With an approach that is as charming as it is practical, Espinasse shares her story through the everyday French words and phrases that never seem to make it to American classrooms. 'Comptoir' ('counter') is a piece about the intricacies of grocery shopping in France, and 'Linge' ('laundry') swoons over the wonderful scent the laundry has after being hung out in the French countryside while 'Toquade' ('crush') tells of Espinasse's young son, who begins piling gel onto his hair before school each morning when he becomes smitten with a girl in class.

Steeped in French culture but experienced through American eyes, Words in a French Life will delight armchair travelers, Francophiles, and mothers everywhere.