The French Way: The Truth Behind the Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs

by Ross Steele

Achieve savoir faire and fit into French culture with ease

Written by an internationally renowned expert in French culture, Ross Steele, this second edition of The French Way offers a uniquely impartial and fully up-to-date perspective on French attitudes, tastes, and customs regarding everything from business style (formal) to pets (doted on), conversation (an art form) to humor (satiric, political), love (truly, madly, deeply) to time ("Better late than never!").

With the help of The French Way, you will:

Understand how people from every corner of France interact, do business, and live their daily lives Become well-versed in ninety major topics including food, family, holidays, the media, religion, sports, money, entertainment, and le shopping Learn the truth about common myths and misconceptions concerning the French and communicate comfortably with French-speaking people without committing faux pas

Genres: Nonfiction, France, Cultural

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 stars only because I think that it could be very useful to someone who knows nothing about French culture and wants a quick overview of the culture at large with a few helpful phrases thrown in. However, it was a bit dull for me simply because I found no new information. It is not the best guide for understanding the French by any stretch of the imagination. I recommend Polly Platt's books for a better overview if you really want to delve in to the culture, particularly if you are planning to relocate to France or spend any extended time there. The French Way is a very quick overview and I find it lacking in many ways.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricky way to market a book - do a very slightly revised edition, change the title (from When in France, do what the French Do and resell it.

That said, still a good book for quick, easy to read insight on how to not make an idiot of yourself when traveling, and understand what your French acquaintance might be thinking.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information about French culture and customs, including some vocabulary new to me. The alphabetical presentation of topics was sometimes disconcerting but did make it easy to pick up and read just a couple of entries at a time.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's short but full of fun facts about the French.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple nice easy to read overview of the culture.