The smell of the wet earth, the apples just picked from the tree, sitting in a bakery waiting for the croissants to come out of the oven, watching TV with grandpa under the work blanket, or the first sip of beer. These are the small daily pleasures that have given meaning and title to this book. Philippe Delerm describes with a fluent and descriptive language simple but great moments that give meaning to life.

He shows us that happiness doesn't always have to be something big and grand. It can be found in the simplest of things, in the everyday moments that we often take for granted.

By paying attention to these small pleasures, we can learn to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life. We can find joy in the smell of the earth after a rain, in the taste of a fresh apple, or in the warmth of a shared moment with a loved one.

Philippe Delerm's book is a reminder that life is full of these small pleasures, and that we should take the time to notice and enjoy them.

Breu, it's not pretentious, but in some cases it catches me in a changed bed. It talks about some nostalgias that I don't feel are mine, but there are others that I really like a lot... There is value in small things, that's how it is, it's a certainty. Reading the newspaper while pressing a coffee. A gulp of cold beer (the first gulp!). The knife in the pocket. The counter of a pastry shop. A glass of wine at dusk. Smells. Tastes. Memories. Experiences. Dolce fare niente...

Sometimes, these simple and ordinary things can bring us unexpected joys and comforts. They are like little treasures hidden in the daily life, waiting for us to discover and cherish. The smell of fresh coffee in the morning, the taste of a delicious pastry, the warmth of a glass of wine in the evening, all these can make us feel happy and content.

Moreover, these small things can also evoke our memories and emotions. They can remind us of the good old days, of the people we love, and of the experiences that have shaped us. In this way, they become an important part of our lives, giving us a sense of identity and belonging.

In conclusion, although these small things may seem insignificant at first glance, they actually have great value and meaning. We should learn to appreciate them and make them a part of our daily lives. After all, as the saying goes, "life is made up of small pleasures."

Stories of life's little pleasures, of small moments of happiness such as, for example, going to pick blackberries, having a glass of Porto, reading the Sunday newspaper or visiting the mobile library that comes once a month.

These are very sensory stories, where the scents and sensations, in many cases, transport us to memories of a bygone era.

Short, kind, bright and very French stories, ideal for reading on a summer afternoon.

They offer a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in a world of simple joys and gentle nostalgia.

Whether it's the smell of freshly picked berries, the warmth of the Porto in our hands, or the rustle of the newspaper pages, these stories bring to life the little things that make life truly beautiful.

They remind us to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and find happiness in the simplest of things.

So, the next time you're looking for a charming read on a summer afternoon, pick up a collection of these short stories and let yourself be whisked away to a world of small pleasures and big smiles.

I read this in Dutch, but that edition is missing and the possibility to create a new edition seems no longer accessible (or at least made unfindable).

The Workers' Press has made a translation: The First Sip of Beer and Other Small Pleasures.

A very small booklet: 10x10 cm and 136 pages, so a pocket book.

Philippe Delerm describes small pleasures such as the first sip of beer and the sound of a bicycle dynamo in the evening dusk. It is clear that the writer has an eye for the small things that give daily life its flavor and is able to capture those feelings well in words. Some of those feelings resonate strongly with my deepest being and take me away to bygone times and (bittersweet) memories.

Others not so much... Often the pleasures are too French for a pragmatic Dutch person to fully contain. Why would I become lyrical about the color of rotten fruit? Well, each to their own. And that's why three stars.

Wow! A new discovery of an author!

I absolutely love his way of highlighting all these little pleasures.

It's truly amazing how he manages to bring out the beauty and significance in the simplest of things.

Just reading his works makes me feel a sense of joy and contentment.

I have definitely just added all of this author's books to my reading list.

I can't wait to explore more of his literary world and immerse myself in his unique writing style.

Each book seems to offer a new adventure and a chance to discover something wonderful.

I'm sure that I will gain a lot of inspiration and knowledge from reading his works.

This new author has definitely become one of my favorites, and I'm looking forward to seeing what else he has in store for us.

I accidentally came across this volume placed in a book box, and it made me want to read it again.

I discovered this collection many years ago and read it again with pleasure. I picked at a text here and a text there from time to time.

Not all of them touched me in the same way; I delighted in some while others left me relatively unmoved.

Among my favorites are: Helping to shell peas, We could almost eat outside, An Agatha Christie novel, Diving into kaleidoscopes.

Each memory is related in just two or three pages. Philippe Delerm has a beautiful evocative and immersive writing that takes the reader into these little moments of happiness.

