Set in the heart of Paris in 1995, this novel follows a young American woman with dreams of becoming a writer. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a program manager at the American Library in Paris—a place that becomes not only her workplace but a symbol of hope, connection, and belonging.

As she navigates friendships, love, and her creative aspirations, the story unfolds through multiple narrators, offering rich insights into the lives of those connected to the library over time. From resistance fighters during World War II to Vietnam veterans and present-day immigrants seeking refuge, each voice paints a vivid picture of how one place can mean so much to so many.

What resonated deeply with me was the quiet, powerful message about the role libraries play—not just for their patrons, but for entire communities. They are more than shelves and silence. They are places of safety, discovery, and healing.

I listened to this as an audiobook and was truly impressed by the cast of narrators. Each brought warmth and dimension to their characters, making the listening experience immersive and emotional.

This story reminded me that life is full of unexpected turns, meaningful connections, and second chances.

"Life is a book, and I can't wait to start my next chapter."

I enjoyed this book overall, but it did not draw me in to want to keep reading. I enjoyed some of the Parisian details.

Paris, 1995: It’s been five years since Lily Jacobsen and her best friend Mary Louise arrived from their small town of Froid, Montana. Determined to establish themselves as artists—Lily, a novelist, and Mary Louise, a painter—share a tiny sixth-floor walkup and survive on brie and baguette.

When Mary Louise abruptly moves out, Lily feels alone in the City of Light for the first time and is in need of a new way to support herself. She lands a job as the programs manager at the American Library in Paris, following in the footsteps of her French neighbor Odile, who infused her childhood with tales of heroic World War II librarians. Here in the storied halls of the ALP, Lily meets an incredible cast of characters—her favorite author, quirky coworkers, broke students, and high society trustees—each with their own stories...and agendas. Personal dramas sometimes take precedence over books and patrons.

Between her hard-nosed boss not letting up and her best friend letting go, Lily is stressed and bewildered. When it becomes clear that the Library is facing serious financial struggles and its future is uncertain, she must look beyond her own problems in order to protect the ALP and the precious memories it holds.

Books out employees and members of The American Library in Pars. The characters show the many jobs of a librrary. There bare many personalities of members and employees and how they interact in, kin this book. ,
Historical Fiction.

Janet Skeslien Charles once again brings history to life with The Parisian Chapter, a charming and cinematic novel that whisks readers—and listeners—away to the heart of Paris. This historical fiction gem follows a young woman from Montana who lands an unexpected job at the American Library in Paris. There, surrounded by stories and history, she begins to write her own Parisian chapter.

Told through multiple points of view, the audiobook format truly elevates the experience. The full-cast narration, led beautifully by Pauline Chalamet, adds layers of personality and emotion to each character. The multicast made it feel more like an immersive radio drama than a traditional audiobook, making it easy to get swept up in the world of books, courage, and connection.

Skeslien Charles balances historical depth with personal discovery, exploring the power of storytelling and the resilience of those who fight to preserve it. Whether you’re a fan of WWII-era fiction or simply love tales set in the City of Light, The Parisian Chapter is a heartfelt and inspiring listen.

Perfect for fans of: historical fiction, libraries, strong female leads, and beautifully produced audiobooks.

The full cast narration was extraordinarily done and brought the character's stories to life while adding an additional layer of enjoyment for me. I read, and absolutely loved, The Paris Library and was delighted to see how this book continued that story while giving it's characters their own moments to shine.

