Ooh La La!

April 22, 2013
As a young girl whiling away the summers with her French grandmother in Toulouse, Callan (Bonjour, Happiness!) spent many a late afternoon admiring a print of Guy Dessapt’s Le Moulin Rouge. In this combination lifestyle guide and travelogue, Callan interviews French women and Francophile expats from Paris to Lille to Normandy on topics like beauty, fashion, and feminine hygiene in an effort to divine the wellspring of a French woman’s je ne sais quoi, or her “ooh la la,” as Callan puts it. A “charisma expert” weighs in on displaying confidence, a masseuse explains the French approach to fitness (they “don’t like to get sweaty in groups”), and Callan’s friend Sylvia describes her government-funded, postpartum vaginal rejuvenation therapy. The author also muses on her favorite iconic fashions and their histories and the French reverence for “femmes d’un certain âge,” one of whom—Madame Poupie Cadolle, the “Queen of Lingerie”—cuts a particularly striking figure. This charming foray into French femininity will make a perfect cadeau for any Francophile lady. Agent: Irene Goodman, Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

July 1, 2013

French women are often considered sexier and more sophisticated than their American counterparts. In her latest exploration of France's feminine mystique, Callan (French Women Don't Sleep Alone; Bonjour Happiness) claims that the allure of French women lies in their "ooh la la." The good news for women around the globe is that they don't have to be French to develop a chic sense of style. Part travelog and part beauty guide, this lighthearted handbook includes advice that the author picked up on her travels to France. Callan expounds on topics such as selecting a signature fragrance, choosing a flattering wardrobe, finding a beauty mentor, pampering oneself, aging gracefully, and feeling confident. According to the author, French women are more comfortable in their skin; she encourages readers not only to take care of their physical attributes but also to nurture their authentic selves. VERDICT Callan takes readers on another delightful romp through France, relying heavily on positive stereotypes. This worthwhile addition provides universal lessons on looking and feeling fabulous and will appeal to Francophiles.--Ajoke Kokodoko, Oakland P.L.

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