2nd episode: By the author of "The First Day of the Rest of My Life"

Because there is no greater pleasure in life than when it is shared, as a passionate reader, I would like to occasionally share my favorite books and recommendations for personal development.

The second episode of this column is finally coming out... Apologies for the long silence, but I assure you it is because I only want to share my true favorites!

Back cover : HOPE, LAUGHTER, WEAKNESS, TRY AGAIN...

THE EXTRAORDINARY ONES, IT'S THE TASTE OF LIFE AND THE POWER OF DREAMS

Everyone in Anna's circle knows it: at the age of 6, on the stage of the end-of-year show, she declared that she wanted to be an astronaut. Forty years later, however, Anna is far from the stars: she is a general practitioner, and her life is too ordinary, halted by a great sorrow. But tonight, for her birthday, her loved ones have a surprise for her: they secretly enrolled her in the European Space Agency's competition to recruit future astronauts.

Of course, Anna tells them they're crazy, thanks them, and refuses... but the affectionate trap is well set: one day, Anna promised her youngest son, Michael, who was fighting a serious illness, that she would do everything to fulfill his dream of going into space. Anna cannot go back on her vow and throws herself wholeheartedly into the adventure. During the first selection, she meets a small group of candidates who have decided to help each other.

They call themselves "The Extraordinary Ones". Anna knows that her chances are slim, but supported by these space lovers who are as endearing as they are courageous and funny, she can't help it: she starts to believe in the impossible...

THE POWER OF EMOTION, SANDREL-STYLE

What I liked : : the whimsical and improbable aspect of the story that allows for escapism and dreaming of all the possibilities, while cultivating the power of family values, which are always present in Julien Sandrel's novels.

Why I recommend reading this book : : because it is both adventurous, authentic, and light-hearted (in the best sense of the word): you cry, you laugh, you become attached to the characters, and you let yourself believe in the impossible. It's an enjoyable read with a fluid narrative that you can't put down until you've read the final word of the story. 

In "The Extraordinary Ones," we find, even more than in Julien Sandrel's other novels, extravagant and improbable situations in the lives of completely ordinary people, adding a touch of adventure and absurdity to the story while maintaining the strength of family bonds in the background.

A great novel to pack in your suitcase for summer vacation!

What I love about this author : c: Like many others, I discovered Julien Sandrel through "The Book of Wonders," not the movie, but the novel that I devoured passionately, imagining myself in the shoes of that desperate, determined, and audacious mother. I was also very surprised that this book was written by a man... Ouch, I realize that I have the big prejudice that only a woman could describe with such emotions and tenderness a mother's love for her son. I just got a wake-up call! In the end, I think Julien Sandrel must have been a woman in another life 🙂

Julien Sandrel's novels always have a touch of the extraordinary and perfectly embody the quote from "Alice in Wonderland": "It's impossible, only if you believe it is."

By combining the whimsical and improbable with family values, Julien Sandrel creates entertaining and inspiring stories that celebrate the power of family bonds in a unique and memorable way.

I've already read "The Sparks," and, true to my habits, I'm looking forward to reading his other novels!

And you, what is your current feel-good novel?