Books Like “Emily in Paris”: A Cultural Adventure with Romance and Humor


Is Emily in Paris Based on a Book?

No, Emily in Paris is not based on a book. It’s an original series created by Darren Star for Netflix. The show’s concept and characters were developed specifically for television.

However, there has been a novel series written based on the show. The author, Catherine Kalengula, has expanded on the story of Emily Cooper in her books. Offering fans a deeper dive into the life of the American expat and her adventures in the City of Lights. These books have garnered attention for their ability to capture the essence of the show while adding new layers and storylines.

While the original series focuses on Emily’s professional and romantic endeavors, Kalengula’s novels delve into her personal growth, friendships, and cultural experiences. Readers can expect to encounter familiar characters like Mindy, Camille, and Gabriel, as well as new faces that add depth to the narrative.

Key themes explored in Kalengula’s works include:

  • Cultural identity: Emily’s struggle to find her place in both American and French culture is a recurring theme.
  • Friendship: The importance of strong friendships and support systems is highlighted.
  • Love and relationships: The complexities of romantic relationships, both platonic and romantic, are explored.
  • Personal growth: Emily’s journey of self-discovery and personal development is a central focus.

If you’re a fan of Emily in Paris and are looking to expand your understanding of the characters and their world, Catherine Kalengula’s novels offer a delightful and engaging reading experience.

Here are other Similar Books to the TV Series “Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris has captured hearts with its blend of fashion, romance, and cultural clashes in the dreamy setting of Paris. It follows Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive, as she navigates the trials of French work culture, friendships, and love in one of the world’s most enchanting cities. For fans of this show who want to delve into similar themes of Parisian romance and adventure, here are some book recommendations that explore love, dreams, and the beauty of Paris.


1. Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Genres: Young Adult, Romance
Rating: 4.1/5

Synopsis: This sweet young adult novel follows Mia, an aspiring ballerina who travels to Paris for an elite ballet program. As she works hard to achieve her dreams, she stumbles into unexpected romance with a charming French boy, Louis. Between pirouettes and croissants, Mia learns more about herself and her passions.

Themes: Ambition, romance, self-discovery

Why It’s Similar: Like Emily in Paris, Kisses and Croissants highlights a foreigner’s experience in Paris, the push-pull of following a career path, and navigating romance along the way.


2. Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Humor
Rating: 4.2/5

Synopsis: Chelsea Martin embarks on a trip to relive her gap year in Europe in hopes of reconnecting with herself and her passions after losing her mother to cancer. Her Parisian adventure unfolds with romance, humor, and self-reflection, leading her to confront her past loves.

Themes: Grief, second chances, love, self-discovery

Why It’s Similar: Both stories follow a woman navigating through life’s challenges in the city of lights, offering readers a heartwarming mix of love and personal growth.


3. Paris For One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes

Genres: Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4.0/5

Synopsis: This collection of short stories includes Paris For One, a tale about Nell, who finds herself alone in Paris after her boyfriend fails to show up. She soon embarks on a solo adventure, discovering independence and unexpected romance.

Themes: Independence, romance, adventure

Why It’s Similar: Like Emily, Nell finds herself exploring Paris solo, navigating unfamiliar situations, and discovering that romance sometimes comes from unexpected places.


4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Genres: Young Adult, Romance
Rating: 4.2/5

Synopsis: When Anna Oliphant is sent to boarding school in Paris, she feels out of place and unsure. But then she meets the charming and intelligent Étienne St. Clair, who turns her world upside down. Between friendship, flirtation, and the allure of Paris, Anna experiences love in a way she never expected.

Themes: Friendship, romance, personal growth

Why It’s Similar: Both Anna and Emily find themselves outsiders in Paris and discover romance in unexpected circumstances. The city’s vibrant atmosphere plays a central role in both stories.


