Au Contraire! Figuring Out The French

Rating:
Summary: Excellent advice
Review: Although this book was written before the current political crisis that strained relations between France and the United States, it provides excellent general advice for everyone traveling between the two countries. It gives a fair assessment of both cultures and urges the visiter to adopt an open mind and leave cultural baggage and prejudice at home. I spent almost two years planning our recent 3 week trip throughout France and studying the language (which as the authors say is a must). It is arrogant to expect that people in any other country will automatically speak your language. Why should they? Everywhere we went people were reserved, as we expected, but courteous and helpful and sometimes quite friendly. I agree with the authors that the key to good relations and living, working or vacationing in another country, France in this case, is to learn "their" history, culture and language and embrace the differences. I recommend this book highly.

Rating:
Summary: It's the best
Review: Anyone who visits France will enjoy this well written book. It explains much of the french culture, and relates it to the history of France. For someone who has a business, and sells products or services, this book is a textbook. Thank you for your clear, concise book. It will help you enjoy and understand your French friends and associates.

Rating:
Summary: Magnifique!
Review: AU CONTRAIRE is a joy to read, and informative. Having read
books by Polly Platt on French culture, I would rate this
book as "creme brulee" to Polly's "jello." Luscious detail here,
and historical perspective. I've lived in France for a number of years, and everything contained in this book is accurate and in depth. Bravo to Asselin and Mastron for their major contribution to deciphering the French culture.

Rating:
Summary: Magnifique!
Review: AU CONTRAIRE is a joy to read, and informative. Having read
books by Polly Platt on French culture, I would rate this
book as "creme brulee" to Polly's "jello." Luscious detail here,
and historical perspective. I've lived in France for a number of years, and everything contained in this book is accurate and in depth. Bravo to Asselin and Mastron for their major contribution to deciphering the French culture.

Rating:
Summary: The Insider's Look
Review: Au Contraire is more than a book on France, the French language, or a trifle on French "something." This book touches the essence of what it means to be French. The behind-the-scene look at the history, symbols, language, and customs is truly intriguing. The analyzation of such things as interpersonal relations, socialism, education, and other elements of French life is a treasure for the person who desires to live in France, if for only a short time. One of the most remarkable things about the book is the emphasis showing the inseperability between the language and the land: Being French is speaking the langauge, and don't forget it! It's a must for expats of any sort. I read the hefty book in a matter of days. It's just that good.

Rating:
Summary: The Insider's Look
Review: Au Contraire is more than a book on France, the French language, or a trifle on French "something." This book touches the essence of what it means to be French. The behind-the-scene look at the history, symbols, language, and customs is truly intriguing. The analyzation of such things as interpersonal relations, socialism, education, and other elements of French life is a treasure for the person who desires to live in France, if for only a short time. One of the most remarkable things about the book is the emphasis showing the inseperability between the language and the land: Being French is speaking the langauge, and don't forget it! It's a must for expats of any sort. I read the hefty book in a matter of days. It's just that good.

Rating:
Summary: "Don't leave home without it"
Review: French and American cultures are so close on the surface and so different underneath that if you plan to live in France for some time or if you live there already, you will never cease to bump into obstacles that you couldn't anticipate because they are cultural in nature. To paraphrase and old French/American saying "the closer it is, the more opposite it is". If you go work there as a manager or a professional this will definitely limit your success unless you are open to change your behavior. But which ones? Companies spend millions of dollars transferring employees and making mergers and acquisition but they have historically underestimated the importance of cultural cross training and support. As a French native who was transferred to the US headquarters, I wish I had received this kind of support instead of the "sink or swim" approach. I since read a lot of books on French and American culture to help me adapt and also make sense of my experience to share it with others. In one word, I wish I had "Au Contraire."
"Au Contraire" should be required reading for anybody planning to live in France for some time or interacting with French people on a regular basis, or any French expatriate who wants to make sense of what it is to be French. Companies should give it to the employee they transfer and their family. Actually, they should give it to all employees who have to deal with French counterparts. French-born people planning to live in the US or working with US counterparts will also appreciate it immensely but I wish the authors had a version made for them.
This is a gem. This is THE reference. "Don't leave home without it!" Buy it. Read it, and enjoy the culture shock. You will get out of it transformed and stronger.

Rating:
Summary: ZEE BOOK on France... finally!
Review: I have started Au Contraire and just put it down to zip off a note to the authors and potential readers : it is outstanding. Here, finally, as George Simons says, is ZEE BOOK about France, with no value judgements, with historical rationale for the behavior patterns, with a solid logic behind the system and WHY it works for the French (and some of the rest of us). I had to put the book down to commend you both for a reall excellent job. Not only do I find it accurate and well documented (in incidents, in background, in testimony) but also extrememly well written, a compliment I don't pass out freely ! Really, hats off to both of you and I hope you get the recognition (and the royalties !) you deserve for such a well-thought out piece of work. (and I'm only in the first 30 pages !) Bravo à tous les deux Nancy Bragard

Rating:
Summary: Au Contraire! Figuring out the French
Review: I read the book for fun, en route to France, and I loved it!!! I was afraid it might be too stuffy or academic but it's very accessible to the lay person. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in travel, cultural nuances, or just plain "people-watching." It's a great book to take to a cafe and enjoy over a latte. It's also sparked some wonderful conversations just sitting out on my coffee table. Whether used for business, school, or pleasure, this is a great read and a treasure that I'm glad I discovered in my book club. p.s.The rest of my group loved it, too, which is quite a feat!

Rating:
Summary: Oh! how hard it is to be different
Review: I was born to French-Jewish parents that decided that I had to have a British accent and was sent away to Britain for schooling. I also had a Welsh Nanny and can relate to Ruths funny language. The book was a delight. I am so pleased that someone has written about the confusion and laughs we get out of being different