In this summer episode of The Ritual of Reading, I take you along on a gentle walk through one of Paris’s most beloved parks: the Luxembourg Gardens. Our literary companion is Elvire de Brissac, whose book Le Long du Luxembourg paints the history of the gardens not through timelines, but through stories—anecdotes, characters, and quiet moments that bring centuries to life.

As we walk, we meet Marie de Médicis, trace the legacy of the palace she built, and reflect on how reading can change the way we experience the world around us. This isn’t just about history—it’s about how a book can shift your perspective, even on a familiar path.

✨ Download your free Summer Reading Ritual guide → https://theritualofreading.com/the-summer-reading-ritual-2025/
A seasonal companion full of literary pairings, florals, and slow rituals to enrich your summer—both on and off the page.

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If you enjoy this literary walk, consider following the podcast for more episodes that blend books, beauty, and creative living.

#BookWalk #TheRitualofReading #LuxembourgGardens #ParisPodcast #SummerReading #ElviredeBrissac #LiteraryTravel #ReadingInParis

July arrives like a soft breath in the middle of the year — slow, shimmering, and in-between. In this episode of The Ritual of Reading, I’m sharing the inspirations shaping my summer: early morning walks in Paris, quiet rituals that soothe the heatwave, and books that bloom like gardens on the page.

You’ll hear about the reads accompanying me this month — from Penelope Lively’s meditations on gardening and memory, to a historical novel steeped in the history of the Luxembourg Gardens, and the ever-delightful Diary of a Provincial Lady. There’s also a hydrangea named Hortense, a seasonal quiche recipe, and a gentle reflection on how to create moments of joy even when you're not on vacation.

If you’re staying home this July, this episode is your invitation to notice beauty where you are — to read slowly, walk gently, and build a summer you don’t need to escape from.

Links mentioned:
– The Summer Reading Ritual (free guide): https://theritualofreading.com/the-summer-reading-ritual-2025/
– Courgette, Mint & Feta Quiche Recipe:
– July Literary Mood Board (blog post):
– Say hello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/

What role does reading still play in our modern, screen-saturated lives? In this reflective episode of The Ritual of Reading, Alexandra explores that question through the lens of Jojo Moyes’ bestselling novel The Giver of Stars. What begins as a search for mountain-side escapism turns into a deeper meditation on literature, empathy, and the quiet magic of stories that shape us.

We’ll talk about the power of books to build compassion, the reasons why some people resist reading, and how sharing stories—even casually—can open new worlds. Whether you're a lifelong booklover or just curious about why reading still matters, this episode offers a gentle and thoughtful take on the enduring ritual of books.

📚 Featured Book: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
📝 Mentioned: The Summer Reading Ritual (free guide at theritualofreading.com)

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If this episode moved you, consider sharing it with a fellow reader—or someone who might become one.

#TheRitualOfReading #BookPodcast #ReadingLife #JojoMoyes #TheGiverOfStars #SummerReading #BookLovers #LiteraryPodcast