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Recommendation

June 9, 2020
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Weekly Book Recommendations from our Library #week5

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Every week, our Librarian Renée will share with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Recommendations are found at Culturethèque Digital library. Register here for the Alliance Française member benefit. Join today!

Preschool

Cache-cache by Agnès de Lestrade and Juliette Boulard

Cocotte plays a game of hide-‘n-seek with animal friends and discovers that things are not always as they seem. Culturethèque Digital Library. Storyplyr audiobook.

Kids – Ages 7+

L’enfant et les étoiles by Xavier Armange and Juan Hernaz

Grandmother and grandchild out on a night time nature walk together encounter a lovely seagull. They imagine the fantastical adventures it would have if only it flew freely throughout the universe. Intergenerational connection, and the power of imagination. Culturethèque Digital Library. Storyplyr audiobook.

Teens / Adult Learners

Le monde des ados by Fleurus

Enjoy all the latest news on contemporary issues of interest to teens: fashion, culture, current technology, and much more. Geared to age-appropriate readers, it is also an excellent way for French students to learn new vocabulary  Culturethèque Digital Library.

Beginner to Intermediate Level

Les misérables by Victor Hugo (1862) ; Hachette Français Facile, Volumes 1-3

An edited, condensed, and re-imagined adaptation of Hugo’s original masterpiece–the all-time literary classic and social commentary with themes that resonate today. At 200+ pages, the volumes can be considered a warm up to the actual work that weighs in at over 1400 pages. Culturethèque Digital Library. Audiobook.

Intermediate to Advanced

Le sanglot de l’homme noir by Alain Mabanckou (2012)

The award-winning author–born in Congo and who teaches literature at UCLA– explores the challenges facing black people in the world today. Mabanckou examines the legacy of slavery and colonialism, while distancing himself from some accepted narrative. A thought provoking read. Culturethèque Digital Library. 

Advanced

Madame Bovary by Flaubert (1856)

A beautiful young woman, desperate to escape her mundane provincial life, throws caution to the wind in the attempt. Considered Flaubert’s masterpiece, prosecutors initially attacked the work for its less-than-discreet content. Due in part to the controversy, it was an immediate bestseller. A bit of a cautionary tale. Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

June 2, 2020
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Weekly Book Recommendations from our Library #week4

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Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschool – 3+ / French Level: Beginner

Une touche de by Laurie Cohen and Marjorie Béal

Time for a little art refresher. Learn (or remember) all about mixing colors in this fun book that encourages creative exploration. Culturethèque Digital Library, Storyplayr audiobook.

Ages 5+ / French Level: Easy – Intermediate

Pourquoi ? Pourquoi ? Pourquoi ? Les animaux by Coline Desclides et Laurence Bernaert

Learn the answer to many pressing questions about the natural world. While geared to children, adult learners will enjoy new vocabulary along with listening to familiar everyday French. Culturethèque Digital Library, Storyplayr audiobook.

Adult Interest / French Level: A2 – Beginner

Les couleurs primaires by Mélissa Verreault

Step out of the mundane with this light read. Set in Montreal, it follows Camille’s humorous adventures in her quest for happiness. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 10 -14 / Adult ; French Level:  Intermediate – Youth/Adult Interest

Un rêve pour trois by Lena Sayaphoum et Jérôme Hamon Pourquoi

This first volume of a beautifully illustrated bande dessinée is the story of two sisters who hope to make it into the prestigious ballet school at the Opéra de Paris. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult Interest / French Level:  Intermediate – Advanced

Au revoir là-haut by Pierre Lemaitre et Chrisitian de Metter

The bande dessinée version of the Prix-Goncourt winning historical novel that was also made into a film. Set in France during WWI, the story follows the travails of a soldier and his quest for justice and redemption. Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

May 26, 2020
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Weekly Book Recommendations from our Library #week3

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Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschooler – Ages 3+

Je serai Empereur ! by Tulio Corda, edited by Lirabelle

Not satisfied by his mother’s answer to questions about his future, a young chick seeks to convince his barnyard friends that he is destined for greatness. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library, with Storyplyr audiobook option.

Ages 5 – 10

Le Cerisier by Alba Garcia-Puig, Edited by Ane bâté éditions

This computer game is a combined environmental-science and French lesson. Suitable for children, it highlights current planetary environmental challenges. (Not an escapist adventure) Some French knowledge is required for instructions. Multiple choice, fill in the blank. French: beginner. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 9 – 12/Adult – A1 – French Language Learning

CONCERT EN BRETAGNE / Concert in Brittany –  Cécile Talguen, edited by Clé international

Young readers and adult learners will enjoy this adventure mystery story set in Brittany. The fun easy read introduces lots of new vocabulary–and it is set in an ideal place, for those dreaming of escape to vacation getaways. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult – B1/B2 – French Language Learning

Candide, ou L’Optimisme par Voltaire

Feeling ambitious? Settle in to read this literary classic–offered in two versions on Culturethèque. A stinging satire, Voltaire’s social commentary from 1789 has much to say about the social ills of its day. Learners of French will enjoy the Hachette version, with sound. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adult – C1/C2 – French Language Learning

Chanson Bretonne, suivi de l’enfant et la Guerre by J.M.G Le Clézio edited by Editions Gallimard – 2020

A new release by a brilliant Nobel-Prize-winning author, this nostalgic escapist literature will transport you to Brittany of another time. Livre numérique, Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

May 19, 2020
0

Weekly Book Recommendations from our Library #week2

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Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschooler – Ages 3+

La Cuisine de Gudule by Fanny Joly and Rose Capdevila

A precocious girl and her baby brother surprise busy parents with a most delicious dinner concoction. Set in simpler-yet-hectic times. Read-aloud. French: beginner/intermediate.  Storyplayer Audiobook. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 5 – 10

Escape Game: Ma Petite Planète edited by the Institut Français

This computer game is a combined environmental-science and French lesson. Suitable for children, it highlights current planetary environmental challenges. (Not an escapist adventure) Some French knowledge is required for instructions. Multiple choice, fill in the blank. French: beginner. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Ages 9 – 12

Le Monde de Milo by Richard Marazano and Christophe Ferreira.

