Julia Child's My Life in France

So I started this book some time ago. I had a hard time reading it for an extended period of time. I tend to finish most books in 1-2 days. For some reason I find that harder to do with memoirs maybe because real life can be less climactic that a novel. Aside from that it was a great book! I was attracted to the book because it details Julia's love for the city of Paris and some of my favorite things about it. Julia explores the street markets in detail as well as the restaurants in the city circa the 1950's. Although she and her husband Paul do move from Paris to Marseille after 5 years and then onto multiple locations, she is in love with the country and returns often.

The story covers her authoring her first book Mastering the Art of French Cooking, with a great amount of detail on her research and struggle to have it published. It is a wealth of information on how her love for French food started, how she wrote her cook books, and her rise on television.

The book is well written and upbeat. My favorite chapters were her life in Paris and any part where she discussed making dessert!! I have yet to start the companion to this book Julie and Julia.. but I will be back with that one soon!

If you have read this book I would love to hear what you thought!! Please leave a comment!

Paris Made By Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk

Okay- I just picked up this book today and I love it! In her introduction to the book she sums up the reason that I love Paris- "A designers muse, a decorator's heaven, and a treasure trove for a stylist: Paris may very well be the one of the last remaining international cities that strives to protect and nurture her artisans." I am always inspired by these little slightly larger than pocket sized travel books. They offer you something to tweak your interest on a visit to the beautiful city of Paris- something other than the regular museums and parks (which I also love) some really amazing shopping!! I simply love to shop in Paris, it has exactly what she says, a chance to view the world through the eyes of some of the most creative minds available.

This book takes you into the different arrondissements of the city and gives you a chance to explore the amazing places that the designers and artisans of Paris go to find their tools for creativity. From my all time favorite ceramic shop to umbrella repair shops this book gives you a great place to start exploring one of my favorite cities in the world.

Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch

Okay I read this one cover to cover in one sitting... so I would definitely say that it kept my interest! The story of Sara's life is a bit sad for me. Crouch takes us on a journey through the life of a character that is living her life seemingly unconnected, she is bound by social rules inforced by her mother and society in Charleston, but never seems to find true happiness. It is a painful journey that you hope will end somewhere near happiness but doesn't seem to. The writing is smart and engaging making it an enjoyable reading experience.

Girls in Trucks is a good summer read.

Josephine B. Trilogy by Sandra Gulland

This is an amazing trilogy of novels! I enjoyed each and every one. I would suggest reading all 3 in order to have the best experience. I know that they have been out for a while (first published in 1995-2000) but they are still remarkable. If you have not found them yet you will be inspired by the strength of Josephine's character and the detail and beauty of the writing. The 3 novels take you from her childhood in Martinico to her life in Paris and beyond. Gulland writes a captivating story brought to us through Josephine's journal entries and really connects us to her private world and thoughts. Her description of the period clothing alone is breath taking.

I highly recommend the journey and if you are in Paris remember to visit all of the fantastic historical places that shaped Josephine's life.

The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.
Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe
The Last Great Dance on Earth