The Parisian Chapter

by Janet Skeslien Charles

This audiobook is read by a full cast, led by actress Pauline Chalamet (The Sex Live of College Girls, The King of Staten Island).

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade comes a charming and cinematic multi-cast audiobook following a young woman from Montana who lands a job in the American Library in Paris, where she discovers the power of storytelling and writes her own Parisian chapter.

Paris, 1995: It’s been five years since Lily Jacobsen and her best friend Mary Louise arrived from their small town of Froid, Montana. Determined to establish themselves as artists—Lily, a novelist, and Mary Louise, a painter—they share a tiny sixth-floor walkup and survive on brie and baguette.

When Mary Louise abruptly moves out, Lily feels alone in the City of Light for the first time and is in need of a new way to support herself. She lands a job as the programs manager at the American Library in Paris, following in the footsteps of her French neighbor Odile, who infused her childhood with tales of heroic World War II librarians. Here in the storied halls of the ALP, Lily meets an incredible cast of characters—her favorite author, quirky coworkers, broke students, and high society trustees—each with their own stories...and agendas. Personal dramas sometimes take precedence over books and patrons.

Between her hard-nosed boss not letting up and her best friend letting go, Lily is stressed and bewildered. When it becomes clear that the Library is facing serious financial struggles and its future is uncertain, she must look beyond her own problems in order to protect the ALP and the precious memories it holds.

This moving, propulsive story features twelve different voices, led by French-American actress Pauline Chalamet (The Sex Lives of College Girls), and offers a panoramic view of a real historic institution, revisiting characters from both of Charles’s beloved novels. Lily’s story is a love letter to the artist’s life, the importance of friendship, and leaving home only to find it again.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Books About Books, Historical

Audible Audio

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

I'm the author of MISS MORGAN'S BOOK BRIGADE (THE LIBRARIANS OF RUE DE PICARDIE in the UK).

What you can expect from the story:
-A celebration strong women breaking down barriers and leaving their mark on history
-Lifelong friendships
-A wise dog named Max🐕
-History brought to life
-A return to the bodacious 1980s
-The comfort of books📚
-A trip to Paris
-Characters that feel like friends
-A headstrong French girl who will win your heart

While researching THE PARIS LIBRARY, I discovered another incredible librarian who travelled to France on her own. Like the directress Dorothy Reeder, my new heroine Jessie Carson believes in books as bridges.

Set in World War I France, Jessie prefers working in a war zone to life with her boss back home. The only way she can visit the City of Light is if she can find a job to pay her passage. The American Committee for Devastated France, an aid group that cares for civilians, hires her, and she is on her way.

In northern France, Jessie turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears. I was dying to know what happened to her. The story had plenty of twists and turns, leading me to The Morgan Library and Museum, the New York Public Library, and the Franco-American Museum in France. I hope you’ll enjoy tracking down this elusive librarian as much as I did.

I can’t wait for you to discover this new book! For more news, sign up for my newsletter: https://jskesliencharles.substack.com...

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. It is fast paced and engaging, with a diverse group of interesting characters, and is an excellent addition to The Paris Library. I listened to the audiobook, which is well-narrated by full cast of talented actors.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this didn’t grab my attention in the same way that Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade did, it was still an interesting peek behind the curtain at the American Library in Paris.

I think the thing I had the most difficulty with was the wide range of characters. I’d just get introduced to one character and want to know more before another chapter started, and I was introduced to yet another character. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with so many characters to keep straight. I felt like one of those performing plate spinners, weary of keeping it all together. I understand that the author wanted to show how each was influenced by the lure of the library and that the plot was designed to have chapters cycling through the experiences of these characters, but it was too much work for me. I just wanted to read to be entertained and learn something.

I enjoyed the spotlight on friendships, the value of communication, the difficulties in keeping a balance and the importance of history. The slice of 1955 Paris opened my eyes to the subtle changes this city of light has undergone.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Mardi Michels · Rating 5 out of 5]

With thanks to the author for an advance copy of the audiobook.

This book blew me away. It's the first audiobook I have finished - ever! - as I find that I am not able to focus on them as well as with physical books. However, I made an exception for this one as I am a huge fan of Janet's previous work. I am glad I took a chance on this one - and I found myself engrossed the whole way. I was so annoyed that life was getting in the way of my listening!

