Menu

PARIS BLUE

Category: Memoir
Author: Julie Scolnik
Publisher: Koehler Books
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Number of Pages: 252
ISBN-10: 1646634691
ISBN-13:  978-1646634699

Paris Blue by Julie Scolnik is a memoir that intelligently narrates the author's incredible journey in the pursuit of a dream to become an artist and the thrills and aches of first love. It is in the mid-seventies when twenty-year-old Julie Scolnik, an American, arrives in Paris to study the flute. She first sees Luc, a French lawyer, and married man, in the bass section of the Orchestre de Paris. The attraction between the two is so strong it sparks a romance that takes them through an experience young Julie will never forget. Follow this wonderful, bittersweet tale of first love, separation, and heartbreak.

This exhilarating memoir instantly catches the interest of readers with the lovely writing — it reflects the tenderness and the fierceness of the experience of first love. The use of the epistolary creates a strong sense of intimacy and allows readers to understand the depth of the emotions of the characters. The lyricism in writing can be perceived in the short letters from Luc that also introduce some of the chapters. Hear his longing in this sentence:  “It’s so frustrating to me that even the rhythms of my days and nights, and the feelings they provoke, are out of sync with yours.” Julie Scolnik brings the beauty of Paris to life in this book, offering terrific descriptions of places and allowing readers to experience what Paris felt like in the 1970s. This memoir is filled with drama and the wonderful exploration of a young heart in love will entice readers. Paris Blue is a great story; while it is a memoir, it contains all the elements one looks for in fiction — strong plot points, captivating and intriguing characters, excellent writing, and a fascinating setting. It is the perfect testament to the fact that once we have loved deeply, we can spend an entire time struggling to recapture the flame of that first love. A work of rare beauty, indeed. 

Reviewed By: Bertin Drizller

|

Date: December 14, 2022

Featured

Weekly Top Picks

Hand-picked reviews our authors and readers are loving right now

Non-Fiction Books

The Book Commentary

The Read Down

Essays, author interviews and publishing advice for curious readers and writers.

How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers
How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers
Writing and Publishing Advice

How Editorial Book Reviews Build Trust Between Authors and Readers

By The Book Commentary  · 

With over two million books published every year, how do readers decide what to buy—and how do authors break through the noise? The secret lies in trust. Discover how Editorial Book Reviews, ethically leveraged paid book reviews, and prestigious Author Award Contests work together to build instant credibility, boost sa...

Read the article →
Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving
Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving
Author Interviews Aug 10, 2026

Author Sanjay Sabnani Talks About the Power of Discomfort: Turning Pressure into Action, Learning to Receive, and Finding Peace Beyond Striving

By Sanjay Sabnani

Discover why your brain sabotages success and how to rewire your identity in this ActualizationOS interview on stillness, self-sabotage, and lasting change.

Read the article →
10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026
10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026
Writing and Publishing Advice Aug 6, 2026

10 Top Editorial Review Sites for Authors: Where to Get Editorial Book Reviews in 2026

High-quality book reviews for self-published authors are more accessible than ever. Below, we've ranked the 10 top editorial review sites for authors—platforms that combine credibility, reach, and genuine value—to help you choose the right partner for your boo...

Read the article →