Rating: 
Summary: Born To Spend Lots Of Money
Review: Ms Gershman's book is amusing. Sometimes a bit of information, but not quite accurate. She praises the flea markets but I've found that they contain a lot of garbage or possibly stolen goods. Her research was so-so, at best. Not quite the best for bargain shoppers and she seems to continually sing the praises of Hermes. She has to realize that there is a difference between shopping and bargain shopping. You can spend a lot of money needlessly doing it her way. Also, she overhypes a lot of problems (no problems with ATMs or Metro). Ms Gershman also needs to realize that book writing of this kind is an evolving process. You don't just write a book of this kind once and expect to revise it a little every few years. A book of this kind needs to be totally rewritten, especially with internet shopping available and stores constantly opening and closing. This edition may have been correct a few years ago, but things have changed. I gave her an extra star for the amusement.
Rating:
Summary: INFORMATION IS GENERALLY A REPEAT OF PREVIOUS EDITION
Review: MS. GERSHMAN'S BOOK IS AMUSING AT BEST, BUT MOST TOPICS ARE COPIED WORD FOR WORD FROM THE LAST EDITION. ALSO HER ADVICE IS SOLELY BASED ON HER OPINIONS AND NOT GEARED TO EVERYONE. FOR EXAMPLE, SHE ONLY LISTS HOTELS WHICH ARE-AT LEAST FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON-SO EXPENSIVE. STAYING AT THE HOTEL DE CRILLON OR THE WESTIN DEMEURE HOTELS FOR AT LEAST $200/NIGHT IS NOT WHAT THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN AFFORD. TRUE THIS IS A BOOK ABOUT SHOPPING, BUT AS LONG AS SHE'S INCLUDING A SECTION ABOUT HOTELS SHE SHOULD AT LEAST GIVE A BROAD RANGE OF ACCOMODATIONS AT WHICH TO STAY.
Rating: 
Summary: Not just for shoppers
Review: The undisputed shopper's Bible, this is also a must-have for anyone who just wants a real feel for the many different faces of Paris. Some of my favorite sections are Gershman's capsule reviews of different neighborhoods, complete with nearest metro stop and where to stop for coffee or tea -- the latter is just as essential after a day of sightseeing and museum-going as for a post-shopping break. Although Gershman clearly loves the luxury and designer shops, she also has a real appreciation for dime stores, food shops, and just fun neighborhoods to see the "real" Paris, whether your preference is young-and-trendy, BCBG (French yuppie) or classic Parisian. And whether you want to do a year's worth of clothes shopping or just pick up the perfect gift for the folks back home (at any price range), Gershman will guide you not only to the perfect shop, but the right gift. It's like having a knowledgeable yet fun-loving personal shopper, immersed in France, but with an American spirit. She also has great hotel recommendations. Whether this is your first trip to Paris or your 50th, Born to Shop deserves a place right next to your passport. (Note: don't be put off by the 1997 publication date. Although some stores will inevitably have closed or moved, the essentials are still good.)
Rating:
Summary: If Shopping is your priority...
Review: What a great book for the truly shopping oriented trip. Suzy tries never to bog anyone down with nonshopping related tips or information, unless she is including a lunch or coffee/tea break...her review of the louve involves a rundown on the gift shops and her D'Orrsay recommendation involves only the Rotunda Restraunt. You have to admire her dedication.
Her hotel reviews are super snobby, she raves on about 5 star hotels and seems pained to review anything less. Overall, I loved this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Great and entertaining guide!
Review: Working in middle management at a French company, I travel frequently to Paris. On each trip, I spend a day sightseeing or shopping. Recently, I purchased this book and have found a lot of helpful tips. For instance, snobby friends back home are more impressed by a $5 box from La Maison du Chocolat than a larger box of (potentially better) boutique chocolate. Or the fantastic convenience of a Carte Orange. Or where to ask for the discount card at Galleries Lafayette. And I agree with her commonsense recommendations, like avoiding buying American fashion or Japanese electronics while in Paris.The book is not perfect, however. Many of her favorite Parisian stores are not so interesting now that they are appearing in the Western Hemisphere, like Sephora and Occitane. And I don't rely on her restaraunt recommendations. But the little tidbits have more than paid for the cost of the book.
Rating:
Summary: Useful but not the bible
Review: Working in middle management at a French company, I travel frequently to Paris. On each trip, I spend a day sightseeing or shopping. Recently, I purchased this book and have found a lot of helpful tips. For instance, snobby friends back home are more impressed by a $5 box from La Maison du Chocolat than a larger box of (potentially better) boutique chocolate. Or the fantastic convenience of a Carte Orange. Or where to ask for the discount card at Galleries Lafayette. And I agree with her commonsense recommendations, like avoiding buying American fashion or Japanese electronics while in Paris. The book is not perfect, however. Many of her favorite Parisian stores are not so interesting now that they are appearing in the Western Hemisphere, like Sephora and Occitane. And I don't rely on her restaraunt recommendations. But the little tidbits have more than paid for the cost of the book.
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