What do you think?
Rate this book
Kept: An American Househusband in Paris
It’s like Emily in Paris for grown-ups! The Zola Award-winning tale of a company man turned trailing spouse when his wife gets his dream job continues in this follow-up to the bestselling Kept: An American Househusband in India. World travelers and armchair tourists alike will marvel as Greg goes head-to-head with the CIA, flame-wielding Japanese festival-goers, impossible Aunt Ethel, and the French bureaucracy. Hilarious and heartwarming, Kept: An American Househusband in Paris will have you dodging paparazzi on the playground and dreaming anew of your teenage crush.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2023
133 people are currently reading
1320 people want to read
About the author
Gregory E. Buford
4 books55 followersGreg Buford has lived in the US, Dominican Republic, Japan, India, France, Cambodia, Switzerland, and Turkmenistan. His first memoir, Kept: An American Househusband in India, won the PNWA Zola Award, and his novel, Making Ghosts Dance, was both a Montaigne Medal and Eric Hoffer Award finalist. Learn more and keep track of Greg at gregorybuford.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 9, 2023
A fun read about an American family living in Paris for a few years, fun to learn about Parisian culture from an American and funny! I had to skip through some of the long history lessons but otherwise was great.
“Sam has removed his diaper and sits butt naked on the tile in a pool of his own urine. He picks a week-old Cheerio from the steaming liquid and puts it in his mouth.”
“Sam has removed his diaper and sits butt naked on the tile in a pool of his own urine. He picks a week-old Cheerio from the steaming liquid and puts it in his mouth.”
July 25, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. If possible, I loved it more that the first book.
Greg, as we call him now, kept me charmed and captivated from the first page to the last. There were no slow bits and I really enjoyed all the funny and interesting things about French culture and life as a diplomatic spouse (or trailing spouse) that I learned. I want to visit chateaus and go try wine and do all the things that he did with Nina, Cole and Sam.
I'm so glad that Madame Fernandez came around to liking him as much as we do.
I felt that we got to know Dana as well as Greg's mother and father a bit better, too.
The part about his aunt Ethel was just side-splittingly hilarious. I too would have bought a 900 dollar bottle of wine and charged it to aunt Ethel's tab.
His asides about technology were also really funny.
After reading this book, I felt like I've met up with an old friend again.
I highly recommend this book to armchair travelers who liked Honeymoon With My Brother by Franz Wisner and of course the great traveling with family book Passports and Pacifiers: Traveling the World One Tantrum at a Time by Kaitlin Jain.
Greg, as we call him now, kept me charmed and captivated from the first page to the last. There were no slow bits and I really enjoyed all the funny and interesting things about French culture and life as a diplomatic spouse (or trailing spouse) that I learned. I want to visit chateaus and go try wine and do all the things that he did with Nina, Cole and Sam.
I'm so glad that Madame Fernandez came around to liking him as much as we do.
I felt that we got to know Dana as well as Greg's mother and father a bit better, too.
The part about his aunt Ethel was just side-splittingly hilarious. I too would have bought a 900 dollar bottle of wine and charged it to aunt Ethel's tab.
His asides about technology were also really funny.
After reading this book, I felt like I've met up with an old friend again.
I highly recommend this book to armchair travelers who liked Honeymoon With My Brother by Franz Wisner and of course the great traveling with family book Passports and Pacifiers: Traveling the World One Tantrum at a Time by Kaitlin Jain.
March 29, 2023
I don't read much non-fiction (except instructional) but I had read the first book where the family lived in India. I loved it so I needed to read this one where they lived in Paris. My father was in the Foreign Service so this brought up some of my own memories of living in different countries. I love that Greg wants to live authentic experiences for his family and himself. Reading this book, I got a great feel for Paris and more of France. He keeps it light and humorous. But he also explains the places to explore and some of the history. If I ever get to France, I intend to make a list from this book to use as my personal tour guide. The family is going to Cambodia next so I do hope there will be a book for that one. He gives such a great feel of the countries he writes about. And he is a great father; I love how much he enjoys his job as the full-time caregiver of the kids.
December 27, 2023
I missed the first book in this series describing the adventures of the family of an American foreign service official living in India. This second installment, in which the family follows the wife to,Paris is so enjoyable, I may go back to check out the original.
