Spotted in France: A Dog's Life...On the Road

by Gregory Edmont

Gregory Edmont is just another American sojourning in Paris...until he adopts a sophisticated Dalmation named JP. Suddenly his life is He's met with smiles every time he and JP step out, acquaintances become friends, and the City of Lights becomes home. The good fortune continues as the rest of France beckons, and the duo set off on a mission of love via motorscooter.

They leap to action after a desperate call from the eccentric Dalmatian breeder, Madame JP's services are needed to sire a litter in the south of France. The adventure begins with a near-arrest, as the French authorities question the legality of a two-wheeling Dalmatian. They escape, but the roller-coaster of a journey includes a breakdown or two, a coven of witches, eleven-course meals at five-star restaurants (JP is served from a silver platter), a cleaver-bearing butcher's wife, and much more. When they finally arrive at their destination, they discover the power of love...just not quite as anyone expected. Spotted in France is entertainment at its very Amusing and poignant, this lively tale examines the role of fate in our lives, and surprises us with its unexpected twists and turns. In addition to charming us with storytelling finesse, Gregory Edmont offers an intimate glimpse of six regions and a dozen towns and villages in France--their people, their dogs, their food, and their hearts.

Genres: Travel, Dogs, Nonfiction, France, Animals

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Yoonmee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like dogs, France, and a good chuckle, you'll enjoy this book. Hopefully that's everyone because who doesn't like dogs, France, and a good laugh? =P Seriously though, it's not the world's best written book but I don't think the writer was going for a Pulitzer. It's just a nice, fun, charming, easy read about a man and his dog on a scooter in France. What's not to love?

[Debra Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An American's colorful journey with his Dalmation JP from Paris to the South of France on a vintage Vespa.

[Chana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny and sweet. Road Trip! The author Gregory and his dog JP get on Gregory's scooter, JP sitting on the footrest, and take a trip from Paris to the South of France. Goal: Bring JP back to his breeder so he can mate with a liver spotted Dalmation (JP is also a liver spotted Dalmation) from England, and hurry as she is going into heat soon. If the author is sticking to the facts here then the story certainly affirms the adage that 'life is stranger than fiction'. My favorite part was the white witches in the tulip fields, with coffee, and one just happens to be a mechanic. C'mon, couldn't possibly be, but very fun to read, and you never know, maybe his life is just way more interesting than mine, probably because he has a dog! The story includes a funeral and a wedding and much magnificent dining If there was anything I didn't like about the book it was the way that Bonbon treated the English couple. That kind of snobbery doesn't impress me, even if it was written mostly to be amusing. The English couple were incredibly kind in the end. Bonbon was suffering from a broken heart. The things that happen in this book help her to heal. Gregory Edmont is so fortunate that JP picked him out and wanted to be his dog.

[CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slight but charming book, full of the beauties of France, the charm of French people, and the delights of French wine and cuisine. not only that, but there's DOGS! Lots of dogs, although J.P. is the top dog, of course. J.P. and his owner have an enjoyable if low-stakes romp from Paris to the south of France, meet lots of people, eat delicious things, and enjoy the scenery. What's to dislike about this? It might not win any prizes, but I think it's about as close to cozy writing as a travel book can be. Sometimes J.P.'s supposed brilliance left me a bit skeptical--I mean, really, I love dogs, and even own one, but are ANY of them that brilliant and insightful? The same with how some of the events worked out so perfectly. I am sure there's at least a kernel of truth to the stories; I just think that the author may have exagerrated a little bit for literary purposes. Which is fine. he crafted a charming, evocative, happy little book, perfect for reading during blustery North American snow storms or whenever else you need a mental getaway.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is what I'm going to start calling filler books. The sort of book you set aside at the first moment another book comes along. While pleasant I find it sort of boring though I can't put my finger on the reasons why. Why the idea of a man travelling France with his dalamation on his Vespa is clearly endearing there just doesn't seem to be much more to the story. It should take a day or two to read, but for the above mentioned reasons, it's taking me a couple of weeks and I may very well return it to the library before finishing the last two chapters. [Indeed I dropped it off at the library without reading the last couple of chapters.:]

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love my dog books. This one is good, not great. I'm glad I read it, but it isn't just a dog book--very much an exploration of French culture and cuisine as well. In that sense I felt the author covered too much ground, and the book didn't have as much heft to it as it might have. But still a worthy reflection on the way dogs can bridge the gaps in our cultures to allow dog owners to find common humanity. If you enjoy dog books, you should read it.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I just got a new puppy, and I've been reading books about France, I thought this would be fun. It's a pretty implausibe story, although a memoir, about a young American man who gets a dalmation and they ride to the south on his vespa for the dog to breed. The French are over-the-top dog lovers, as proved by this story.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read, at times amusing. Pretty much falls into the category of a "beach-novel" - lighthearted and doesn't involve much thinkging. A poor American living in Paris agrees to take his dalmatian aboard his scooter to Provence where the pooch can be breeded, providing the American with much needed funds.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this in large part because I haven't really spoken French in a long while, and it was fun to sort of get back into it recently. Also a fun road-trip-with-a-dog book, with plenty of unusual adventures and interesting characters for a quick read.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable travel narrative about a man and his Dalmation, and their trip to Southern France on a '62 Vespa.

[Carl London · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like dogs, journeys, vintage Vespas and France... so I liked this book. But it was a good story as well.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit improbable, but a short and very entertaining read, especially if you like France and dogs.

[Karen P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this lighthearted story about Gregory and his Dalmatian JP. The trip they take on his scooter to return to the breeder for JP to be a stud takes some twists and turns and is filled with the characters they meet.

[Joanne Heins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun. May seem dopey if one doesn't have a dog! But, I do want to buzz around on a Vespa with a smart dog! He did......

[Kelsey Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart warming ending! The drama! The intimate friendship between outwardly sassy French people and more reserved Anglos! I love it..

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little memoir for those who love dogs and France.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only negative thing I can say about this is it was almost too precious, too sweet, so at times it was hard to take it seriously. Then again, I know firsthand how these dogs can steal your heart.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gregory Edmont is an American sojourning in Paris until he adopts a Dalmatian named J.P. The adventure begins with a near-arrest, as the French authorities question the legality of a two-wheeling Dalmatian. They escape, but the roller coaster of a journey continues. A fun book to read with lots of surprises and unexpected twists and turns.

[Lance · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is entertainment. I enjoyed it at first and then it drags, and really does not follow a good story line, even if this is what happened. I read it but would advise some one else to read something else. I can understand why it was withdrawn from a public library after 7 years.

[Natalie Patinella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dalmatians have serious attitude and dogs are treated more like people in France.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling in France is an adventure, but on a Scooter with a dog? Hmmm. So far it is a fun story and I've learned more French, too!

[Yuliya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, love the dog, love the scenery and food descriptions. Quick and easy airplane/beach book but not a must read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. Easy, relaxing read.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but not great. It is a fast easy read.

[Ml · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK; glad I finished (I almost didn't); the ending was the best part.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple enjoyable and a lovely story. Nothing less or more. Good poolside reading.

[R Fontaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting only because of the traveling (when he is on the road) the book is alive and worthwhile.
The breeding et all is of little interest and comprises too much of the book.

[Irina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dogs, Paris, Southern France - excellent concept for a book but it was poorly executed

[Lisa Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with great characters and pretty well written. It is a quick, fun read.

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light, mindless. A bit fun.