Judge’s Commentary:

Readers unfamiliar with the stylings, dance and otherwise, of author Francoise Mandonnaud Stotts, might initially look upon this memoir with skepticism. For one thing, the reader is first introduced to her via the cover and the title page, a shot of Frenchie in a leotard with her legs spread while open (this is prudish America after all). For another, FRENCHIE THE ARTIST gives the initial impression that it could be another would be celebrity tell-all, which it is --but in a completely unexpected way.

Those who take the time to peruse FRENCHIE THE ARTIST might be pleasantly surprised, To begin with, she warns readers up front that her sentences read differently because she writes the way she speaks, with a French accent. This sets the stage for a uniquely entertaining read that often breaks the rules of grammar and punctuation (so many CAPS, so many exclamations!!!) but is fun in its own way.

The short, but lively chapters cover the many different aspects of Frenchie’s kaleidoscopic life growing up with five brothers and sisters in Limoges, France, her travel around the world as a ballerina and professional dancer, her subsequent careers as a stylist and artist who ended up in Sarasota, Florida, and more. And despite first impressions, she is nothing like she seems, especially regarding her relationships with significant others. Each chapter is illustrated with evocative photos, art and other visuals.

FRENCHIE is definitely an author worth getting to know.