If you have ever been to Paris or are just daydreaming about such a trip, this book is sure to entertain you. The author has put his own career on the back burner to support his wife and take care of their three children while she takes on a highly coveted assignment in the French Capitol.
The book is a rollicking story of a family open to new adventures. The author describes people, places and food with a great eye for detail. It makes a fun story but can also serve as a great travel guide. He provides geographic and historic detail that could add so much to a trip.
There is so much affection in this book that you will want to become family friends with the author and start packing your bag for his next adventure.
If you have ever been to Paris or are just daydreaming about such a trip, this book is sure to entertain you. The author has put his own career on the back burner to support his wife and take care of their three children while she takes on a highly coveted assignment in the French Capitol.
The book is a rollicking story of a family open to new adventures. The author describes people, places and food with a great eye for detail. It makes a fun story but can also serve as a great travel guide. He provides geographic and historic detail that could add so much to a trip.
There is so much affection in this book that you will want to become family friends with the author and start packing your bag for his next adventure.
April 30, 2023
This is an entertaining read by a “house husband” about his experiences living in Paris and minding his 3 young kids. The author is good at self-deprecating humor as we learn of his cultural faux-pas and family antics. We are gifted with a few of his recipes, some (good) dumb Dad jokes, and even some European history, (where he mentions “Jerk-face Hitler” and the vodka-guzzling Russians). Throughout, his appreciation of France shines through and will have you planning your next trip there!
This book works fine as a stand-alone, though I had also read and enjoyed Buford’s prior book (Kept: An American Househusband in India), and I look forward to reading his next one on being ‘Kept’ in Cambodia. Tarantula, anyone?
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
This book works fine as a stand-alone, though I had also read and enjoyed Buford’s prior book (Kept: An American Househusband in India), and I look forward to reading his next one on being ‘Kept’ in Cambodia. Tarantula, anyone?
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
February 21, 2023
As an “armchair traveler” stay-at-home mom, I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir by a stay-at-home dad with 3 kids. The lived in Paris because his wife was a Foreign Service Officer, his former dream job. It’s a sequel to his last adventure in India.
I was impressed by his determination to have the most authentic and fun experience rather than choosing the most convenient and familiar options for housing, schooling, and travel. I relate to him a lot on this.
I also admire him putting up with lots of judgment, stares, and criticism from people who had a hard time accepting that he is a stay-at-home dad by choice.
Finally, he’s a hilarious writer and I laughed out loud many times. Highly recommend this and really hope he writes more about his unique life!
I was impressed by his determination to have the most authentic and fun experience rather than choosing the most convenient and familiar options for housing, schooling, and travel. I relate to him a lot on this.
I also admire him putting up with lots of judgment, stares, and criticism from people who had a hard time accepting that he is a stay-at-home dad by choice.
Finally, he’s a hilarious writer and I laughed out loud many times. Highly recommend this and really hope he writes more about his unique life!
November 28, 2024
So many smiles crossed my face while I was reading this! I wanted it to go on and on...but I guess he hasn't written the next one yet. He and his family are leaving Paris and heading for someplace new at the end, and I'll just have to be patient until they get there and he gets another book written.
In his first book his wife was stationed in India. His many adventures were a little off-putting at times, with the culture shock making me scratch my head and wonder how he could stand living in such a peculiar place. He took it all in good humor, though, made some lifelong friends and enjoyed his time immensely.
But this one is even better, and maybe a little bit funnier, too. His three kids are a hoot! Loved it.
In his first book his wife was stationed in India. His many adventures were a little off-putting at times, with the culture shock making me scratch my head and wonder how he could stand living in such a peculiar place. He took it all in good humor, though, made some lifelong friends and enjoyed his time immensely.
But this one is even better, and maybe a little bit funnier, too. His three kids are a hoot! Loved it.
August 20, 2023
I enjoyed Greg's first book, and this is equally delightful. Now the family has grown, he has his hands full with three children to look after, which he does with great warmth, love and fun. Transplanted to Paris following his wife's career in the diplomatic service, he quickly adapts to the life. I laughed so many times: I love Greg's sense of humor. I also cringed along with him at some of their visitors. Oh dear, Great Aunts.... I also enjoyed visiting a city I love through the eyes of someone who also loves it, and was determined to live the French lifestyle, and not be cocooned in an American enclave. Well done, sir. I hope there are many more books in the pipeline.
