Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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A short reading, as short as the moments it speaks of and yet says a lot in each of them.

Personally, I believe that there is a significant difference in quality between some stories and others. If it were longer, I might get tired. However, it is a good form of entertainment that leaves an impression with one or two stories.

This brief reading manages to capture the essence of those fleeting moments and present them in a way that engages the reader.

Each story within it has its own charm and offers something unique.

Although it may not be a comprehensive or in-depth exploration of a particular theme, it provides a quick and enjoyable escape.

Overall, it is a worthwhile read that can bring a smile to your face or a thought to your mind.
July 15,2025
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Pleasurable, very French, somewhat outdated but still delightful and full of mirth.

I read this with great interest after perusing the well-intentioned School of Life version. Philippe Delerm truly gets it. He understands what truly counts as small pleasures, no matter how hyperbolic one might feel about them. These include hearing the news on the car radio, taking the first sip of beer, or indulging in a banana split.

Conversely, reading through the equivalent from The School of Life felt as if I was sitting in a classroom, being dictated how to feel and the reasons why I should feel that way. It was rather clinical, almost soulless, and it even seemed atheist. This is a rather strange perception of a book. Interestingly, within its pages lies an idea from Romanticism (which is frequently mentioned) that "to analyse a joy is to kill it". Well, that sums up The School of Life's offering.

However, I highly recommend The Small Pleasures of Life. Read it while smoking a cigarette and sipping a glass of Port, you thrill seeker. It's a truly wonderful and engaging read that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
July 15,2025
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At certain moments, it is a bit old or very/too French.

Therefore, I was not always able to fully understand what was being described.

Nevertheless, it was very well written, and there was a lot of beauty in this celebration of the simple joys of life, and it was nice to read something sweet.

The language used was perhaps a bit archaic at times, which made it a bit challenging to follow.

However, the author's love for the simple pleasures of life shone through, and it was a refreshing read.

Overall, it was a good book that I would recommend to others who enjoy reading about the beauty of life.
July 15,2025
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By chance, I entered my library and it immediately intrigued me. For this reason, I didn't place it in its alphabetical position, waiting for the right moment. When that moment arrived, I searched for information about Delerm, certainly not expecting to have a "literary case" in my hands. It is a very smooth reading made up of descriptions and instantaneous pleasures, just as indicated by the title. If at the first approach it surprises and pleases, later it tires due to the repetition of the rhythmic style with which the author seeks an excessive literary musicality. They are short literary airs in which the argument is only the excuse to release a sensorial pleasure. Pleasant, fresh, instantaneous.

Moreover, the way Delerm presents his ideas is quite unique. His descriptions are vivid and detailed, painting a clear picture in the reader's mind. However, the constant use of the same rhythmic pattern can become monotonous after a while. Despite this, the overall reading experience is still enjoyable. The book offers a quick escape into a world of sensorial pleasures, allowing the reader to unwind and relax.

In conclusion, while Delerm's work has its flaws, it also has its charms. It is a book that can be read and enjoyed in one sitting, providing a momentary respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you are a fan of literature or simply looking for a light read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

July 15,2025
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Merci Inès!

You have been such a wonderful presence in my life. Your kindness and warmth always make my days brighter.

I am truly grateful for all the support and love you have shown me.

Whether it's through a kind word, a helping hand, or just being there to listen, you always know how to make me feel special.

Your friendship means the world to me, and I cherish every moment we spend together.

Thank you for being you, Inès!
July 15,2025
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Brevissime impressioni, quasi poesia in prosa, in cui l'autore illustra tanti piccoli piaceri, quotidiani e non. It's like a gentle breeze that caresses your face, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort. With simplicity, senza l'autocompiacimento che troppo spesso ammorba ormai la letteratura "seria". It's a breath of fresh air in a world where seriousness often overshadows the beauty of the ordinary.


Molto spesso mi sono ritrovato ad apprezzare la peculiare sensibilità di Delerm, che coglie con naturalezza particolari evidenti, ma che, in una vita come la nostra, ormai è troppo facile perdere di vista (o passare sotto silenzio). His ability to notice the little things that we often overlook is truly remarkable. It makes us realize how much we have been missing in our busy lives.


