David Downie's Paris, Paris book tour

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 Française of Berkeley (2004 Woolsey Street, Berkeley, CA 94703; 510-548-7481). Contact Karin Roos, Anne Smith or Margaret L. Baldwin to reserve a place.

Sonoma, CA -- Saturday, September 10, 4:30-6:30 pm. Reading and book signing at Readers' Books (130 E. Napa St., Sonoma -- one-half block from the southeast corner of the Plaza; 707-939-1779). Introduction by Paula Wolfert.

Portland, OR -- Tuesday, September 13, 6 pm to 8 pm. Book event with the Alliance Française of Portland (503-223-8388). Event will be held at the First Congregational Church (1126 SW Park Ave, Portland OR 97205).

Seattle -- Friday, September 16, 6 pm. Book event at the Alliance Française of Seattle (Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98103; 206-632-5433), in conjuction with Elliott Bay Books. For information, contact Misa Bourdoiseau, misa@afdesea.com.

Pasadena, CA -- Tuesday, September 20, 7 pm. Book presentation, reading and signing at Distant Lands bookstore (56 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105. 626/449 3220). Contact Lou Ann at distantlands@earthlink.net.

Beverly Hills -- Thursday, September 22, 7 pm. Book event at the Alliance Française of Beverly Hills (215 S. La Cienega Blvd, Suite 101, Beverly Hills, CA 90211; 310-652-0306). For information and reservations, contact Elvira Schwartz elviraschwartz@verizon.net or Jacqueline Petersen info@afdela.com.

Brentwood, CA -- Friday, September 23, 7 pm. Book signing and party at Dutton Books (11975 San Vincente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049; 310/476-6263). For information, contact events organizer Lise Friedman. lise@duttonsbeverlyhills.com.

Chicago -- Monday, September 26, 6 pm. Book event with the Alliance Française de Chicago and Europa Books (832 N. State St Chicago, IL 60610; 312-335-9677).

Boston -- Wednesday, September 28, 6:30 pm. Book event with the French Library-Alliance Française of Boston and Cambridge (53 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02116). For information and reservations, email Barbara Bouquegneau atbarbara@frenchlib.org.