Why LA? Pourquoi Paris?: An Artistic Pairing of Two Iconic Cities

"When you fall in love with a city, it is forever." –Toni MorrisonThis 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.

"Diane Ratican compares the unique attractions of two popular metropolitan areas in "Why LA? Pourquoi Paris? An Artistic Pairing of Two Iconic Cities." The fanciful illustrations of Eric Giriat and Nick Lu add visual excitement to her engaging narration. This inspired tour of two cities is both a sophisticated travel guide and an informative coffee table book. ... "Why LA? Pourquoi Paris?" merits attention from those planning to visit either or both cities. Those who prefer to travel vicariously through the book s pages will delight in discovering the two metropolises special qualities. Foreword Reviews
"In this travel guide and visual ode to the two cosmopolitan cities, Ratican compares and contrasts her two homes, declaring 'Los Angeles is my husband, and Paris is my lover.' Ratican breaks down styles of architecture, from L.A. s art-deco City Hall and Spanish influences to the 'Gothic grandeur' of Paris s Notre Dame cathedral and baroque Palais du Luxembourg. She celebrates the cities shared qualities as iconic birthplaces of cinema and excellence in cuisine in passages on L.A. s famed food trucks and farmers markets and Paris s bistros, patisseries, and fromageries. Illustrators Giriat and Lu not only capture the author s joyous esteem for her subjects, but steal the show with their whimsical pop-art illustrations depicting famed locales and various ephemera, including portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot, Jim Morrison s grave, and a French cheese spread. Publisher's Weekly
Many cities of the world like to claim their artistic dominance over cultures both historic and pop, but rarely do they live up to the hype. No one can argue about either Paris or L.A. s right to cultural influence, but Ratican makes the point that the two cities have so much more in common than most people would first consider. With the humorous and colorful assistance of illustrators Eric Giriat and Nick Lu she brings both cities charms to life on the page. This is a must have for any lover of Paris style and Hollywood panache. Book Soup, West Hollywood
This is a book to treasure on your coffee table and use as a resource when visiting either city. I ve found out about places in LA that I ve never visited and must, and places in Paris that I can t wait to return to. The information in this book is invaluable. Raticon s well-chosen quotes blend perfectly with the LA and Paris prose pieces and pairings. I promise you, you won t be disappointed. In fact, I predict you ll be amazed and fascinated throughout. Madeline Sharples, madelinesharples.com
"I was not only hooked by [Diane's] descriptions and interesting facts, I became mesmerized by the talent of the two artists who worked in collaboration with her to provide lively and engaging illustrations. ... Now, I want to go and visit LA. I want to go and visit Paris. And, if I ever do so, this book will be the perfect travel companion. I will know exactly what places to see, what to do, and best of all? I m sure I would fall in love with both cities too." DonnaEverhart.com
"Given that many underappreciate Los Angeles, it s refreshing to read a book that presents the city as on par with Paris, arguably one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in the world. I tip my hat to Ratican, Giriat and Lu for creating a fitting tribute to two iconic cities." Curating Los Angeles"

When you fall in love with a city, it is forever. -- Toni Morrison"

"When you fall in love with a city, it is forever." -- Toni Morrison