SKU: 33096571776

Monsieur Mediocre: One American Learns the High Art of Being Everyday French

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Monsieur Mediocre: One American Learns the High Art of Being Everyday FrenchA hilarious, candid account of what life in France is actually like, from a writer for Vanity Fair and GQ Americans love to love Paris. We buy books about how the French parent, why French women don't get fat, and how to be Parisian wherever you are. While our work hours increase every year, we think longingly of the six weeks of vacation the French enjoy, imagining them at the seaside in stripes with plates of fruits de mer. John von Sothen fell in

A hilarious, candid account of what life in France is actually like, from a writer for Vanity Fair and GQ

Americans love to love Paris. We buy books about how the French parent, why French women don't get fat, and how to be Parisian wherever you are. While our work hours increase every year, we think longingly of the six weeks of vacation the French enjoy, imagining them at the seaside in stripes with plates of fruits de mer.

John von Sothen fell in love with Paris through the stories his mother told of her year spent there as a student. And then, after falling for and marrying a French waitress he met in New York, von Sothen moved to Paris. But fifteen years in, he's finally ready to admit his mother's Paris is mostly a fantasy. In this hilarious and delightful collection of essays, von Sothen walks us through real life in Paris--not only myth-busting our Parisian daydreams but also revealing the inimitable and too often invisible pleasures of family life abroad.

Relentlessly funny and full of incisive observations, Monsieur Mediocre is ultimately a love letter to France--to its absurdities, its history, its ideals--but it's a very French love letter: frank, smoky, unsentimental. It is a clear-eyed ode to a beautiful, complex, contradictory country from someone who both eagerly and grudgingly calls it home.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published: 08/25/2020
ISBN: 9780735224858
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.48lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.40w x 0.90d
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SKU: 33096571776

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Nora
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great cooling pillow, and cat-approved!
Color: Purple, Size: Standard, Color: Purple, Size: Standard
I've been using this EGOHOME cooling gel memory foam pillow for a few weeks now, and the cooling feature is definitely the standout for me. The reversible cooling cover really does what it promises — it feels noticeably cool to the touch, especially when the AC is on, and makes a big difference on warmer nights. It helps create that fresh, cool sleep surface that makes it easier to relax and fall asleep. Beyond the cooling comfort, the memory foam strikes a great balance between soft and supportive. It keeps my neck aligned whether I sleep on my side or back, and I’ve been waking up feeling more rested with much less neck stiffness than before. The removable, washable cover is also a practical plus. One small note: the cooling effect does gradually fade after an hour or two without AC, so pairing it with a fan or air conditioning helps maintain that cooler feel longer. And perhaps the highest endorsement I can offer: my cat Duoduo claimed it immediately. She’s been loafing on it with a look of complete ownership ever since — I’d say that’s the ultimate comfort test passed.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
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Ram mohan
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Cool, Supportive, and Very Comfortable Pillow
Color: Blue, Size: Standard, Color: Blue, Size: Standard
I really liked this pillow from the first night. It feels soft but still gives very good support to the head and neck, so it feels comfortable in different sleeping positions. I also liked the cooling side, which feels nice especially at night when the room gets warm. The pillow has a good shape, feels well made, and the cover is easy to remove and wash, which is very helpful for regular use. Overall, I feel this pillow is worth buying if you want comfort and support together. It gives a nice balance, not too hard and not too soft, and I woke up feeling more relaxed. The cooling feature, washable cover, and memory foam support make it very practical for everyday use. I am happy with this purchase and would definitely recommend it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
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cantonnow
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 3
To think and the best cooling
Color: Blue, Size: Standard
The pillow is a little to thin..not as thick as it should be. The cooling feels good for a short period then looses it cooling for me.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
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Alexandre Janner
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Great pillow
Color: Blue, Size: Standard, Color: Blue, Size: Standard
Great pillow very comfortable and supportive I was pleasantly surprised by this pillow. It has the perfect balance between softness and support, keeping my neck well aligned throughout the night. The material feels high quality and it doesn’t get too hot, which is a big plus. After a few nights, I noticed better sleep and less neck discomfort. Highly recommend!!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2026
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Akeem
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable and stays cool
Color: White-cooling Basic, Size: Queen(Pack of 1)
Great pillow. When i opened it, i noticed a strange smell, i assumed its the smell of whatever they use to make the pillow stay cool. You have to fluff it for a good amount of time to make sure the cooling agent spreads well in the foam. Is what i assumed atleast. Its a perfect amount of softness for me. Pair it with some bamboo pillow cases and you got a good night of sleep
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026

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