Customer Reviews

Acquired Tastes

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mayle's book on the best that money can buy is like living the lives of the rich without paying the large sums of money. His wordpainting is so vivid, I imagine I'm sitting in a room furnished with astronomically priced antiques, sampling caviar with my 50 servants by my side. Perfectly charming and entertaining. I recommend this book highly.

The first time I saw this book, I was at the local library and the title caught my eye. When I saw that Peter Mayle was the author, I expected that I would enjoy it. I was not disappointed.

Whether you are rich, know people who are, or just enjoy imagining what you'd do with great wealth, this book offers an array of amusing possibilities. Mr. Mayle's best attribute as a writer is his ability to be witty without sacrificing erudition, and this book delivers on both counts.

My favorite chapter, without question, is the one about buying a vacation home; first because I know a few people who own second homes, and second because it's probably the only thing mentioned in the book that I'll ever be able to afford. Mr. Mayle offers an intriguing suggestion of how to savor the pleasures of a second home without any of the potential pitfalls. I haven't yet decided if I'll buy a vacation house or choose the Mayle method, but in the meantime, this book has been a great gift for friends and relatives who have taken the plunge.

In short, the best reason to buy this book is that it's fun.

I thought this book was great! I could read it again and again. I especially enjoyed reading about the experience of buying shoes. It was difficult to come back to reality after drooling over this book's vivid descriptions of privileges of the super-rich. Now I know where I'm going to spend my lotto winnings! Wish me luck!

If your interests extend to the outermost reaches of extravagance and luxury but enjoy the wit Peter Mayle always delivers you will enjoy thisunexpected treasure. I have found it to be the perfect gift for my friends who have everthing.

If you're ever in one of those wacky movie situations where a super-rich relative gives you a couple million dollars that you have to spend in 30 days, buy this book. If you wouldn't mind just reading about that lifestyle, read this book.

Peter Mayle leads the readers through the finer things in life, such as handmade shoes, truffles, and caviar.

People that already like Peter Mayle's books will appreciate this one, although it doesn't have a lot to do with Provence.

I love all things "Peter Mayle!" He's just so fun to read! Aquired Tastes is witty and even a little wild!

Leaving his haunts in the South of France, Peter explores the tastes of the rich and famous. Custom shoes, shirts, suits, second homes, stretch limos and all. A good read but not his best!

I had loved Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence" and "Toujours Provence". This how-to-spend-obnoxious-amounts-of-money guide is amusing and I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek explanations of how costly it is to maintain a marriage and a mistress, the necessity of cashmere to keep warm and the importance of a folding hat. However, it isn't the same type or level of writing as that in Mayle's novels. If you're looking for another romp through the South of France, stick to the above novels or "A Dog's Life" which is the story of the year in Provence told from the dog's perspective.

Peter Mayle surely knows how to live the good life - or at least describe it to us. There are many who doubtless would relish his expense account and itinerary, but all you have to do is pick up this charming book to be transported to your own bespoke tailor, private jet, luxury hotel or limousine.

Written in succinct chapters, "Acquired Tastes" tells you all you need to know about what sort of suit a gentleman wears (Savile Row), how to best light up a fine cigar (don't use a lighter), or, more intriguingly, how to keep a mistress (be prepared to spend a lot of cash). Even if most or all of these upper-crust pastimes are beyond the reach of the average person, it's a delight to imagine a week in an exotic location with every whim taken care of. At least, you'll have some arcane knowledge tucked away for the occasional moment of snobbery.

I have read all of Peter Mayle's books, but this one teaches us how to appreciate the finer things in life. This guys knows how to enjoy life and he takes all of us along with him! I taste the food, I drink the wine and I live in that home in Provence! If you ever have the chance read all of his books they are worth all of your time and every cent you pay for them!