We Could Almost Eat Outside: An Appreciation of Life's Small Pleasures

The best book I've ever read is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

It holds a unique magic that has the power to calm my mind like nothing else.

Whenever I pick up this book, I am instantly transported to a different world, away from the chaos and stress of daily life.

The words on the pages seem to flow effortlessly, captivating my attention and drawing me in deeper with each turn.

The author's writing style is so engaging and descriptive that I can vividly picture every scene and character in my mind.

It's as if I am a part of the story, experiencing all the emotions and adventures along with the characters.

This book has become my go-to source of relaxation and inspiration, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly wonderful read.

A collection of writings in which the author describes what he considers to be the small pleasures of life.

Some of them have excited me (such as being invited unexpectedly, almost being able to eat out, or the first sip of beer), while others less so (not because they are not well-written but because I don't share them).

In any case, it is a very pleasant little book in which you can spend a good time.

This kind of writing allows the reader to reflect on their own experiences and find joy in the simple things.

It also shows that everyone has different perspectives on what constitutes a small pleasure.

Perhaps after reading this book, you will start to notice more of the little things that bring you happiness in your daily life.

Overall, it is a charming and engaging read that is sure to put a smile on your face.

Väsyneiden lukupiirin satoa, johon en varmasti olisi muuten tullut tarttuneeksi.

The best part of the reading circle is that one can find new "small joys" from it. The first sip of beer is like such a book that it is advisable to read for the length of one short story each day during the summer vacation when one craves something light and uplifting, almost holy.

I was extremely delighted with this, although I read it at a fast pace due to the circumstances. My spouse also really liked it and tried to read it again on their own - my reading circle book! How wonderful. Then I forced it into that reading circle.

It's truly amazing how a simple reading circle can bring so much pleasure and discovery. It not only allows us to explore different books but also share our thoughts and experiences with others. Through this, we can expand our perspectives and gain new insights.

Moreover, the act of reading itself is a form of relaxation and escape from the daily grind. It can transport us to different worlds and introduce us to new characters and ideas. So, whether it's a light-hearted story or a profound novel, every book has the potential to enrich our lives.

In conclusion, I am grateful to have joined this reading circle and look forward to many more wonderful reads and discussions in the future.

The style reminds one of a less talented Francis Ponge who would strive to capture moments of the daily life reputed to be universal.

More inspired than "I'm going to come across as an old fool" (quite mediocre), the author sometimes hits the mark, and the writing is worked on although often predictably pedantic.

Very old France and its local character, these brief descriptions have an annoying, bourgeois side. It's a pity that Delerm doesn't put his talents at the service of a broader and more complex narration.

The anecdotal format in which he takes pleasure, despite its lyrical pretensions, confines him to a superficiality with pastel tones.

The charm of the writing is fleeting and without consequence.

Perhaps if Delerm were to expand his scope and explore deeper themes, his work could reach a higher level.

As it stands, while there are moments of interest, the overall impression is one of a missed opportunity.

Nevertheless, his writing does have a certain charm that may appeal to some readers who appreciate the details of everyday life.

However, for those seeking more depth and substance, Delerm's work may fall short.

It remains to be seen if he will be able to evolve and produce more substantial and engaging literature in the future.

A concept that really speaks to me - that of lingering over a few pages about various small daily pleasures. However, I agree with Adèle: often it is a bit too old/French and thus far from my reality to "relate".

It's interesting how certain ideas can seem so appealing on the surface, but upon closer inspection, they don't quite resonate with our own experiences. In this case, the concept of focusing on the little joys of everyday life sounds wonderful. But the way it is presented, perhaps in a more traditional or French context, makes it feel a bit distant.

Maybe it's because our modern lives are so different, filled with technology and a fast-paced rhythm. What might have been considered a small pleasure in the past may not hold the same significance for us today. Or perhaps it's a matter of personal taste and cultural background. While I can appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the idea, it just doesn't quite fit into my own world view.

Lovely, visceral description of some of life’s small, treasurable moments. As a non-native speaker, I find the verbiage to be both effective and warm.

It is truly a delight to encounter such a vivid and engaging portrayal of the simple joys in life. The author has a remarkable ability to capture those fleeting instants that often go unnoticed but hold such significance. Each description is filled with a sense of authenticity and emotion that makes it easy for the reader to connect and relate.

The use of language is particularly impressive. Despite not being a native speaker, the author has managed to create a text that is both effective and warm. The choice of words and the way they are arranged bring the scenes to life, painting a beautiful picture in the reader's mind. It is a testament to the power of language and the ability of anyone, regardless of their native tongue, to express themselves in a meaningful way.

I read this book a few years ago.

It is truly one of the most feel-good books I have ever come across.

The moment I opened the book, I was immediately drawn into its beautifully mesmerizing world.

The vivid descriptions and engaging storyline made it a captivating read from start to finish.

It's the kind of book that you can lose yourself in, forgetting about the outside world.

Imagine sitting on a hot Indian summer afternoon, with a gentle breeze blowing, and a cold glass of lemonade, nimbu-paani, in your hand.

As you flip through the pages of this book, you feel a sense of relaxation and joy wash over you.

It's like a little escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

This book has a charm that is hard to resist, and it leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after you've finished reading it.

Whether you're a book lover or just looking for a good read to unwind, this book is definitely worth picking up.

“Inviting a surprise, we feel good, free, light. With the black cat of the house cuddled on the knees, we feel adopted. Life stops - it is left to invite a surprise.”

This is a small book composed of several stories in which the author Philippe Delerm focuses on moments of daily life that often pass unnoticed and that instead should be enjoyed in all their fullness. Delerm recalls pleasant memories capable of exciting and making the reader also stop on the described sensations, inevitably ending up sharing the same pleasure. These are moments that almost surely we have all lived and that we still remember for the feeling of well-being that they have transmitted to us: the grandpa's multi-purpose knife, the plate of pastries on Sunday, the smell of apples, the fun of shelling peas, going for blackberries at the end of summer, the surprise invitation to a friend's house, going to the movies, the first sip of beer that cannot be equaled by the subsequent ones... and many others. It is a book that can be read in a short time but that must be savored, as the prose is refined, the language is rich in metaphors and sometimes poetic. A book that has the power to take us back in time and accompany the succession of the seasons slowly, contrasting the frenzy to which our society has accustomed us...