It's a gentle reading experience that allows you to escape into a world of simple pleasures and cherish the small but significant moments in life. The short and sweet nature of each piece makes it easy to dip in and out of, and the author's writing style adds a touch of magic to the whole collection.

Maybe 2.5 - 3 stars.

This is a very pretentious little book. It comes across as rather snobbish. I have a feeling that in just a month's time, I will completely forget about its existence. I truly hope so. However, don't get me wrong. I don't hate this book, nor do I regret reading it.

The interesting thing is that I got this book in Paris. Now, who's the pretentious one? :D

This book seems to try too hard to be something it's not. It may have some redeeming qualities, but overall, it gives off an air of superiority that is off-putting. I'm not sure if it's the writing style or the subject matter that contributes to this impression.

Despite my reservations, I did find some value in reading it. It may have opened my eyes to a different perspective or introduced me to some new ideas. But ultimately, it's not a book that I will remember or recommend to others.

In conclusion, this is a mediocre book that fails to live up to its potential. It's a forgettable read that I'm glad I only spent a short time with.

I gave it a solid 3.5 out of 5 :).

One must know that I'm not very fond of long descriptions in novels in general, and this book is a bit like a collection of memories.

Moreover, it's impressive how the descriptions of small things go a long way.

The analysis of life moments is in-depth, where every visual detail, every sound, every smell and habit is described and recreated… and one has to admit that it works.

Out of the about thirty snapshots of life, many hit the mark and made me nostalgic, where my own memories overlapped with the narrative, with a sense of déjà vu, of having already lived through it.

This book focuses on the small details of life that are worth appreciating.

It's short. It's beautiful.

It manages to capture the essence of life in a unique way, making the reader reflect on their own experiences and cherish the little things that often go unnoticed.

The author's writing style is simple yet effective, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

Overall, it's a charming and thought-provoking read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick and engaging book.

I absolutely adored this. Every morning, as I sit down with my cup of coffee, I would pick up one or two of these and start reading. In a rather small yet significant way, it sets the mood for the entire day. I am truly making an effort to appreciate the small pleasures of life to the fullest extent possible.

Now, regarding the title of the "essay" 'La première gorgée de bière'. To be honest, I'm not really a beer drinker. However, this gives me an added pleasure. I get to steal only a sip from my date's beer. That perfect sip becomes even more perfect because I never have to finish the entire drink. It's like a little indulgence that makes the moment even more special.

These small moments, whether it's reading a nice piece in the morning or having that stolen sip of beer, they all contribute to making life more enjoyable and meaningful. I cherish these simple pleasures and look forward to many more in the future.

This book had a far greater impact on me than I had initially anticipated.

Divided into extremely small chapters that group together the minute pleasures in life, it managed to evoke both tears and laughter within me simultaneously.

Incredibly well-written, delving into this book is like taking a touching and moving journey back to your childhood, or into any of your memories from a time when you weren't overly preoccupied with the concerns of life.

It reminds you of a time when you knew how to slow down, take your time, and truly enjoy those "minuscule pleasures" that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Each chapter is like a precious gem, shining a light on the simple yet profound joys that can be found in the most ordinary of moments.

Reading this book is not just an act of passing the time; it is an opportunity to reconnect with the essence of what it means to live a fulfilling life.

It makes you realize that sometimes, the smallest pleasures are the ones that bring the greatest happiness.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking read.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and wonder that exists all around us.

I found a book in a flea market.

It's a delicious little find.

With tenderness, Philippe Delerm closely embraces the experiences that are often judged insignificant yet essential.

This book offers a pleasant reading experience.

The author has a unique way of presenting these ordinary moments in a way that makes them seem extraordinary.

As I turn the pages, I am drawn into a world of simple pleasures and quiet joys.

The language is beautiful and descriptive, painting vivid pictures in my mind.

It's a book that makes me appreciate the little things in life and reminds me to slow down and savor the moment.

I'm so glad I discovered this hidden gem in the flea market.

It has become one of my favorite reads and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and enjoyable book.

It is precisely this that is the pleasure of life: so many small pieces of sensations, emotions, scents, memories, sometimes lightning-fast moments, which combine and come alive within us. Everyone has their own, perhaps even not important at all in the eyes of others!

These little fragments of life are like precious pearls that string together to form a beautiful necklace. They add color and meaning to our otherwise ordinary days. The smell of fresh coffee in the morning, the smile of a loved one, the sound of raindrops on the windowpane - all these seemingly insignificant things can bring us great joy and a sense of fulfillment.

We should learn to appreciate these small pleasures and cherish them. They are the essence of life and make our journey worthwhile. Let us open our hearts and minds to these wonderful moments and let them fill us with happiness and contentment.