How to Louvre

Thanks! I enjoyed bout her book on Rue de Martryrs and the Seine

I read this book as an electronic advance reading copy and enjoyed it. Even though I read it as a newbie to the Louvre, I think it would appeal to repeat patrons as well. Sciolino is a fantastic writer and, as a respected and accomplished journalist, had extraordinary access to people and places affiliated with the Louvre. There is something for everyone: art of course, but also history, science (the Louvre houses a particle accelerator!), architecture, colonialism, sex and sexual identity, and politics. Each chapter is short which helps with readability; you can dip in and out of the book or read it straight through.

There’s a recent episode of The Earful Tower: Paris podcast that interviews Elaine Sciolino. It’s the episode dated 2/10/25. I’ve listened a lot to this podcast in preparation for my April trip to Paris. Lots of good info.

@Phread: Thanks for the head's up. I was able to read the T&L article which was good. Her route is going the opposite direction from one I described to another forum member who wanted to see certain things, so I'm happy I was on target. It makes more sense when you are there, lol. I will get her book when it comes out.

@NYCLibrarian: Was it an OK format for an e-book? I prefer e-books especially something I might want to refer to on the go. BTW, I've placed a hold on it at my local library, lol so I can see if it would be good to purchase as an ebook and have available.

@Kathy: Thanks for the heads up on the podcast. I've got it cued up to listen to.

"When it all feels overwhelming, head to a quiet place < snip > Just say to yourself over and over, “I am in Paris. I am in the Louvre.”"

This quote is the last thing in the article and yes, I do this! Usually on the bench in front of the Vermeers, lol!!

I liked most of her book on the Rue de Martyrs but after a while it became less about the neighborhood and more about ... her. Which is the opposite of how a journalist is supposed to operate.

Pam, I prefer to read books on my Kindle rather than schlepping around a print book (especially on vacation). The writing in the book looked fine, but the photos of the artwork were not great and did not add to the experience. I want to be clear that this book does not seem to be a lavishly illustrated "coffee table" style art book. It is more like a general nonfiction/art history book, where the text is interspersed with a few photos.

Ideally you would read the book on your device and see the art in person!

I honestly don’t think of her two books proceeding this as reporting but as memoirs and in that case, I feel like her reference to how the street impacts her the river impacts her etc. were very appropriate

If you’re looking for a guide or historical reference they’re probably not a good match, but if you are kind of looking at the memoir of her in Paris I think that very well written

There’s nothing that says a reporter can’t write a personal story or book.

@Carol....thanks for that! I like memoirs of places I like to travel to. I am not much of a Hemingway fan but I enjoyed A Moveable Feast because I could mentally walk down some of the streets, lol!!

@NYCLibrarian....Yes, to looking directly at the art instead of seeing it in the book!

Just go straight to the top and work your way down.