Books on ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

New Book Keith Van Sickle Asks, “Are We French Yet?”

Keith Van Sickle just published his second book, “Are We French Yet? Keith & Val’s Adventures in Provence.” In a word the book is delightful.

Please scroll to the bottom for giveaway details.

Author Keith Van Sickle

Few couples in Silicon Valley (or anywhere) would take a leap of faith to give up their steady employment and build a consultancy business. Even fewer souls would decide to organize their work and other commitments so they could spend part of the year in Provence.  That lifestyle choice is precisely what the Van Sickles have done. It was during an expat assignment in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where Keith and Val Van Sickle experienced the comfortable work-life balance that is a deep-seated thread of life in Europe.

Why not write about the adventures and mishaps?

In Keith Van Sickle’s first book,One Sip at a Time. Learning to live in Provence he shares their decision establish a dual life. The courage to peel themselves away from the Silicon Valley grind and embark on an annual expat experience in Provence. There were many complications, not the least of which was their limited proficiency in the French language. The book is lighthearted, yet truthful about some of the language and cultural barriers they faced. Please read our review of “One Sip at a Time” here.

Keith Van Sickle Book Are We French Yet

Book Two: Are We French Yet?

When I met with Keith and Val in early June (2018), he mentioned that he had started working on his second book. “Are We French Yet? Keith & Val’s Adventures in Provence” broadens and deepens the story of this dual career couple who are determined to live part-time in France. In this memoir, Van Sickle maintains his relaxed writing style, quick to laugh at a misstep and turn it into a French cultural lesson. A quick read at just over 300 pages, “Are We French Yet?” covers topics including Sex and Politics, Picnics in Provence and I Want to be a Fonctionnaire (a union worker). The Van Sickles don’t have more experiences than the next couple, but they choose to look at life through a humorous lens. They don’t just want to “live the dream” as some of their friends in California might think, they want to live in France.

“I guess that for them it’s fresh baguettes and rosé wine and golden fields of sunflowers, but for us, it’s much more. We don’t want to just enjoy an extended vacation, we want to live in France more deeply than we did in Switzerland” Excerpt From: “Are We French Yet?”

Keith Van Sickle Book

This couple has made an enormous effort to learn to speak French. Not an easy undertaking in your 40s and 50s Van Sickle points out. However, their resolve has paid off in the friendships they have forged in the time they have been in Provence. These personal relationships pick-up where they left off, developing further each year, and it’s easy to understand why. Keith and Val make an effort to learn the language, understand the culture, discover the sites and open their hearts to their friends. They are also willing to try almost anything.

“It was a reminder to always try new things, even if you aren’t sure about them at first. After all, wasn’t that one of the reasons we were in France?” Excerpt From: “Are We French Yet?”

“Are We French Yet?” is an enjoyable read and a look at French customs with an open and curious mind. The book covers many topics that cause you to consider how you would have handled the situation.

Would you try pig’s muzzle and poutargue? Would you have the patience to wait in line for 45 minutes at the butcher and appreciate why?

“It’s what I appreciate the most about living in this new country—every day is an adventure. And the more I learn, the more I see the world through French eyes.” Excerpt From: “Are We French Yet?.”

Buy your copy

The book is available on Amazon here.

Or, click the cover below.

Keith Van Sickle Book Are We French Yet

Visit Keith’s website Life in Provence
Follow Keith on Facebook
Or, on Twitter @keith_vansickle

Giveaway! Please leave a comment below or on our Facebook Page for your chance to receive a copy of “Are We French Yet.” There will be two lucky winners, chosen by random selection on December 21st.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).

7 Comments

  1. Betty Moriarty
    December 14, 2018 at 6:31 pm — Reply

    Just heard about your books — can’t wait to read them.

    • December 15, 2018 at 7:28 am — Reply

      Hi Betty: I am sure you will enjoy both of Keith’s books. I have entered you in the giveaway draw, the winner will be announced next Friday. Thanks for reading Perfectly Provence.

  2. Sandy Gaudino
    December 19, 2018 at 1:54 pm — Reply

    I am
    From the states and would love to read your book!

    • December 19, 2018 at 4:26 pm — Reply

      Hi Sandy: Thanks for commenting, your name has been entered in the giveaway contest. Two names will be chosen via random draw on Friday. If you are not already receiving our newsletter and would like to, here is the link Newsletter Sign-up. Happy holidays!

    • December 21, 2018 at 5:43 pm — Reply

      Hi Sandy: you are one of the lucky winners of Keith’s book!

  3. Debbie Kwiecinski
    December 21, 2018 at 6:07 am — Reply

    I have “One Sip at a Time” on my shelf. I’m sure the new book will be just as charming. I’m spending a month in Provence for my 50th birthday next year. Blogs and books like these are helping to fan the tiny flame in the back of my mind that tells me, maybe I can live in France!

    • December 21, 2018 at 7:44 am — Reply

      HI Debbie: Thanks for reading Perfectly Provence and we do hope it is “feeding that tiny flame.” Your name has been entered in the giveaway for Keith’s book [eafl id=”50882″ name=”Are We French Yet? Keith & Val’s Adventures in Provence” text=”Are We Fench Yet”] – Two lucky winners will be announced later today. If you are not already signed up for our newsletter, you might find it interesting, and more fuel for the flame. Here, is the link Newsletter sign-up

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