The book is told from multiple POV and is narrated by a full cast of characters (notably the charming Pauline Chalamet) which helped me keep track of the storylines. I was enchanted by this for so many reasons, not the least being that it is set in 1995, the year *I* moved to Paris and lived in a "chambre de bonne" myself - there was so much about this that brought back memories of what was a challenging time in my life but one on which I look back with great fondness. And, I mean, the fact that this is set in a library - one of my favourite places on earth - was the icing on the cake. I have actually done an event at the ALP myself when my own book came out so it was really interesting hearing the inner musings of the Programme Director!

I absolutely LOVED this book and can't wait to read the story again in paperback when it eventually comes out!

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet audiobook. A sweet follow up to the earlier book

[Bre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Janet Skeslien Charles and Simon & Schuster Audio for this audiobook ARC. I will be giving my honest review.
I have always wanted but never been to Paris. While it is still high on my list this book offered a sweet escape there to hold me over until then.
It was so much fun to hear about her love for Paris and learn about the ALP (American Library in Paris)
The narration was superb with a cast of voices and most notably Pauline Chalamet from The Sex Lives of College Girls. And don’t even get me started on the chapter breaks where the music sounded like my fave nostalgic PBS tunes.
It was a fast pace read that kept me engaged throughout. I also loved the little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout. For example I will enjoy any signs of age on my face since like the book says “books have lines and if we’re lucky our faces have lines with stories to tell.” Oooh and to always keep champagne in the fridge so I’ll find reasons to celebrate

[Mishawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This audiobook wrapped up and updated us on what those wonderful characters were up to since the Paris Library. It was cute. It didn’t really add too much but nostalgic memories. I didn’t mind the stroll back to Paris. It did make me want to go back and reread the first book and Their Eyes were watching God. It gets another mention and in my review 2years ago I said I was bumping it up my list. Maybe this year I will get to it so I can see why the character loved it so much.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, it had a lot of promise, an interesting setting, some compelling characters that were well narrated by talented voice actors… but in the end, it seemed like a lot of production for an only ok story.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful histfic story set in the American Library in Paris in 1995. Editing out some of the many characters would have made for greater clarity, but I loved this engaging literary tale overall. Recommended!

[Abby | abbysbookadventure · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

In the mood for an easy and immersive listen? Look no further!

After reading The Paris Library years ago, I was excited to see that a follow up was coming in the form of an audio original (so it only exists as an audiobook). The full cast narration led by Pauline Chalamet really brings 90’s Paris to life. This book is about growing into yourself, the power of female friendships, and books. I loved being back at the ALP (The American Library in Paris) and meeting a whole new cast of characters who find comfort in the library and books. This book is short and breezy and just so easy to listen to.

I’d recommend you read The Paris Library first, as events are referenced and parts would be spoiled. That one was really good on audio too. I haven’t read Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade yet but know characters were referenced from that one too, though it seems less critical to have read that before this.

Thank you, Libro.FM and Atria Books for the gifted ALC.

[bookscoffeeandcats77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn in by the setting. I loved the descriptions and the accents. I enjoyed learning more about the ALP (American Library In Paris). It’s quite a cast of characters and I enjoyed the changing viewpoints. I really liked Lily. Hers was somewhat of a coming of age story with navigating a new country, new job, friendship issues and romance.

I loved the full cast and cinematic narration. It really added to the story.

Readers of this authors previous books will appreciate revisiting with some characters from those books. I plan on checking out her backlist books.

Thank you to @simon.audio and Janet Skeslien Charles for the ALC of this audiobook!

[Ceylan (CeyGo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun listening to this #fullcast audio book . There is a historical fiction element to it for sure, as well as a mystery, some friend drama, and well a library ! Although this was a great standalone story, in retrospect, I probably should have read The Paris Library - which has been on my #tbr since it first came out - first ! I only realized after there were some connections to the Paris Library

My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Marie Girulat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @jskesliencharles and @simon.audio for the #gifted audiobook!

Set in Paris 1995, Lily Jacobsen is an aspiring artist struggling to find her footing after her best friend Mary Louise moves out. She gets a job as the programs manager at the American Library, inspired by her hero, a WWII librarian. She encounters a diverse group of characters and faces challenges, including financial troubles at the library. As she navigates her new role and the aftermath of her friend’s departure, Lily learns about friendship, community, and the quest for belonging.

