I'm a certified Francophile nowadays, but I wasn't always so enamored by the French. In fact, if I'm being totally honest, there was a time when I believed them to be the stereotypically rude, arrogant, chainsmokers many Americans think of, a la Kevin Cline's character in French Kiss.

The turning point for me was forcing myself to learn the language — then my obsession with all things French really kicked in. I read just about every book I could find about the French way of life, expats in France, French-American couples, and memoirs about the frustration and embarrassment of learning la langue francaise as an adult, all of which contributed to my dream of one day ending up in France myself. Here are some of my favorite reads for francophiles:

1) Paris I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down (Rosecrans Baldwin): Hilarious memoir about an American who gets in over his head when he takes an advertising gig in Paris that he's totally under-qualified for.

2) Paris To The Moon (Adam Gopnik): Classic wannabe-french lit. This book is as much about being an expat in Paris as it is about being a new parent, and navigating the novelty and bewilderment of both. So inspiring.

3) The Paris Wife (Paula McLain): I fell in love with the "historical fiction" genre thanks to this book. Set in 1920s Paris, it portrays the life of Hemingway and his wife, Hadley, with amazing detail and vividness. I literally cried at the end, and could not stop thinking about the characters for weeks afterwards.

4) When In French: Love In A Second Language (Lauren Collins): A cute, easy read about an American who falls in love with a Frenchman named Olivier. Lots of comic relief and honest observations on expat life and being forever "FSL" (French as a Second Language).

5) La Seduction: How The French Play The Game of Life (Elaine Sciolino): This (giant) book got me up to speed on French politics and history, while tying the theme of seduction to it all. Really enlightening, and made me a more informed wannabe-Frenchie, knowing about the scandals and affairs of French politicians and celebrities.

6) My Paris Dream (Kate Betts): A super inspiring memoir about an ambitious American journalist who starts her career in Paris and hustles her way to the top of the Paris fashion beat. Amazing stories of the 1980s haute couture scene.

7) Trail Of Crumbs (Kim Sunee): This juicy coming-of-age memoir is about the author's relationship with French businessman, Olivier Baussan, founder of L'Occitane, which affords her a life of luxury in Provence, but not without drama.

8) Bringing Up Bebe (Pamela Druckerman): This is the Bible for wannabe-French parents, and the "tips" on how to raise your kids French-style have certainly gone mainstream (spoiler alert: it's really hard to practice French parenting when you weren't raised that way, and don't live in France!) But I love the book for it's honest, comedic view of our cultural differences.

9) Almost French (Sarah Turnbull): Another fish-out-of-water that I could totally relate to. The author, an Australian expat in Paris, captures the experience of simultaneously feeling invisible and trying to blend in as she assimilates to life and love with a Frenchman.

These are just a few of the books that helped me feel like less of an outsider, bolstered my dedication to learning the French language, and made my travels to France increasingly enjoyable. These authors were my heroes, reminding me of what was possible with a little dedication and humility.

What books have helped fuel your francophila? I’d love to know!

Americans in Paris: Best Books About Life in France