Last Kid News:

David Benjamin’s next Last Kid Books title, An Apartment in Paris, has been delivered to his crack book designer, Kristin Mitchell of Little Creek Press & Book Design in Mineral Point, Wis. This keeps the book on schedule for a release date of April Fool’s Day, 2025. Junko Yoshida’s cover art, depicting the view from the apartment’s window in Paris, will be part of Kristin’s design, as well as black & white versions of JuMana'O Radio Events Report For 2025-02-21nko’s Paris paintings scattered throughout the book’s nine chapters.

Meanwhile, An Apartment in Paris has received an advance review by Carol Thompson of Reader’s Favorite. Thompson’s five-star review reads as follows:

“An Apartment in Paris by David Benjamin presents a vivid exploration of Parisian life, highlighting the challenges and victories of securing an apartment in a city famously regarded as the heart of romance and culture. Benjamin’s story functions as both a personal memoir and a vibrant portrayal of Paris, animated by his experiences and discoveries. The book is structured around Benjamin’s real estate adventures in Paris. Each chapter peels back layers of the city's history, people, and enigmatic charm. His writing is filled with wit and nostalgia as he recounts the bureaucratic and cultural hurdles he faces while attempting to plant roots in a city that is both welcoming and aloof to foreigners.

“David Benjamin’s storytelling is deeply enriched by his extensive use of literary references and personal anecdotes, making the narrative engaging and informative. He examines the idiosyncrasies of Parisian life, from the quirks of dining and fashion to the frustrating yet endearing bureaucratic maze encountered by those attempting to buy property. A central theme in An Apartment in Paris is the paradox of Paris, a relentlessly romanticized city that remains ruthlessly pragmatic at its core. Benjamin’s experiences illustrate this duality, from his initial enchantment with the city’s historical grandeur to his eventual confrontation with its modern-day complexities. This book will appeal to anyone who has ever dreamed of living in Paris or has experienced the realities of adjusting to life in a different culture. Benjamin’s reflections on Parisian life, woven through his personal journey, provide a rich perspective on what it means to make a home in a perpetually foreign yet irresistibly familiar place. He even includes a glossary of French to English translations.”