This captivating story chronicles Lily’s transformative journey as she comes of age while navigating a new country, a challenging job, friendship dynamics, and budding romance. The story unfolds through the perspectives of multiple narrators, each providing insights into the interconnected lives of those tied to the library throughout the years. While I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of these characters, I felt that the sheer number of them sometimes blurred the story’s focus.

The full cast and cinematic narration, led by the talented Pauline Chalamet, infused each character with depth and emotion, creating an immersive experience reminiscent of a riveting radio drama.

This book is a quick read, and it features familiar characters from the author's previous works. If you appreciate coming-of-age stories, this book is a must-read. Mark your calendars for its release on May 27, 2025!

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @Simon.Audio and the author @jskesliencharles for the #gifted audiobook.

Release Date: 05/27/2025

Janet Skeslien Charles once again brings history to life with The Parisian Chapter, a charming and cinematic novel that whisks readers—and listeners—away to the heart of Paris. This historical fiction gem follows a young woman from Montana who lands an unexpected job at the American Library in Paris. There, surrounded by stories and history, she begins to write her own Parisian chapter.

Told through multiple points of view, the audiobook format truly elevates the experience. The full-cast narration, led beautifully by Pauline Chalamet, adds layers of personality and emotion to each character. The multicast made it feel more like an immersive radio drama than a traditional audiobook, making it easy to get swept up in the world of books, courage, and connection.

Skeslien Charles balances historical depth with personal discovery, exploring the power of storytelling and the resilience of those who fight to preserve it. Whether you’re a fan of WWII-era fiction or simply love tales set in the City of Light, The Parisian Chapter is a heartfelt and inspiring listen.

Perfect for fans of: historical fiction, libraries, strong female leads, and beautifully produced audiobooks.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Parisian Chapter is such an enchanting story! It’s a multi-cast audiobook following Lily Jacobsen who lands a job working at the American Library in Paris during the 90’s. This deals with female friendships, learning to let go and stresses the importance of libraries.

When I saw this on Netgalley it was an immediate request but I was even more excited when I realized it featured Lily who was introduced in The Paris Library. While not required, I do recommend reading The Paris Library and Miss Morgan's Book Brigade first because this does include/mention a few other characters from those books. I loved revisiting Odile and Margaret and learning about what’s become of them in the 40 years since the events of The Paris Library.

The full-cast narration was phenomenal! It was so immersive and easy for me to follow along and keep track of who was who.

I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Janet Skeslien Charles and can’t wait for her next release!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla | baeslerbookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I listened to the audiobook version, which is performed by a full cast. The story centers on Lily, who is a World War II-era librarian—takes on a role as the programs director at the American Library. The library is struggling financially, and Lily’s journey unfolds from there. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, which made it a bit tricky to follow at times in audio format and made the plot seem a little slow at times as well.

Published: May 27th, 2025

Thank you NetGalley & Janet Skeslein Charles for this #gifted eARC!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn with this book. I really didn’t like the main character. I thought she was naive, selfish and whiny. I liked the how book shifted perspective but I would get annoyed each time it shifted back to Lily and I want to hear from others. I thought their stories were far more interesting. That said, I read this fast than most audiobooks as I kept going back for more and I still can’t put my finger on why. The American Library in Paris is an interesting place that I didn’t know much about but the peripheral characters were the most interesting. The 50 year volunteer, the gulf war vet, the homeless man and the trustees, I wanted more of them and much less of Lily.

[Megan Carrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as the first book. The girls moved to Paris and it seems aged at least 10 years while not moving on with their lives. It seems silly to think they would not have visited home or had any major life changes during the whole period.

[Kelly Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great follow up book to The Paris Library. The narration on this audiobook was amazing. Great read!

[Bobbi]

DNF @51%. I’m not going to rate the book since I didn’t finish it. I liked the fact that it had so many people narrating it, but the story itself I didn’t find interesting.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

“If you keep a bottle of champagne in your refrigerator, you’ll always find something to celebrate.” 🍾🥂

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to revisit some of the characters from The Paris Library (I still need to read Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, but some of those are present too). After Lily Jacobsen obtains a job at the American Library in Paris, she meets new friends and struggles to help the library raise funds. The new generation of characters each have their own interesting back story.

Thanks to the publishers at NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Cheryl Sokoloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually listened to the audiobook by Simon & Schuster. I have read and enjoyed Janet’s previous books, and now I enjoyed this one too! If you love libraries AND you love stories about Paris, pick this one up. It stresses the critical role of The American Library in Paris over the years.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Janereads10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember falling in love with my local library as child, that sense of wonder seeing shelves upon shelves of books. It was an amazing experience in each visit whether I was alone or going with friends. The Parisian Chapter provides that nostalgia and also how a library brings people together.