Thank you NetGalley, Janet Skeslien Charles and Simon & Schuster Audio for this audiobook ARC. I will be giving my honest review.
I have always wanted but never been to Paris. While it is still high on my list this book offered a sweet escape there to hold me over until then.
It was so much fun to hear about her love for Paris and learn about the ALP (American Library in Paris)
The narration was superb with a cast of voices and most notably Pauline Chalamet from The Sex Lives of College Girls. And don’t even get me started on the chapter breaks where the music sounded like my fave nostalgic PBS tunes.
It was a fast pace read that kept me engaged throughout. I also loved the little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout. For example I will enjoy any signs of age on my face since like the book says “books have lines and if we’re lucky our faces have lines with stories to tell.” Oooh and to always keep champagne in the fridge so I’ll find reasons to celebrate

The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles
Narrated by a fabulous large and talented cast

Lily Jacobsen knows so much about Paris thanks to years of getting to listen to her French neighbor Odile regale her with stories of heroic World War II librarians. Odile used to work at the American Library in Paris and after finishing classes in Paris, Lily lands a job as the programs manager at the very same library Odile told her so much about. The hours are long, made harder by the fact that Lily gets paid for only half the hours she really works, and Lily has to supplement her meager income by tutoring students. It doesn't help that Lily's best friend, who had come to Paris with her five years earlier, has more or less dumped her and no longer shares a room with her, making it harder for Lily to meet her living expenses.

But, other than a few horrid people connected to the library, Lily loves her job. Many of the people she likes and works with have their own hardships and difficult memories to deal with on a daily basis. The library is like home to Lily and the people she cares about are a kind of family in a city where Lily has lost her best friend, possibly forever.

As time goes on, by watching, listening, and digging deeper than her job description allows, Lily slowly gets hints of Odile's past that Odile hid from her. In fact, some of what Odile thinks about the events of the past might not be correct. Lily deals with trying to find out more for Odile while not being sure if Odile will want her to share what she has learned. Actually, Lily has to tread carefully with many of her relationships since her best friend claims that Lily walks all over other people's wants, needs, and feelings. With criticism coming from all directions, Lily doesn't know who to trust or whether she can even trust herself to do the right thing.

The audiobook is so entertaining. We get to hear the POV of a variety of characters and they each have their own narrator. It was fun getting lost in this world, especially because I had already read the first two books that the author wrote that have characters from this world.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio | Simon & Schuster Audio Originals and NetGalley for this ARC.

American Library in Paris, full cast, quick read, perfect follow up to The Paris Library.

This book ties into The Paris Library and personally I would read that first but you don't have to. Some of the characters tie into the past, and some are new.

Lily is living her dream in Paris, or so she thought until her best friend and roommate changes everything. Lily starts looking for a new job so that she can make rent and ends up at the ALP. It's 1995 (which was an odd time to set the book IMO) and Lily's neighbor back home in Montana was Odile, who was the ALP librarian in The Paris Library during WWII.

Lily must work to keep the ALP relevant while working on her own coming of age challenges.

Spectacular! I did the audio with a full cast of characters. The actors were perfect! I fell in love with Lilly and her story in how to make it in Paris and get over missing Montana. I loved to read about her relationship with her long-time best friend, who is with her in Paris. Loved her relationships with her new friends and her buddy that lives in Montana and has a past Lily is revisting there in Paris. The best part? Everything takes place at the American Library in Paris.

Perfect! I couldn't love this more!

I love books about libraries and it was fun to learn about the ALP and get to know how it works. I also love audiobooks with a full cast and that made it an enjoyable reading experience.

Thanks Simon & Schuster Audio and NetGalley for an ARC. It was a quick read immersing me into life as an expat in Paris in this coming of age story. The cast of narrators was a welcome addition to my listening experience. Overall it was enjoyable read though there’s not much about this story that will stay with me. Perfect summer read for lovers of historical fiction.

3.5 ⭐️

In the mood for an easy and immersive listen? Look no further!

After reading The Paris Library years ago, I was excited to see that a follow up was coming in the form of an audio original (so it only exists as an audiobook). The full cast narration led by Pauline Chalamet really brings 90’s Paris to life. This book is about growing into yourself, the power of female friendships, and books. I loved being back at the ALP (The American Library in Paris) and meeting a whole new cast of characters who find comfort in the library and books. This book is short and breezy and just so easy to listen to.

I’d recommend you read The Paris Library first, as events are referenced and parts would be spoiled. That one was really good on audio too. I haven’t read Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade yet but know characters were referenced from that one too, though it seems less critical to have read that before this.