Reading journal launched in 2026

On October 1, 2026, a new reading journal was started, focusing on books that had been read but not yet written about. The journal aims to explore the reflective process of reading and the difficulties of translating that experience into written commentary.

Hong Sangsoo's new film featured

The journal’s first entry included reflections on Hong Sangsoo’s latest film, Le Jour de son retour, which premiered in September and will be released on October 14. The film, shot in black and white, follows a returning actress and is praised for its formal style and layered themes, encouraging repeated viewings to fully appreciate its depth.

Patrick Modiano's book discussed

Patrick Modiano’s L'Éléphant was read and discussed, acquired from a local press house. The book is noted for its melancholic tone and recurring themes of return and memory, typical of Modiano’s work, and leaves a lingering emotional impact on readers.

Maxime Decout's book on literary ghosts

Maxime Decout’s Lire les fantômes was highlighted for its exploration of Georges Perec’s hypothetical “ghost works.” The book blends fiction and non-fiction, offering a compelling look at the idea of literary ghosts and challenging traditional genre boundaries.

Rosine Inspektor's reflection on Perec

Rosine Inspektor’s Perec est un autre was noted for its personal reflections on Perec’s work, focusing on themes of absence and erasure. The book is part of the Les Portraits collection and provides a unique and intimate perspective on Perec’s literary legacy.

Jérôme Prieur's personal literary collection

Jérôme Prieur’s Ma librairie was discussed as a reflective collection of writings that spans literature, cinema, and personal experiences from 1976 to 2025. The book is noted for its intimate and unpretentious approach to its diverse subjects.

Jean Frémon's art-focused works

Jean Frémon’s books on Antoni Tàpies and Louise Bourgeois, Antoni Tàpies - La substance et les accidents and Louise Bourgeois - Intérieur / Extérieur, were highlighted. These works blend personal insight with scholarly analysis and include illustrations, published by Éditions Unes and L'Atelier contemporain.

Philippe Comar's study of the Mona Lisa

Philippe Comar’s Pourquoi La Joconde? was noted as an exploration of the Mona Lisa’s transformation from a largely unknown painting to a global icon. The book focuses on the cultural significance of the painting and the mystery behind its expression.

Transatlantique collection on Morellet

The Transatlantique collection, published by ER Publishing, was mentioned for its 14th volume focusing on François Morellet’s work. The collection includes contributions from both European and American artists and features a bilingual edition that examines Morellet’s influence on post-war geometric abstraction.

Jochen Gerner's book on cheese

Jochen Gerner’s Fromages was highlighted as a visually engaging book that explores the diversity of cheese through detailed illustrations. The book, part of B42 editions’ series, presents cheese varieties as abstract and fictional reliefs, offering a unique take on materiality and form.