The musical interludes in Janet Skeslien Charles's "The Parisian Chapter" audiobook serve as perfect thresholds between worlds—gentle nudges signaling shifts in perspective while maintaining the narrative's graceful flow. These transitions mirror the novel's core brilliance: the delicate weaving of disparate lives through the hallowed halls of a Parisian library.

At the heart of this tapestry stands Lily, whose journey as an aspiring author collides with her pragmatic role as the library's project manager. Her professional struggles—the constant pursuit of notable authors for events, the anxiety over attendance figures—feel achingly authentic. I find myself nodding in recognition as she navigates workplace politics while harboring literary dreams of her own.

What captivates me most is how Charles develops the cast of library staff beyond mere backdrop characters. Each carries their own relationship with this literary sanctuary, their stories unfolding alongside Lily's in a symphony of personal histories. The evolution of Lily's friendship with her childhood confidante particularly resonates—that bittersweet recognition when we outgrow relationships that once defined us, leading to painful but necessary self-discovery.

The library itself emerges as both character and concept—a space where purpose blooms and solace awaits. As Lily's story unfolds, Charles crafts a narrative that celebrates how these book-lined walls foster reunion, ambition, and unexpected romance.

For anyone who has ever found themselves transformed between bookshelves, this story will feel like coming home.

Thank you, Simon Audio, for my free audiobook.

[Ashley Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1955 and Lily Jacobsen and her friend Mary Louise have been living in Paris for the last 5 years as two artists trying to make their mark Lily is an aspiring writer, and Mary Louise is a painter. They've been best friends for years, and then out of the blue Mary Louise announces to Lily that she is moving out. No explanation or discussion, in fact, she's already found a new place. Wow, brutal. Now, alone and having to afford their apartment on her own, finds herself a new job as the Programs Manager at the American Library in Paris, which allows her to build relationships with well-known authors, publishers and booksellers in an effort to raise money for the APL which is on the verge of closing.

This book not only gives a great look at the day to day life and culture of Paris, but also focuses on found families, the importance of building resilience and independence when faced with having to build a new home away from home, and the importance of letting yourself grow and mature when trying to decide on your own path - even if that means growing apart from friends you've had all your life.

While Lily does make friends her coworkers and members of the library, and learns to network with the APLs affluent board of trustees and amongst member of the publishing world, I absolutely despised Mary Louise. I could never imagine ending a friendship with someone after so many years without so much as an explanation. She completely changed into a different personality overnight. All her values suddenly change and right along with Lily you're wondering why all the sudden she hates her for apparently no good reason. Even the explanation that is provided at the end of the book is weak and rude and if I were Lily I'd be pissed. How in the hell do you go from being a hardworking starving artist to someone who immediately quits her job once she gets a rich boyfriend, completely stops her art and is suddenly more obsessed with expensive material possessions. I spent the majority of the interactions between Mary Louise and Lily cringing and wanting to scream at Mary Louise myself. I was convinced that her boyfriend was a controlling idiot telling her what to do and how to dress, and then when you meet the boyfriend later in the book he's actually a really decent, caring attentive guy, so that tells me that Mary Louise has just been a bitch to her best friend for no reason. If I was Lily, Mary Louise would have been long gone.

Other than the interaction between those two, this book was lovely and I really did enjoy it. Her coworkers and the library patrons are the real story and what gets you engrossed in the book.

[jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Review below are my own thoughts:

I’m honestly not sure what to make of this book, and I can’t decide if my lukewarm feelings stem mainly from narration or the story itself. I was familiar with Pauline Chalamet from The Sex Lives of College Girls, but hadn’t really taken note of her voice before. In this audiobook, her narration made Lily sound more like a teenager than a women in her mid-twenties, which made it hard for me to connect with the character. That said, I did enjoy the full cast of narrators and the nostalgic PBS-style music at the start of each chapter which added a nice touch.

Unfortunately, Lily as a character came off as petulant, incompetent, and a bit whiny. And beyond the narration, the story itself felt muddled. There were just too many themes introduced without any of them being fully explorers. I never quite understood the conflict between Odile and Meg, and several plot points felt rushed or underdeveloped. For instance, Lily gets upset with her boss, hides away, and just happens to pull a manuscript from a pile that ties back to Odile? Or how she suddenly comes up with a new story for her book overnight, immediately lands a publishing deal, and somehow gets an advance big enough to live in Paris? It all felt too convenient.

