This Tuesday, the first “Nice et vous” evening took place at the Raoul Mille library in Nice, in the presence of Jean-Luc Gagliolo, Deputy Mayor for Education, Books, the Fight Against Illiteracy, and Local Identity. A monthly event aimed at showcasing local literary creation, while also supporting regional bookstores and publishing.
For the first “Nice et vous” gathering, book enthusiasts turned out in numbers. Many people came to discover the authors, under the theme of Culture and Local Identity. The event took place respecting health guidelines, with mandatory mask-wearing (even when seated) and chairs spaced apart.
Promoting Local Literary Creations
Hosted by journalist Emmanuelle Delteil, the evening was full of good cheer, with presentations of the writers and their books, as well as many exchanges with those present. Authors Jean-Loup Boulay, Pascal Colletta, Marie-Ange Grégory, and Louis Pastorelli were there to discuss their works.
- Nice in Prose by Jean-Loup Boulay. Based in Paris, the author decided to leave everything behind to live in the south. “I wanted to change my life, move on to something else, and especially leave a job that no longer pleased me at all,” he explains. Although his arrival in Nice was complicated, he found positivity in the iconic places. “I took my scooter and went on an adventure. I found inspiring places that made me want to write,” he adds. This book, therefore, is a mix of life story, experiences, and imagination.
- Nice, the Alphabet by Marie-Ange Grégory. “There are 100 words that help discover Nice. Initially, the book was conceived with the idea of sharing. How to convey the richness of this city?” Marie-Ange Grégory explains. Friends around her, who came to Nice for work, didn’t know the city well. She then had the idea to give them “the good tips” in a playful way through a book.
- The Adventures of Nux Vomica by Louis Pastorelli. “It’s a testimony,” the author expresses about his book. The book tells the story of the music group Aux Vomica, originating from the Saint-Roch neighborhood in Nice, from the late 80s to the present day.
- La Mourra by Pascal Colletta. Through his book, the author tells the story of Mourra. An ancient practice from the Nice region, which over time has become “more than a game, one of the pillars of this culture.” As a teacher, the author also aims to pass on the history and these practices to younger generations. “The goal was to help people reclaim a culture by providing them with elements they don’t know,” he explains.