January 31, 2023
This book deserves 4 1/2 stars. This memoir, while self published, is endearing and charming. I felt like I was getting to know Paris along with Greg. His goofy dad-humor and interest in history makes the book a breezy and fun read. He does an excellent job of revealing himself to the reader and brings to life his relationships with his children and wife. I'll have to find Kept: An American Househusband in India to read next. The appealing cover deserves special mention. It's eye catching and gives you a sense of the content.
March 6, 2023
Terrific
Great read -- nice to know there are guys out there willing to be house dads and let the lady make a career! The author is a nice guy and this his second book, offers the reader a different perspective on living and life abroad as a family! Oh and France is a wonderful experience! I'm off to read his first book on living and life in India, kind of backwards, but who cares as long as the story is good.
PS their next post is an unusual one, so I hope there's a third book coming!
Great read -- nice to know there are guys out there willing to be house dads and let the lady make a career! The author is a nice guy and this his second book, offers the reader a different perspective on living and life abroad as a family! Oh and France is a wonderful experience! I'm off to read his first book on living and life in India, kind of backwards, but who cares as long as the story is good.
PS their next post is an unusual one, so I hope there's a third book coming!
October 8, 2023
Greg Buford does it again! With writing that is humorous and witty, Greg tells of his adventures taking their three children all around France. They enroll kids in public school and daycare, host a variety of interesting guests and bump into celebrities on play dates. The book is enjoyable for any expat who has spent time abroad. Foreign Service families will also understand a few more of the inside jokes and sympathize with the hardships they face while living overseas and working at a U.S. Embassy.
I read the India memoir while living in the same city—it was perfect.
I read the India memoir while living in the same city—it was perfect.
January 4, 2023
Pack your bags!
Greg Buford has delivered us another delight, this time taking us around Paris and environs. His developing confidence in his parenting, fuelled by his obvious adoration of his and Dana’s three young children is matched by his curiosity about the city as well as his fascination with the country’s rich history. Every page is infused with his keen eye for mischief and openness to greeting the characters that present themselves. Bill Bryson will love this!
Greg Buford has delivered us another delight, this time taking us around Paris and environs. His developing confidence in his parenting, fuelled by his obvious adoration of his and Dana’s three young children is matched by his curiosity about the city as well as his fascination with the country’s rich history. Every page is infused with his keen eye for mischief and openness to greeting the characters that present themselves. Bill Bryson will love this!
March 29, 2023
A fun view of Paris
Fun, quick, easy read, full of interesting facts and "history" of Paris and surrounding area. Greg Buford's take on raising a growing family in a foreign country are insightful yet delightful. I enjoyed the inside look of life in Paris as a diplomat 's spouse and the many adventures the family had. Oh to be on one of Greg's "walking tours" would be such a highlight on a trip to Paris.
Fun, quick, easy read, full of interesting facts and "history" of Paris and surrounding area. Greg Buford's take on raising a growing family in a foreign country are insightful yet delightful. I enjoyed the inside look of life in Paris as a diplomat 's spouse and the many adventures the family had. Oh to be on one of Greg's "walking tours" would be such a highlight on a trip to Paris.
January 7, 2024
Greg's wife Dana works for the Diplomatic Service and her latest posting is to Paris. Greg is official house husband and cares for their three young children. They choose not to live in a diplomatic enclave, but have a flat in central Paris. Their children attend French school/preschool. A fun, entertaining read, and their lifestyle is very different to what they experienced on their previous posting in India (from his first book).
January 3, 2023
“Kept” kept me interested and laughing lots of times.
Read this after his book on life in India.
Witty and readable, but also a lot of interesting insights re life in India.
Same for France in this book.
I sure wish there was a follow-on book about being stationed in Cambodia.
And apparently now in Turkmenistan.
Read this after his book on life in India.
Witty and readable, but also a lot of interesting insights re life in India.
Same for France in this book.
I sure wish there was a follow-on book about being stationed in Cambodia.
And apparently now in Turkmenistan.
January 16, 2023
Very Entertaining
I just finished this book, and will now back track to Kept in India.
This was a very enjoyable and entertaining read, I enjoyed Paris vicariously and learned a few pointers, If I ever get to cross France off my bucket list. Read this series you will thoroughly enjoy it!
I just finished this book, and will now back track to Kept in India.
This was a very enjoyable and entertaining read, I enjoyed Paris vicariously and learned a few pointers, If I ever get to cross France off my bucket list. Read this series you will thoroughly enjoy it!
