Why LA? Pourquoi Paris? An Artistic Pairing of Two Iconic Cities
Diane Ratican, 2014
Benna Books
256 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780991131501
Summary
This unique book is about exploring Paris and Los Angeles, a mixing and pairing of yesterday and today, the monumental and the everyday, the people and things, all shared through text and illustrations that tell the stories of these two very different, yet similar, cities.
For the first time, the cities of Los Angeles and Paris are illustrated in parallel. Why LA? Pourquoi Paris? represents a visionary approach to a comparative study of two major, contemporary metropolises. As a long-time resident of both cities and a successful entrepreneur, author Diane Ratican curates visual pairings of Los Angeles and Paris with a newfound appreciation for their similarities, differences and eccentricities.
Why LA? Pourquoi Paris? features full-color illustrations by famed artists Eric Giriat (Paris) and Nick Lu (Los Angeles), highlighting the Yin-Yang relationship of everyday life between two of the world’s great cities. Primarily an art book, this visual publication playfully “connects the dots” between respective architectural icons, historical legends, fashion trends, and cultural peculiarities.
With the added benefit of historic information, cultural trivia, and a guide to the author’s favorite “addresses,” Why LA? Pourquoi Paris? is a unique visual guide for visitors to Los Angeles and/or Paris who want to experience the cultural milieu of these two distinguished cities.
Author Bio
It is as though there was never a time I did not love Paris. The minute I arrived and got a glimpse of the cityscape, I knew that I was born to be there. I am able to experience the privilege of a lifetime in being who I am―and this awareness has brought bliss to my life in Los Angeles, created a harmony between the two cities, and opened doors I didn't know existed.
Diane Ratican, educated at University of California Berkeley in History and Sociology, then at UCLA with a Masters in Sociology and Education, started her career educating gifted children, and then moved on to become a risk-taking entrepreneur. This background uniquely prepared her to engage in this latest endeavor, as writer, conjuror of images, and artistic director.
Sharing her enchantment with, and knowledge of, both Los Angeles and Paris has become a complex project with all the depth and nuances of a richly textured tapestry. As an entrepreneur, Ratican built a highly successful business importing children's clothing from France for upscale retailers across the U.S.
Ratican's excitement and infatuation with Paris, her second home, plus her enthusiasm for her resident city, Los Angeles, uniquely positions her to engage readers to develop their own love affair of both these dynamic destinations. Ratican is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother living in Pasadena, California. (From the author.)
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Book Reviews
In this travel guide and visual ode to the two cosmopolitan cities, Ratican....celebrates the [two] cities' shared qualities as iconic birthplaces of cinema and excellence in cuisine.... Illustrators Giriat and Lu not only capture the author's joyous esteem for her subjects, but steal the show with their whimsical pop-art illustration depicting famed locales and various ephemera.
Publishers Weekly
Discussion Questions
1. What is the books message? What was the author’s purpose in creating the book?
2. What did you think of the style, design and use of art to talk about the similarities and differences between Paris and Los Angeles?
3. How did the author use pairings to tell the story? Is one picture worth a thousand words?
4. How did you feel about the author’s use of quotes to connect the pairs?
Why do you think the author used quotes? What was your favorite quote/quotes?
5. What criteria do you think the author had in mind in selecting the “pairs” for the book?
6. How would you review the book?
7. What was your favorite pairing and why?
8. What was your favorite illustration and why?
9. Was there a personal connection to any part of the book that triggered a memory from the past or created a future fantasy?
10. What new things did you learn about LA or Paris and do you now have a desire to visit or revisit either city?
11. What emotions did you feel while reading the book and seeing the art work?
12. If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?
13. If you could ask the artist on question, what would it be?
14. What did you like best about the book?
15. If you could change something about the book, what would it be?
16. Give examples of how this book is a travel book, art book, or personal journey of the author.
(Questions issued courtesy of the author.)