Do Not Go Gentle. Go to Paris.

by Gail Schilling
Do Not Go Gentle. Go to Paris. cover
Good Books rating 4.27
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 2038
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781095653807
  • Published: 2019-08-05
  • Reviews: 3

Gail, a 62-year-old woman, decides to finally fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting Paris after feeling lost and uncertain about her future. Through her travels, she meets feisty Frenchwomen and revisits memories of inspiring older women, drawing wisdom and strength from their experiences. Her journey revitalizes her spirit, but a personal setback and a train strike test her newfound confidence. By the end, Gail learns to embrace her own joie de vivre, realizing that aging can be a journey of self-discovery and joy. The book beautifully weaves scenic descriptions of France with personal reflections, offering a heartwarming tale of self-rediscovery and the timeless beauty of embracing life's later chapters. Gail's adventures and interactions with the vibrant culture and people of France provide a backdrop for her emotional and psychological growth, making this a compelling narrative about resilience and the joy of living.

Reviews
Adventures of a Woman of a Certain Age · 2025-10-11
empowering 4.00

The reviewer praises the memoir as perfect for women of a certain age, highlighting the protagonist's fears and triumphs. They appreciate the candid exploration of aging and the courage to start anew.

This review focuses on the memoir's appeal to women navigating the complexities of aging. The reviewer finds the book to be a perfect fit for those who are feeling the pressures of getting older, as it tackles themes of losing one's youth, career, and relationships. The protagonist's journey to Paris is seen as a bold and inspiring move, showcasing the courage to start over and embrace new experiences. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and vulnerability in the narrative, making it a relatable and empowering read for women of a certain age.

Quick quotes

    The perfect memoir for women of a certain age.

    Rattled by fears that she is losing her keys, her looks, her job, and her sweetheart, Gail, 62, decides to take a leap of faith and move to Paris.

    This memoir is a testament to the power of starting over and embracing new adventures, no matter your age.

Teaspoon of Adventure · 2025-10-11
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer found the book inspiring, particularly the message that it's never too late to pursue dreams. They highlight the timeliness of taking action and embracing change.

This review is all about the empowering message within the book. The reviewer loved how the author emphasizes that age is just a number and it's never too late to make significant life changes. They also appreciated the urgency conveyed in the story, encouraging readers to act now rather than later. The reviewer found the personal journey of the protagonist both relatable and inspiring, making it a compelling read for anyone feeling stuck in their routine. The book's focus on seizing opportunities and overcoming fears resonates deeply, making it a must-read for those seeking a fresh start or a new adventure.

Quick quotes

    I loved the lesson Gail shared about it never being too late to change your life and go after your dreams, but also to go now because you don't know how much time you have.

    This book is a testament to the power of taking risks and embracing the unknown.

    The author's journey is both inspiring and relatable, making it a must-read for anyone feeling stuck in their routine.

Blue Hare Magazine · 2022-07-12
uplifting 4.30

The reviewer sees the book as a triumphant story of an American woman opening a cooking school in Paris. They highlight the protagonist's disillusionment and subsequent journey of self-discovery.

This review emphasizes the triumphant aspect of the protagonist's story. The reviewer finds the book to be an inspiring account of an American woman who, despite her disillusionment with life, decides to move to France and open a cooking school. The journey is portrayed as one of self-discovery and resilience, making it a compelling read for those seeking inspiration and motivation. The reviewer appreciates the vivid descriptions of Paris and the protagonist's personal growth, making the book a delightful and uplifting read. The story's focus on overcoming challenges and finding one's passion is particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    An inspiring and delicious memoir of an American woman who had the gall to open a cooking school in Paris—a true story of triumphing over French bureaucracy and personal doubts.

    At 62, Ms. Schilling impulsively decides to move to France amid disillusionment with her life in the United States.

    This memoir is a testament to the power of following your dreams and the resilience of the human spirit.

Appears in Lists