5. First Love, Take Two by Sajni Patel

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Humor
Rating: 4.3/5

Synopsis: This charming novel centers on Preeti Patel, a successful doctor who finds herself sharing an apartment with her first love. As old feelings resurface, Preeti navigates her past, present, and cultural expectations in this second-chance romance set in a vibrant urban landscape.

Themes: Second chances, cultural identity, romance

Why It’s Similar: Though set in a different city, like Emily in Paris, this novel explores themes of love, identity, and rediscovering what truly matters.


6. One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Urban Fiction
Rating: 4.3/5

Synopsis: Grace, after finding out her husband wants a divorce, impulsively heads to Paris for a summer of healing and adventure. There, she forms a bond with Audrey, a younger woman, and the two navigate their way through life’s ups and downs together in the City of Love.

Themes: Friendship, new beginnings, healing

Why It’s Similar: Like Emily, Grace is an outsider looking for a fresh start in Paris. Both stories focus on self-discovery with a dash of romance and the magic of the city.


7. Love Locks by Cory Martin

Genres: Romance, Holiday Fiction
Rating: 3.9/5

Synopsis: A love story set in Paris, Love Locks follows Lindsey and her high school sweetheart, Jack, as they reconnect in the city of romance years after they’ve drifted apart. The iconic Pont des Arts love lock bridge plays a central role in their journey of rekindling love.

Themes: Lost love, reconnection, romance

Why It’s Similar: Like Emily’s journey, this novel features the rekindling of romance in Paris, surrounded by the city’s timeless charm.


8. P.S. from Paris by Marc Levy

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3.8/5

Synopsis: Mia, a famous actress, escapes to Paris under an alias to avoid the public eye. While there, she meets Paul, an introverted author, and their unlikely friendship blossoms into something more in the heart of the city.

Themes: Friendship, love, reinvention

Why It’s Similar: Like Emily in Paris, this book features a foreigner looking for a fresh start in Paris, blending romance, friendship, and the allure of anonymity in the city.


9. The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

Genres: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.4/5

Synopsis: Lily Greene is a shy editorial assistant who finds comfort in writing letters to an author she admires. Little does she know, the man next door, Nick Brown, is that very author. As they become neighbors and friends, a sweet and slow-burn romance develops.

Themes: Romance, self-discovery, literary passion

Why It’s Similar: This novel shares a lighthearted and charming romance similar to the relationships Emily encounters in her Parisian life.


10. The Paris Connection by Lorraine Brown

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Travel Fiction
Rating: 4.1/5

Synopsis: A chance encounter during a train mix-up leaves Hannah stranded in Paris with a stranger. What starts as a frustrating misadventure leads to an unexpected romantic connection in the enchanting streets of Paris.

Themes: Chance encounters, romance, travel

Why It’s Similar: Like Emily in Paris, this book offers a romanticized view of chance encounters and serendipity in the City of Love.


11. The Paris Roommates: Ava Miles

Genres: Romance, Fiction
Rating: 4.0/5

Synopsis: In this sweet and lighthearted romance, two roommates in Paris, must navigate their changing feelings as they live together in the city of romance. It’s a delightful, feel-good read perfect for fans of rom-coms.

Themes: Roommate romance, Parisian life, love

Why It’s Similar: Both Emily and the characters in this novel are newcomers to Paris, navigating love and friendships in the city.


12. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Genres: Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4.1/5

Synopsis: Monsieur Perdu, a literary apothecary, runs a floating bookshop on the Seine, prescribing books to heal his customers’ souls. When he sets out on a journey to mend his own broken heart, the story takes readers on a poetic, emotional adventure.

Themes: Healing, love, the power of books

Why It’s Similar: The novel’s focus on Paris as a city of healing and love mirrors Emily’s journey of self-discovery, where romance and personal growth intertwine with the city’s magic.


These books each capture a unique slice of the romance, adventure, and cultural discovery found in Emily in Paris, perfect for fans looking to immerse themselves in Parisian love stories!

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