With the French presidential elections just around the corner, this 4-part series covers the basics of the political system. Part 1 - What is a Parliamentary System? is a political primer for future episodes discussing the complexities of the French system and the political stage for the upcoming election in France. 

Our parliamentarian-in-resident, Miranda walks us through the answers and the fundamental aspects of Canadian parliament while providing comparisons to other political systems. This episode answers questions such as, what is parliament? what is a bicameral system? how is a prime minister elected? 

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This week's episode explores the graphic novel - Le Piano Oriental by Zeina Abirached. She tells a story through imagery and words, weaving together a dual narrative of her grandfather in 1960s Beirut and herself in Paris several decades later. Her grandfather's piano is central to understanding how language, culture and code switching play a role in her own life. 

Blog: https://lesbookwormspod.wordpress.com

Instagram: @lesbookwormspod

Bienvenue au Canada ! Bien que les francophones québécois soient les plus connus, le Canada regorge d’autres groupes francophones comme les franco-ontariens. Avec notre invitée Brigitte, nous parlons du bilinguisme et de la culture Franco-Ontarienne. Blog: Blog: https://lesbookwormspod.wordpress.com Instagram: @lesbookwormspod

How many francophone groups live in Canada? Have you heard of Franco-Ontarian day? This week we answer these questions and more with our special guest - Brigitte! Join us for an interesting discussion on what it’s like growing up bilingual in Canada and no she isn’t from Quebec ! Blog: https://lesbookwormspod.wordpress.com Instagram: @lesbookwormspod

This week we break down A Year in the M***e by Stephen Clarke (2006), which was originally published under the pen name Paul West (the protagonist in the book). The book explores Clarke's own experiences of moving to Paris and figuring out the city, the people and the French culture. Written as a comedic representation, Clarke offers a Anglo-male perspective of an often repeated story of landing in the City of Lights and finding a home. Blog: https://lesbookwormspod.wordpress.com Instagram: @lesbookwormspod

Cette semaine nous introduisons un nouveau genre pour Les Bookworms Pod – la bande dessinée. Cette BD est une autobiographie de Kei Lam qui présente son enfance en France. Elle raconte sa vie et son expérience d’immigration. C’est une histoire touchante avec les illustrations incroyables !

Blog: https://lesbookwormspod.wordpress.com

Instagram : @lesbookwormspod

What exactly is TAPIF? How does it work? And what books should you read before arriving in France?

This episode explores the program that brought us together. We discuss the basics of the program, provide a bit of advice for current/future assistants or to anyone moving abroad for the first time as well as a few take-aways from our experience as English teaching assistants in France. If you want more concrete information on how you can pursue this opportunity, check out the TAPIF site itself: https://frenchhighereducation.org/teaching-assistant-program

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Part 2 of the bonus series and the final episode of Season 2! We are whipping up a fricassée de poulet (chicken) à l'ancienne from the seminal cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" which effectively introduced French cuisine and technique to Americans. Come cook with us, drink some wine and have a Francophile afternoon as we discuss various aspects of French food and culture together!

Blog: https://lesbookwormspod.wordpress.com/ 

Instagram: @lesbookwormspod

Part 1 of a bonus series to end Season 2 of the Les Bookworms Pod. We talk about Julia Child, her influence and legacy in French cuisine in North America as well as the absence of the great "French chef" in France. A bit of book talk, life talk and general Francophile chit chat to get ready for Part 2 (releasing on Sunday) where we cook a tradition French Sunday dinner from the famous "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". 

Blog: https://lesbookwormspod.wordpress.com/

Instagram: @lesbookwormspod