”French Kiss” by Steve Bassett

Steve Bassett was born, raised and educated in New Jersey before joining the dwindling number of itinerant newsmen roaming the countryside in search of just about everything. Stints as a featured reporter with newspapers in New Jersey, Illinois and Salt Lake City were followed by Associated Press assignments in Phoenix and finally as Investigative Reporter in San Franciso. Then came CBS television news, three Emmy Awards for his investigative documentaries, and the prestigious first Medallion Award, presented by the California Bar Association for “Distinguished Reporting on the Administration of Justice.” Along the way he found time to author The Battered Rich (Ashely Books), exposing seldom discussed but widespread marital abuse among the affluent; Father Divine’s Bikes and Payback-Tales of Love, Hate and Revenge, the first two books of his Passaic River Trilogy. He lives in Placitas, New Mexico.

Learn more about Steve Bassett and his work at: https://stevebassettworld.com/ 

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• A unique perspective on the Cold War era in France
• Research and investigation involving over 250 live interviews
• Grand Narratives - sharing some of the personal stories of how the Americans and French fell in an out of love
• Reflecting on the significance of the air base Deols-Chateauroux - when it opened and after its closure
• ...and more!

FRENCH KISS - Blurbs from reviewers:

“I belonged to a communist family and I remember walking in the streets with petitions against the U.S. intrusion in France.  People later realized that the Americans were manna from heaven who improved their lives.  They were happy because of them.  But I must say, I am surprised that it is an American not a Frenchman that is giving an in depth account of this period.” --  Leandre Boizeau, Communist publisher of “La Bouinotte,” a leading regional magazine in Central France.

As the only American who has tackled the task, Steve Bassett, in his book "French Kiss" has provided a one-of-a-kind insight into the sixteen year life of an extraordinary air station closed by Charles de Gaulle's imperial edict. I found it fascinating reading and an accurate portrayal of military life that will probably never be seen again. -- Air Force Major General John Riddle (Ret.)

“Steve Bassett's book demonstrates to his readers that across the Atlantic, in a provincial town of France, the memory of this American period is very long-lived.” -- Jean-François Mayet, a member of the French Assembly, Senator l'Indre County, Mayor of Châteauroux

“Your book is one of a kind.  There have been many books written by French authors about the Americans in France during the Cold War, but never one by an American writer.  I know the books that have been written and have read many of them myself.  There has been nothing to match what you offer.” -- Mme. Lydie Gerbaud, press secretary for Jacques Chirac during his tenures as French President and Prime Minister. 

Steve Bassett sadly notes in his book, “Thousands of jobs for the French supported the local economy which grew by more than 33% in a few years with Uncle Sam…There was a time where one in six Berrichon received a cheque from the Golden Ghetto." And all that remains today is nostalgia. -- Jean-François Donny, French journalist and author whose books include “U.S. Go Home.”

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