August 28, 2023
Delightful tale of a house dad in Paris
Moving from India where staff managed the children, house dad now had a t oddler, baby and elementary child to manage on his own with limited French. A humorous writer he tells tales of life experience that share the joys and mistakes of living in Paris where a house husband is a rarity.
Moving from India where staff managed the children, house dad now had a t oddler, baby and elementary child to manage on his own with limited French. A humorous writer he tells tales of life experience that share the joys and mistakes of living in Paris where a house husband is a rarity.
October 16, 2023
Fantastic memoir about Parisian Life
Greg Buford writes wittily with many self-deprecating tidbits about his life raising his 3 very young children in Paris while his wife works at the US Embassy there. This book is a wonderful travelogue with a lot of great information for others who visit Paris after Greg and his family have left. Also, he’s just a goofy guy!
Greg Buford writes wittily with many self-deprecating tidbits about his life raising his 3 very young children in Paris while his wife works at the US Embassy there. This book is a wonderful travelogue with a lot of great information for others who visit Paris after Greg and his family have left. Also, he’s just a goofy guy!
October 17, 2023
Absolutely loved it! Learned a lot about France and its history but the best part was the experiences of parenthood. I was laughing, sighing and shaking my head through the entire book. At the end, I hated that we had to leave Paris.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest read.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest read.
January 1, 2023
Oui, c'est manifique!
Okay, I can't speak a milliskeeter of French, but I CAN tell you that this was a really fun read and a virtual vacation to Paris. Also, Aunt Ethel nearly did me in. You'll have to read the book to find out why.
Okay, I can't speak a milliskeeter of French, but I CAN tell you that this was a really fun read and a virtual vacation to Paris. Also, Aunt Ethel nearly did me in. You'll have to read the book to find out why.
February 20, 2023
Nice book to imagine life in Paris with 3 small children, a full office working wife and a very busy life. Gregory Buford (aka Mr. Dana ...) is very good at giving a full accurate report on his 2 years spent in Paris with his family.
March 19, 2023
Well written and entertaining book. I really enjoyed the parenting style - reminded me of my own! The segments into history were written in an easy to understand and highly amusing manner. Only downside - typos - a few missed and repeated words.
April 30, 2023
Parts were interesting, but others not so much. Expected more of a storyline. Felt it jumped around a little. I am grateful to have won a free copy and appreciate the opportunity to read it. I don’t think I’ll read the first book, though.
June 3, 2023
Liberal doses of humor, history and geography
I liked the authors tone, writing with humor and backed up with lots of historical data. Reading the descriptions of the family trips, I felt like I was in the backseat of their land rover.
I liked the authors tone, writing with humor and backed up with lots of historical data. Reading the descriptions of the family trips, I felt like I was in the backseat of their land rover.
June 5, 2023
It's a pretty damn funny book. I bought it because I love to read about expats living over here, especially in Paris. It was so enjoyable I just bought his first one about India. Not sure how he gets away with some of the things he writes regarding his wife's job though!
June 17, 2023
A delightful jaunt through the streets of Paris. A wonderful memoir with a unique perspective that truly transported me to France. I tasted the cheese and wine, I smelt Aunt Ethel cigarettes (and cringed because we all have an Aunt Ethel in the family), and I laughed quite a lot. A wonderful read.
September 6, 2023
very entertaining
Loved this book! I found myself laughing out loud often but also learning about the city and country! Also, it sounds like the author is a great example of a Dad loving taking care of his own kids! I highly recommend
Loved this book! I found myself laughing out loud often but also learning about the city and country! Also, it sounds like the author is a great example of a Dad loving taking care of his own kids! I highly recommend
April 14, 2024
Witty, insightful book by a very intelligent man. (I mean, he was handpicked to interview for a position within the CIA)... I would enjoy reading a book from his wife's perspective, and about her experiences.
April 29, 2025
This is the second travel memoir written by Mr. Buford that I've read. It is as charming, humorous, and informative as the first. I took a much needed break from my favorite genre, historical fiction, to read these two books and it was well worth it. Very refreshing. Highly recommend.
Read
December 18, 2022fun read
Love his adventures and humor. Enjoy the teaching points he shares with his kids and readers. Looking forward to his next installment.
Love his adventures and humor. Enjoy the teaching points he shares with his kids and readers. Looking forward to his next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews