Reddit reviews Paris Inside Out, 7th: The Insider's Handbook to Life in Paris (Paris Inside Out: The Insider's Handbook to Life in Paris)

--Don't think speaking French will solve your problems or that not speaking it is the reason for them-- instead, read Polly Platt's book "French or Foe" (single most helpful guide to French thinking; my neighbors from the UK were given the book by the embassy before they moved) and David Applefield's book "Paris Inside Out" which has lots of practical tips (and as many others as you can-- ignore the "I adore everything about Paris" ones, those people just haven't lived here long enough, and anyway if you adore everything about Paris, you don't need advice)
--If you move in September, there is a big moving-to-Paris weekend conference for Anglophones every year in October at the American Church, called Bloom Where You Are Planted, with lots of helpful tips and organizations. Bloom also produces a book most years with advice for newcomers.
--Paris expats' blogs are great for finding tips about cafes, bars, places to eat, fun things to do, etc.
--Get to know the Pariscope, the weekly 40-cent or so guide to what is on that week
--Get to know your Mairie, the town hall for your arrondissement. They propose lots of help for foreigners and often have a group of French volunteers [http://www.mairie11.paris.fr/mairie11/jsp/site/Portal.jsp]
--If you are ever really angry-- speak ENGLISH rather than stammer in bad French (everyone in France feels they *should know English)
Have a great time in Paris!

[http://www.amazon.com/French-Foe-Getting-Visiting-Working/dp/0964668424]
[http://www.amazon.com/Paris-Inside-Out-7th-Insiders/dp/B001PIHTVY/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310645374&sr=1-15]