Robin A. Davis author — Robin A. Davis, author of Surviving Paris. (c. R. Davis)

When journalist and television producer, Robin Allison Davis decided to move to Paris in her early 30s, she was expecting a grand adventure, new professional opportunities, and maybe a little romance. What she wasn’t expecting was a breast cancer diagnosis mere months after arriving to the City of Lights. Beyond unexpected, having cancer and subsequently having to navigate the health care system in a new country, in a new language by herself, turned an unfortunate and scary situation, into a harrowing and often heartbreaking one. And yet, Robin survived. Not only did she survive, Robin ended up thriving in Paris. And in her new memoir, Surviving Paris: A Memoir of Healing in the City of Light (Amistad), she tells us how she managed it all with grace, humor, and honesty.

Surviving Paris debuts in the United States on September 16, 2025, but since Robin lives in France, she’s starting the celebration for the book’s release in the city where her adventure began, in Paris. I had a chance to chat with Robin about her thoughts and feelings about her book’s upcoming launch on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Robin A. Davis Answers My Questions About Launching a Book in Two Countries

Lori L. Tharps: Your memoir, Surviving Paris comes out September 16, 2025. Who do you think will love this book?

Robin A. Davis: Surviving Paris is for Francophiles, travel lovers, and anyone who has considered making a significant move to change their life. The memoir includes themes of advocating for yourself, medical misogyny and racism, cultural differences between France and the US, as well as travel, and being brave enough to bet on yourself.

*Surviving Paris* debuts in the USA on Sept 16, 2025, but is also available in Europe.

LT: Fun fact, you are an American who has lived in Paris for almost a decade. This book is being published by Amistad Press, which is an American publisher. So, do you think your main audience is in the United States or France? Maybe both?

RAD: My book is for both sides of the pond! This is the perfect book for Americans living in the US who are curious about living abroad and are looking to discover a more "real" experience than Emily in Paris. For those in France, they will definitely relate to the apartment struggles, bureaucracy, and other funny stories about Paris.

LT: How hard is it to plan promotional activities in two countries? I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Can you share a few events you're particularly excited about? Maybe one or two in each country?

RAD: It's incredibly exhausting to plan promotion in two countries! Although my book is being published in the US, it was essential to me to celebrate my achievement in the country where it all started! I'm having a private event in Paris, a few days before the publication date, where I'll gather with friends. I fly out the very next day to the US, where I have a launch party (September 16) in New York City at Hue-Man Books. On Saturday, September 20th, I will be at Politics and Prose, in conversation with NBC anchor (and friend) Jummy Olabanji. We're confirming dates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles as well.

LT: Word on these Literary streets is that you're having a book party in Paris on a boat! That sounds very exciting. Is that normal in France for book launches to happen on water? Can you share some details about the party? Like, will you be sailing down the Seine? Will there be music? A French mime ? Who all is gonna be there?

RAD: Having a party on a boat is a very Parisian thing to do! It's one of my favorite summer activities, so I just had to have my party on one. My party will be on a peniche, which is a docked boat bar. It will not be setting sail - those are croisières, that do that. For everyone to attend, it would be best not to set sail - latecomers would miss the party! I've invited my entire Paris network, which includes a lot of writers, content creators, academics, and more. It will be a good time - hopefully the peniche owners won't kick me out for having too many people!

LT: Last question. What will success look like for you with this book? A National Book Award? The Prix Goncourt (aka the French National Book Award) Bestseller status in the US and France? A call from Oprah? Is there a French Oprah?

RAD: I would love to have a call from Oprah, become a bestseller, sell the movie rights, and see the movie released - who wouldn't? But I've also had to think of other things that signal success for me. Having book events in multiple cities is already more than I imagined.

“The most important indicator of success would be for this book to launch a lengthy and notable literary career. This is not the only book in me!”

LT: I lied. One more question. Where can people buy Surviving Paris in the USA and in Europe?

RAD: In the US, Surviving Paris will be available everywhere books are sold - Barnes and Noble, independent bookstores, Bookshop.org, etc. In Europe, you can purchase from The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore in Paris or via Blackwell's, which has low-cost shipping throughout the continent.

More from Robin A. Davis

If you want to stay updated about Robin’s book tour, and/or you just want to follow her adventures and career, you can follow her on Instagram @Robinista or check out her website, RobinADavis.com.