Flirting with French: Adventures in Pursuit of a Language

hilarious and touching, all the way to the surprise ending. In this travelogue about learning French, William Alexander proves that learning a new language is an adventure of its own -- with all the unexpected obstacles, surprising breakthroughs and moments of sublime pleasure traveling brings.'

'He throws himself into learning to speak French with Gerard Depardieu-like gusto ... the appeal of Flirting With French is in the author's amiable dunderheadedness as he delves into the culture, with all its confounding contradictions.'

'His quixotic resolve to transcend his inherent competence recalls the participatory journalism of George Plimpton, the lanky patrician whose unlikely stints in football and boxing lent nobility to failure. Like Plimpton, Mr. Alexander presents himself as an apprentice, but the reader quickly discovers he is also a master teacher.'

'I could so relate to William Alexander's insecurities-and ecstasies-while pursuing his major crush: France and her seductive language. Reading Flirting with French motivates me to continue courting the language, no matter how often I'm stood up mid-sentence!'

'Funny, informative, well-written, Flirting with French is a delightful and courageous tale and a romping good read. Voila!'

'Beyond just being a fun way to escape to France via the author's entertaining adventures, Flirting with French gives us an incredible amount of detail about the history and origin of the French language.'

'A light-hearted and humous read. Anyone who has struggled to get to grips with becoming fluent in French will relate to this book. A recommended buy.'

William Alexander is the bestselling author of two critically acclaimed books about the quest for the perfect garden The $64 Tomato and the perfect loaf of bread 52 Loaves.