Non sarà un caposaldo della letteratura mondiale, ma è stata una lettura molto piacevole e dolce. It may not be a masterpiece that will go down in history, but it has left a lasting impression on me. It's like a small gem that shines brightly in the darkness, bringing a smile to my face. Una bella scoperta. Parole da rigirarsi in bocca e da assaporare piano piano. Come il primo sorso di una buona birra (meglio se belga, aggiungerei)! It's a wonderful discovery that I will cherish for a long time. The words are like a delicious treat that I can savor slowly, enjoying every moment.

July 15,2025
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"Väikesed naudingud" is a well-written French book. In short chapters, Delerm describes various pleasures, from the first sip of beer to driving fast on the highway at night, cracking nuts or reading the newspaper while having breakfast. The analyses are excellently written, warm, smart and sensitive. A bit like Barthes' "Mythologies", but without the intellectual pretension, or Proust without the graphomania. Or like Bonnard's paintings.

I think people could think more deeply about the things they love. They could refine and share their pleasures. No nation indulges in hedonism as blatantly as the French.

Indrek Koffi's translation also seemed very good.
July 15,2025
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There are many books that attempt to vividly describe the daily pleasures. Philippe Delerm succeeds better than many other attempts. In my opinion, it is not so much about the choice of subject matter but rather about the art of expression. It should not be long-winded and rambling. There is a surprising "ah" in the discovery of the daily pleasures that cannot tolerate too many words in the description.

Delerm has a unique way of presenting these ordinary yet precious moments. His writing is concise and to the point, allowing the reader to quickly understand and appreciate the essence of the pleasure. For example, he might describe the simple act of sipping a cup of coffee in the morning, highlighting the aroma, the warmth, and the sense of comfort it brings.

By doing so, he makes the reader realize that there are countless small joys in our daily lives that we often overlook. His books serve as a reminder to slow down, pay attention, and savor these moments. In a world that is often filled with stress and busyness, Delerm's works offer a refreshing escape and a chance to find beauty and happiness in the ordinary.
July 15,2025
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This was truly a lovely piece to engage with intermittently.

The format was such that it was highly conducive to that kind of reading experience.

The specificity of the extracts made them easily relatable.

They frequently brought to mind moments and pleasures that I had shared with others.

This aspect was something that I really relished, as I could then send those extracts to them.

It added an extra layer of enjoyment to the whole process.

The ability to dip in and out of the text and still find meaningful connections and memories was truly a wonderful feature of this work.

It made the reading experience not only enjoyable for myself but also allowed me to share those precious moments with others, enhancing the overall value and significance of the piece.

July 15,2025
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This book emphasizes the importance of the small pleasures in life. There are many of them, and above all, they are all taken for granted.

No one remembers the first sip of beer and the emotion felt at that moment. Maybe it's better to be more attentive.

This book is the proof of it.

We often overlook these small joys in our busy lives. We rush from one thing to another, not stopping to appreciate the simple things that bring us happiness.

The first rays of the morning sun, the smell of freshly baked bread, a kind word from a stranger - these are all small pleasures that can make a big difference in our day.

By paying more attention to these details, we can find more meaning and fulfillment in our lives.

This book serves as a reminder to slow down and savor the moment.

It encourages us to look for the beauty and joy that surrounds us every day.

So, the next time you take a sip of your favorite drink or notice a beautiful flower, take a moment to truly appreciate it.

You might be surprised at how much these small pleasures can enhance your life.
July 15,2025
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This is really nice, very nice indeed. It's simple and beautiful.

However, I think the edition is expensive. ($12 for 100 pages is really a rip-off), so I give one star less.

It's not because of the book itself, but because of the bookstore.

I really like the content and the design of this book. It catches my eye immediately.

The illustrations are wonderful and add a lot of charm to the story.

But the price is a bit too high for my budget.

I hope the bookstore can consider lowering the price so that more people can enjoy this great book.

Overall, it's a great book with a small drawback.
July 15,2025
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Tout plein de poésie et de sensualité, this description truly captures the essence of the experience. I absolutely adored the phrase "aider à écosser les petits pois" as it felt so genuine and real. It brought to mind a scene of tenderness and simplicity. Reading this was like taking a break and stepping into a world of softness and refreshment. It was a moment that allowed me to unwind and soak in the beauty of the words. The poetry within it touched my heart and awakened my senses. It was a pleasure to read and I found myself lost in its charm. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a gentle and rejuvenating read.

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