Travel writer David Downie, who visited my Paris American Academy classes last month as a guest lecturer, will be touring the United States in coming weeks to promote his excellent new book, Paris, Paris: Journey into the City of Light (which contains photos by Alison Harris and an introduction by Diane Johnson). Anyone with a passion for Paris is advised to pick up his book and catch one of his events, which are listed (through September) below.

For more information, check out ParisParisthebook.com, or email info@parisparisthebook.com.

Corte Madera, CA — Friday-Saturday, August 19-20, 8 am to 6 pm. David will serve as a panelist at the Book Passage Travel Writing Conference (51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera; phone: 415-927-0960).

San Francisco — Thursday, August 25, 7 pm. In conversation with Diane Johnson at Book Passage, the Ferry Building (1 Ferry Plaza #46; 415-835-1020).

San Francisco — Thursday, September 8, 6 pm to 8 pm. Book presentation and cocktail reception at the Rex Hotel (562 Sutter St. in Union Square; 415-433 4434). Also presenting will be Terrance Gelenter of Paris Through Expatriate Eyes. To reserve a seat, contact Terrance Gelenter (Terrance@paris-expat.com, or 415-388-4956).

Berkeley — Friday, September 9, 7 pm. Book event with the Alliance Fran