About 85% into the book, a new character is introduced, or maybe it was just the backstory, but I don’t recall reading about Tolstoy prior, and it included a heavy-handed critique of the Army National Guard that felt out of place and unnecessarily negative. It pulled me further out of the story rather than deepening it.

I later found out that this book is a spin-off of The Paris Library, which has been sitting on my TBR pile for a while. After reading this, I’m uncertain whether I still want to read it. I wanted to love this book, I kept reading in the hope that the details and backstory would eventually come together. The premise has so much potential, and there were glimmers of depth, especially in the little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout. One line in particular that stood out to me: “Books have lines and if we’re lucky our faces have lines with stories to tell.” That sentiment alone almost made the journey worth it.

In the end, this was a story I wanted to be immersed in, but just never quite found my footing with.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for a copy of this full cast narration audiobook! Overall, this was a very pleasant and fun listen that included and explored underlying themes of friendship, relationships, gender roles/equality, moving away from home, and finding oneself.

I really liked the premise of this book written by Janet Skeslien Charles. It was set in Paris in 1995 with the majority of the story taking place in or around the American Library in Paris. The author and the full cast of audiobook narrators created an immersive and interesting story that made me invested in the characters. I loved the inclusion of the various characters as narrators of the chapters, however there were times that I got confused with who was who or what part they had to play in the library. Since not every character had multiple chapters that were narrated by them, some of the backstory got muddled for me. I enjoyed the value that the stories of these characters brought to the overall plot of the book, however I did find myself wanting more of their stories and more tie in to the main character on a deeper level.

In this book, friendship was a heavy theme and it dove into multiple friendships as well as conflict within friendships. I loved how the author showed the value and deepness of friendship and showed the complications that can arise within friendships even when someone did not have any ill intent towards the other person. I loved that the main character found herself by challenges and new connections from working at the library and loved the overall growth that she made. I did find myself feeling disappointed by the lack of communication by the main character and her best friend at times and felt myself getting frustrated at the best friend for some of her actions towards the main character. Some of the issues that arose seemed to be solved within their friendship at the end of the book that in my opinion should have been communicated more by the characters.

Overall I really enjoyed the history and characters in The Parisian Chapter. What would have elevated it for me would have been getting to know the characters on a deeper level and a little more cohesiveness between everyone's stories.

[Dee Furey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the ALC of The Paris Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles and narrated by a full cast: Pauline Chalamet; Jean Brassard; Corey Brill; Marisa Calin; Danny Campbell; James Fouhey; Matt Godfrey; Helen Lloyd; Jackie Sanders; Gary Tiedemann; Elizabeth Wiley; Gabra Zackman. Here is what I thought about it: I liked the story. Our FMC, Lily is immature. She does impetuous immature things that belie her mid-twenties age. She kicks a woman in the shin on the sidewalk because her best friend is moving out of their shared apartment and seems to be distancing herself from Lily. Then the woman throws her still burning cigarette butt onto the street in Paris and Lily reacts by kicking her. Who does that? The voice narration for Lily also makes her sound young - and I mean like 15, 16 years old. So, it's weird when there is a romance because you have to actively remind yourself she's in her twenties it's okay. So, Lily and her best friend move to Paris from their small town in Montana to attend university. Mary Louise is studing art - she is a talented artist but rejection is difficult to stand and she no longer believes in herself, and Lily who is a writer and is unable to hold onto a full-time job. Lily is hurt and lonely when Mary Louise moves out of their apartment without explanation and when she doesn't answer her phone when Lily calls. Lily finally gets a part-time at the American Library in Paris - a location that is well used in an earlier novel by Janet Skeslien Charles. As is Lily's neighbor from Montana, Odile, a french woman who encourages Lily's dreams of living the life of a writer in Paris. I wanted to love this story, because there was a lot of promise here - the old boys network giving the Library Director job to some ill-qualified for the role, the academic cheating, the romance, the trailing spouse story, the growing apart as friends and wanting different things, the struggle to be published or to establish yourself as an artist. Everything is very neatly tidied up for the ending without delving very far into any of these stories. I liked it but there was so much more possible with this story. I gave this 3.25 stars and I need to thank Net Galley and Simon and Schuster Audio for my ALC.