Join Milo as he explores the many adventures at his riverside wilderness escape. Selected for the Prix de Jeunesse at the Festival Angouleme in 2014, this beautifully-illustrated book is an easy and engaging story. Adults will also enjoy this book. French: beginner to intermediate. Culturethèque Digital Library. This trailer sets the tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD3BbL8KP8A

Adult – A1 – French Language Learning

Français Langue Etrangère: Online Learning Module edited by Toutapprendre.

This self-paced learning course is designed for beginning students who are new to French. A great way to test the waters in preparation for formalized instructor-led classes. Culturethèque Digital Library.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

May 12, 2020
3

Tartiflette Recipe

By | Frenchness, Recommendation | 2 Comments

By Conery Hoffman

Food is always on the top of my list when traveling and some of my favorite memories include what was on the menu. During college, I spent a weekend in Manigod, a commune located in eastern France. While speaking with a friend about visiting this area, memories from long ago came flooding back of a rather simple, hearty dish made of potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions that is eaten – and celebrated – in the Alps. It turned out my friend is from this area of France and is also quite the tartiflette master. You can imagine what happened next. I asked him to make it.

In 2015 on a crisp winter day, we decided to hold a dinner for 10 and dubbed it fête de la tartiflette. Who knew a regional dish of no significance at the time, from so many years ago, would become an important part of our lives. We now host this fête annually, which has turned out to be an extremely lively, and a little boozy, fun party. To learn how to make tartiflette, check out this video clip and when everyone is able to gather once again, invite your good friends and family over, pour some crisp Aprémont, put on some dance music and conjure up the Alps!

Note: Réblochon is unavailable in the U.S. It doesn’t fit the FDA’s pasteurization guidelines -substitute w/raclette.

May 12, 2020
1

Weekly Book Recommendations from our Library

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Every week, our Librarian Renée will shared with you some book recommendations for both children and adults. Bonne lecture !

Preschooler

Qui a vu l’ours? by Jean Alessandrini et Sophie Kniffke  

Preschoolers learn their colors with the help of an adorable white bear. In French, Culturethèque Digital Library, Storyplayer Audiobook.

Ages 6 – 9 – Difficulty: Beginner

Les aventures d’Albert et Folio : An heureux évènement by Didier Eberle et André Treper

A pair of house cats await a new arrival. Digital Book, In French. Culturethèque Digital Library.

Adults / Children- Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate

Le petit Nicolas by Goscinny

Escapist adventure stories focus on Nicolas and friends, following their escapades in idyllic 1950s France. Written for children, the series is also entertaining for adults.  Simple vocabulary and sentence structure. In French. Available in the Library.

Adults – Difficulty: Intermediate

Ghost in love : novel by Marc Levy ; illustrated by Pauline Lévêque

Impossible adventures unfold as a son drops everything to fulfill the wishes of his father who returns as a ghost. A story of the power of love, grief, and resilience. In French. Available in the Library.

Adults – Difficulty : Advanced

Le mythe de Sisyphe : essai sur l’absurde / Mythe of Sisyphe by Albert Camus

A classic philosophical discussion of the condition of man. Surprisingly optimistic in its eventual conclusion, it remains heavy reading nonetheless. Available in the Library. Check with the librarian for online versions.

We hope you’ll enjoy la lecture of these books, stay tuned for more recommendations next week!

November 30, 2017
2

Patricia’s must see DVD’s

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Patricia Florio is a member of the Alliance Française and a valued patron of the Brown library. One of the things she loves most about the Brown Library is the large DVD collection. Get to know her favorites and read her recommendations!

 

Life and Work of Claude Chabrol
2011, 1 hr 1 m
Celebrate the birthday of this famed French filmmaker with him, his family and friends. DELIGHTFUL.

This film centers around the birthday party of filmmaker Claude Chabrol. Mr. Chabrol talks about his approach to film-making as he sings and charms his friends.

 

 

 

10e Chambre — Instants d’audience (10th District Court)
2004, Raymond Depardon, 1 hr 35 min
A fascinating documentary examining the French judicial system through filmed actual hearings.

Judge Bernard-Requin is organized and objective as she manages various offenders with differing charges. An insightful view of the French legal system which will fascinate attorneys as well as non-legal viewers.

 

 

 

Un Coeur en Hiver (A Heart in Winter)
1992, Claude Sautet, 1 h 45 m
An emotional story of a violinist and the violin maker who repairs her violin, but breaks her heart.

With Ravel music in the background, this movie explores the coldness of love
relationships between people. The actors lives are closely connected, but their attitudes toward each other are troubling and volatile.

 

 

Je l’aimais (Someone I loved)
2009, Zabou Breitman, 1 h 53 m
Can we help someone who is suffering rejection by telling our story of pain and sorrow?

A rejected daughter-in-law is comforted by her father-in-law who tells her his story of love and despair. A vast spectrum of emotions is examined in sensual and vivid detail.

 

 

 

All of these movies are available at the Brown library for check out, if you have a regular or library membership! A bientôt!