Acquired Tastes by Peter Mayle
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Book Reviews of Acquired Tastes
Book Review: Fun, even if you can't afford to do the things described!
Summary: 5 Stars
The first time I saw this book, I was at the local library and the title caught my eye. When I saw that Peter Mayle was the author, I expected that I would enjoy it. I was not disappointed.Whether you are rich, know people who are, or just enjoy imagining what you'd do with great wealth, this book offers an array of amusing possibilities. Mr. Mayle's best attribute as a writer is his ability to be witty without sacrificing erudition, and this book delivers on both counts.
My favorite chapter, without question, is the one about buying a vacation home; first because I know a few people who own second homes, and second because it's probably the only thing mentioned in the book that I'll ever be able to afford. Mr. Mayle offers an intriguing suggestion of how to savor the pleasures of a second home without any of the potential pitfalls. I haven't yet decided if I'll buy a vacation house or choose the Mayle method, but in the meantime, this book has been a great gift for friends and relatives who have taken the plunge.
In short, the best reason to buy this book is that it's fun.
Book Review: Delicious luxury
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't even tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Not just Mayle's delightful style, but the view into a world of low-key luxury. I say low-key because it's in no way about flash and shiny excess. Having a pair of shoes made to perfectly fit your feet and paying $1200 may seem at first glance excessive but if you wear them for 10 years because of their wonderful comfort, incredible workmanship and ageless style, it's not.
Each vignette describes some wonderful luxury that is not as far-fetched as it seems. Certainly such things may be enjoyed more frequently by the quietly wealthy, but most are not totally out of reach on a limited scale. I may not be eating Beluga caviar regularly, but once is possible--just to see what it's like. There are sometimes ways to sample such things on a very limited basis. No harm in adding a few to your 'bucket list'.
Mayle's opening of this world to us was a luxury in itself. His wonderful dry wit is always a pleasure to read and this book, to me, is one of his best.
Book Review: Tantalizing morsels of the good life
Summary: 5 Stars
Peter Mayle surely knows how to live the good life - or at least describe it to us. There are many who doubtless would relish his expense account and itinerary, but all you have to do is pick up this charming book to be transported to your own bespoke tailor, private jet, luxury hotel or limousine.
Written in succinct chapters, "Acquired Tastes" tells you all you need to know about what sort of suit a gentleman wears (Savile Row), how to best light up a fine cigar (don't use a lighter), or, more intriguingly, how to keep a mistress (be prepared to spend a lot of cash). Even if most or all of these upper-crust pastimes are beyond the reach of the average person, it's a delight to imagine a week in an exotic location with every whim taken care of. At least, you'll have some arcane knowledge tucked away for the occasional moment of snobbery.
Book Review: Acquired Tastes
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read all of Peter Mayle's books, but this one teaches us how to appreciate the finer things in life. This guys knows how to enjoy life and he takes all of us along with him! I taste the food, I drink the wine and I live in that home in Provence! If you ever have the chance read all of his books they are worth all of your time and every cent you pay for them!Book Review: pure decadence and charm
Summary: 5 Stars
Mayle's book on the best that money can buy is like living the lives of the rich without paying the large sums of money. His wordpainting is so vivid, I imagine I'm sitting in a room furnished with astronomically priced antiques, sampling caviar with my 50 servants by my side. Perfectly charming and entertaining. I recommend this book highly.