Waking Up in Paris

Overcoming Darkness in the City of Light

By: Sonia Choquette

Narrated by: Sonia Choquette

Devastated by the unexpected end of her decades-long marriage, renowned spiritual teacher and intuitive guide Sonia Choquette undertook an equally unexpected move and relocated to Paris, the scene of many happy memories from her life as a student and young mother. Arriving in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, she found a Paris as traumatized by this unforeseen event as she had been by her divorce. Together, over the following years, she and the city she loves began a journey of healing that involved deep soul-searching and acceptance of a new, sometimes uncomfortable, reality.In this follow-up to Walking Home, Sonia shares her intimate thoughts and fears, as well as the unique challenges of setting up a new life in a foreign land. From moving into a freezing, malodorous apartment, to a more pleasant "yet haunted" flat across the Seine, to her current light-filled home, Sonia shares how these changes parallel her inner transformation.Along the way, Sonia regales readers with vivid stories of her unfortunate encounters with French hairdressers and beauticians, her adventures in French fashion, and her search for the perfect neighborhood cafe. Her companion throughout is the city of Paris "a character unto itself" which never ceases to fill her with wonder, surprise, and delight, and provides her with the spiritual strength to succeed in establishing her new life.

Critic reviews

“Heartbroken Venus moves to Paris. Unflinchingly honest, entertaining, and real, Waking Up in Parisis an enlightened journey back to wholeness.”
— John Gray, Ph.D., #1 best-selling relationship author of all time

“In the deepest sense, life is a spiritual journey. In this incredibly heartfelt book, Sonia Choquette opens the gateway for you to accompany her and her daughter on her spiritual sojourn in Paris. Part Under the Tuscan Sun, part Eat Pray Love, and part journey of the heart. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and along the way you’ll gain valuable life lessons. And for anyone who’s starting over in life, you’ll be inspired beyond measure. Highly recommended!”
— Denise Linn, best-selling author of Energy Strands

“Are you going through a dark time, or do you know people who are? This lyrical, uplifting, and life-changing book is for you and them. It is not filled with ‘do this-do that’ instructions that might pile on to an already daunting situation. Instead, it tells a story. An honest, ‘I’ll go first’ story that will make you laugh, reflect, tear up, and open up to real-life ways to transform dark into light and recreate the quality of life you want, need, and deserve. Read it and reap!”
— Sam Horn, author of Got Your Attention?

“Never before have I come across a memoir with Paris as a spiritual teacher. Choquette expertly illustrates how when you heal internally, the external beauty is revealed. A simply wonderful read.”
— Janice MacLeod, New York Times best-selling author of Paris Letters and A Paris Year

“Waking Up in Paris is about the ultimate pilgrimage we can dare to go on; it’s about the humbling and humorous process we get initiated into when we want to find true love; it’s about finally staying still, in order to heal, all the way back and all the way through. It’s about coming home, at last, to this unlit cathedral that waits for us, in our own sacred hearts.”
— Meggan Watterson, author of Reveal and How to Love Yourself (and Sometimes Other People)

refreshing

Didn't care for the readers voice but enjoyed the story. Simple but enjoyable, nice book to escape in.

Loved it!

This was just the book for me at just the right time in my life. Funny, adventurous, and at times, profound. I can see this story of transition from one life into the next as a wonderful, rich, meandering movie.

Choquette is a fine writer and an adorable goof. Bravo to her in her every step and slip in her new life. She has a captivating story here, and she is a gifted storyteller with a keen sense of moving the narrative from point to point while keeping the reader close at heart as she heals and emerges into the life she built for herself.

Inspiration for me after my husband died suddenly

Listened to this book traveling around the country. It was soothing to me as I had experienced my life falling apart after a life of spiritual passion and work. I had hiked across the alps by myself before my husband died I am now doing exactly what she did paring myself down to my true essence. It was inspiring to listen to. Thank you Sonia

Great author! I love all of her books! I highly recommend all of her books!

A lovely memoir

Just love this book! Sonia is so easy to listen to I've listen to her story more than 4 times!.