Lost and Found“Paris Lost and Found is not only the best travel memoir I've seen in years; it’s one of the best books I've read in a decade.” —Gillian Kendall, Perceptive Travel“Honestly, the funniest book I’ve ever read that also made me cry.” —Heather Stimmler, editor of Secrets of Paris“Lovers of Paris know that Scott Carpenter understands and evokes the authentic city behind the iconic sights and tourist cliches. In this sequel to his delightful, insightful French Like Moi, Carpenter takes us on a deeply personal journey, illuminating with poignant humor the City of Light, and loss, and love.” —Don George, author of The Way of Wanderlust"Carpenter is a very funny man, and a gifted writer who has perfected the art of rendering the typical day-to-day, real-life scenarios that Americans in France frequently find themselves in—absurd situations having to do with Frenchness in one way or another." —Janet Hulstrand, in Bonjour Paris“In these humorous, heartfelt essays, [Carpenter] presents a different view of the city… An enjoyable, engaging read for travelers—armchair and airline alike. —Los Angeles Book Review“Directed by his Midwestern sense of delight, Carpenter adopts the role of an American observer, making keen observations about language and about the fact that human vulnerability makes people more alike than they are different. Still, everyone Carpenter encounters is fair game for an affectionate portrait that speaks to their particular quirks and culture. A nuanced memoir about loss, starting over, and embracing a new home abroad.” —Foreword Clarion Reviews“Like the soiled sheets of the chateau turned B&B Anne was once tasked to wash clean, the romanticisation of Paris is stripped all the way back. If this book makes one fall in love with the city, it’ll be for what it authentically is: its quirks, frustrating qualities, little magic and all.” —Book Nerdection (rated “Must Read”)“A testament to human resiliency.” —2am Book Review Club“Five Stars” —Readers’ FavoritePraise for French Like Moi“A delightful read...filled with levity and grace.” —Kirkus Reviews“Carpenter's droll take keeps the reader chuckling.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune“Carpenter has a knack for turning potential catastrophes into comedy.” —Publishers Weekly“A delightful romp through French life.” —Midwest Book ReviewFive stars, and Editors’ Pick —Foreword Reviews

• Part One: The End1.    Souvenir2.    Memory3.    Le Turd4.    A Thing I Saw: Escape Velocity5.    Fake-It-and-Wait6.    ’Tis the Season 7.    Grand Finale8.    Lockdown Part Two: The Middle9.    Ghost Town10.    Adieu11.    Silver Screen12.    French Dough13.    A Thing I Saw: Signs14.    Shot in the Dark 15.    Scaredy-Cat16.    Wildlife17.    The ParisitePart Three: The Beginning18.    A Thing I Saw: Epiphany19.    Swipe Right20.    Lost and Found in ParisAcknowledgments