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Acquired Tastes Audiobook
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(3.02) - 813 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Acquired Tastes, originally published as Expensive Habits, is a celebration of life’s extravagances. It explores an aspect of human nature that, although dormant in hard economic times, is capable of erupting with the hint of good fortune and the drop of a credit card. It samples the luxuries of Havana cigars, Parisian hotels, bespoke London tailoring, and hand-made shoes; discusses the proper color for a stretch limousine; and weighs the cost versus the pleasure of keeping a mistress. The proper way to eat true caviar is explained while providing the listener with hours of pure, unadulterated escapism.
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"A series of puff pieces evaluating the benefits of various habits of the filthy rich. Entertaining and an interesting look into whether the particulars deliver value relative to the cost. I can say from personal experiences that bespoke suits are worth the money; after reading Mr. Mayle's essay on custom made shoes, I want to buy a pair or three myself. Other categories, like the private jet or second home, are pure vicarious pleasure. Good in small doses for entertaining bagatelles."
— Eric (4 out of 5 stars)
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“This delightful celebration of the little (and not-so-little) extravagances that make life worth living scintillates with wit, brio, and trenchant observations on the best and the second-rate.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Mayle turns his witty and keen eye on the lifestyles and spending habits of the very, very, very rich…Mayle’s amusing observations provide die-hard fans of Dynasty and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with a few hours of pure hedonistic escapism."
— Library Journal
Acquired Tastes Listener Reviews
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" It was okay. Not as good as most other Peter Mayle books, but entertainng in its own way. "
— NancyS, 2/17/2014 -
" Peter Mayle gives an insight into the lifestyle of the affluent. Beautifully written essays and quite insightful too!! He'll take you through the vineyards and tell you how to light your cigar, a trip to his fav hotel and treat you to the most lavish delicacies! "
— Yamini, 2/14/2014 -
" I never get tired of reading anything by Peter Mayle! Really funny and still relevant even if it was written a few decades ago. "
— Ana-maria, 2/3/2014 -
" I'm afraid I just didn't think this was all that funny. Just mildly entertaining and a bit offensive given today's poor economy. "
— Laurie, 1/24/2014 -
" Not nearly enough detail, but overall okay ( lots to look up ) "
— BAKU, 1/22/2014 -
" Very entertaining and enlightening about the finer things in life "
— Kim, 1/21/2014 -
" Oldie but goodie. Ridiculously entertaining to read about what the very rich spend their money on. "
— Mysteryfan, 1/19/2014 -
" A sampling of the life of the rich, as well as a gentle ribbing at their excessive ways. Great for escapism, many chuckles,and a handful of eye-rolls. "
— Ilana, 1/16/2014 -
" A collection of GQ columns on the good life. Interesting reading, particularly right after reading the Nearing book "The Good Life"!! "
— Michelle, 1/14/2014 -
" This is a fabulous book, beautifully written and fascinating. I found it in a bookstore in Naples Florida and it made me a permanent fan of Peter Mayle. I have read this book over and over again; I never get tired of it. "
— Linda, 12/25/2013 -
" It's much more than just food/travel though. Humorous take on the rich life. "
— Linda, 12/24/2013 -
" This was an enjoyable read because Mayle had just an obviously good time writing it, pure and simple. "
— Apryl, 12/14/2013 -
" The written equivalent of light entertainment, a whimsical and entertaining read, althought a couple of chapters seemed to be there to flesh out the book, rather than directly following the main theme. "
— Hugh, 11/25/2013 -
" Entertaining and light, like a sauvignon blanc. "
— Stephanie, 10/12/2013 -
" I would recommend Peter Mayle's other books (A Year in Provence, Toujours Provence and Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew) over this one. Not nearly enough food writing in this one for me! And a little too much about luxurious living. Still good writing and funny though. "
— Emily, 9/17/2013 -
" Very funny and entertaining writing about the rich and their ways of life. Really enjoy his lighthearted style and learned a lot from his essays as well. Will be reading more. "
— Cathie, 8/30/2013 -
" I didn't like book at all. No substance, repeated themes from his Provence series and generally uninformative. The premise started out appealing but when I got into it there was very little information to review and the scenarios weren't bery imaginiative. "
— C, 8/25/2013 -
" Didn't like this series of essays as much as I have liked some of this other novels, but this format was good for a quick read (and chuckle) before bed. "
— Faith, 4/25/2013 -
" A fun look at lifestyles and tastes of the elite. "
— Nick, 2/18/2013 -
" This was a quick read and just so entertaining, particularly for anyone who appreciates the best of everything! "
— Ro, 2/9/2013 -
" Vintage Mayle. Goes on a tour for GQ magazine to sample the lives of the rich and famous to see if its worth the $$. Dry and witty, nice short little subjects. Going up on book mooch if anyone wants to request it, nice hardcover edition "
— Helene, 1/23/2013 -
" I like it fairly well so far, but the chapter on how expensive "mistresses" are left a bad taste in my mouth... "
— Veronica, 1/21/2013 -
" just in case you ever wondered what the elite do...well, here's a clue, at least. even if it is 20 years outdated. "
— Susannah, 1/12/2013 -
" I read this book a few years ago on my first Peter Mayle reading spree. I liked it well enough that I gave it to my brother as a Christmas present. And when I saw it this afternoon at the Strand, I thought "I want to read this again!" A more thorough review to follow. "
— David, 10/17/2012 -
" A collection of essays by Mr. Mayle on the finer things in life, where he samples some of the most expensive luxuries available. Most of them are very clever, but some of them fall flat. "
— Benjamin, 9/18/2012 -
" Fun fluff, but then I'm happy to read ANYTHING by Peter Mayle. "
— Ann, 9/12/2012 -
" Mayle is always a delight to read and this collection of columns he wrote showcases his sarcastic, albeit observant, wry wit. "
— Emily, 7/31/2012 -
" Always enjoy Peter Mayle's books. It's as close as I'll ever get to France. "
— Ishki, 6/7/2012
About Peter Mayle
Peter Mayle (1939–2018), British-born author of several novels and books of nonfiction, spent fifteen years in the advertising business before escaping in 1975 to write books, including several New York Times bestsellers. The British Books Awards named him author of the year in 1992, and he was a recipient of the Légion d’Honneur award from the French government for his cultural contributions. His work has been translated into seventeen languages, and he has contributed to a variety of newspapers and magazines. His A Year in Provence was produced as a television series starring John Thaw and screened in 1993. The novel A Good Year was the basis for the 2006 film of the same name directed by Ridley Scott and starring actors Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard.
About Robin Sachs
Robin Sachs (1951–2013), actor and narrator, was raised in London and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His audiobook narrations earned ten Earphones Awards. His acting credits include Alias, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dynasty, Nowhere Man, Babylon 5, Diagnosis Murder, Galaxy Quest, Northfork, Ocean’s 11, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Megalodon.