[Bolt Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Returning to the world of The Paris Library feels like opening a long-lost letter from a dear friend. In The Parisian Chapter, Janet Skeslien Charles brings us back to the American Library in Paris, this time through the eyes of Lily in 1995. But unlike its predecessor, this novel isn't driven by high-stakes drama—instead, it offers a quieter, more introspective narrative centered on friendship, identity, and the ripple effect of a place steeped in stories.

This book reads more like a gentle reunion than a sweeping historical epic. While I found myself wishing for a sharper focus or more emotional tension, there’s something comforting about checking in on characters we’ve come to care about. The glimpses into Margaret’s life, in particular, stood out to me—I found myself craving more of her perspective, and hope the author might explore her story more fully in the future.

I experienced this story through the audiobook, and while I was excited to dive in, I have to admit that the narration left me a bit disappointed. Each chapter is voiced by a different narrator, which led to some confusion, especially when familiar characters reappeared with entirely new voices. The voice chosen for Lily was the most challenging—there was a distracting speech quality, and the youthful tone clashed with the character’s age, particularly during more mature scenes. The added music between chapters, while perhaps intended to set the mood, felt unnecessary and pulled me out of the experience.

If you’re considering this book, I’d strongly recommend reading it rather than listening to the audio. There’s still a lot to appreciate, especially for readers who want to spend more time within the walls of the ALP. I hope this isn't the last chapter we get—I’d love to see future stories from different eras and voices, all connected through the enduring heart of the library.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Danielle Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something special about reading a book set in your favorite city. The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles takes place in Paris in the 90s, a different time than the one I experienced but still just as dreamy. I only visited. Lily is actually living there, making a life for herself, finding her way, and figuring out who she is. And she’s doing all of that during one of those seasons in life where everything seems to shift at once.

This book captures that messy, exciting stretch of time when you’re losing old friendships, forming new ones, meeting people with totally different perspectives, and trying to figure out where you stand in it all. There’s something about watching Lily go through all of that on the streets of Paris that really worked for me.

One part that really hit home was the way Lily loses her best friend without ever really understanding why. That happened to me too, around twenty. It felt like all the friendships I’d grown up with slipped away at once, and suddenly I was building new ones. Some of those new friends became incredibly important to me, and even though life eventually pulled us in different directions, I think that’s just how it goes. This book reminded me that friendships don’t have to last forever to matter. Some are meant to be part of a certain chapter. That doesn’t make them any less real.

Lily’s story isn’t loud or dramatic, but it’s full of little moments that add up. Books, art, loneliness, connection, quiet wins, personal growth. The American Library in Paris setting was such a lovely touch too. It’s the kind of place you want to spend time in.

I also want to say the audiobook version is fantastic. It’s done with a full cast and led by Pauline Chalamet, and the performances really brought the story to life. I’d recommend listening to this one if you get the chance.

Big thanks to NetGalley, author Janet Skeslien Charles, and Simon & Schuster Audio for the chance to read and listen to The Parisian Chapter.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very much a character-driven story that explores personalThe cast reading the story do a fantastic job, really bringing the characters to life. relationships and makes insightful observations on human nature and life in general.

I loved Janet Skeslien Charles's "The Paris Library", which told the story of Odile Souchet as a librarian at the American Library in Paris (ALP) during WWII and as a widowed war bride in small town Montana in 1983. The Parisian Chapter is basically a sequel, taking place in Paris in 1995 and (mostly) telling the story of Odile's Montana neighbor Lily Jacobsen, starting 5 years after she moved to Paris with her best friend, Mary Louise, to go to school. When Mary Louise announces her intention to move out of their studio apartment, Lily has to find a better-paying job to be able to cover the rent on her own. She is delighted to learn that the ALP is looking for a new Program Director. She is even more delighted to land the position, although she is only paid for 20 of the 40 hours she works every week, frustrated that her boss finds fault with everything she does, and stressed by her interactions with the wealthy older women volunteers who are on the Board of Directors. On the bright side, she makes new friends, meets a cute guy, and undergoes significant personal growth. The "Lily chapters" are interspersed with other points of view, and there is a subplot involving a friend from Odile's past. I think one can enjoy this story without reading The Paris Library first, but it will give away some of what happens in the earlier story. I listened to this book during my commute, and I often found myself wishing I had a longer drive because I didn't want to stop listening!