My Life in France by Julia Child

New thing today, finished reading My Life in France by Julia Child. I came across it browsing at the Barnes & Noble bookstore. Then I went home and bought it on my Barnes & Noble Nook book so I could have it for a trip we were taking.

(Tangent) I love that the Nook can hold multiple books. Only problem is I get fickle and switch between books a ton on the nook. Whereas if its a physical book, I'm far more likely to sit down and finish that one book. Plus the lend-ability of physical books is nice. Anyway.

(Tangent) So I've had this book for nearly a year, enjoying it and reading bits at a time. I was really consistent a few months ago (how time flies?) and reading it nonstop. It inspired me to buy Mastering the Art of French Cooking and getting into cooking and food experiments which I will write about in the future.

Anyway, the book overall is really a pleasure to read. I love her style of writing and the way she tells stories. Sometimes there is absolutely no point to her tangents but they're interesting and amusing to read. She has soul and heart and a good sense of humor. There's a sophistication to Julia that isn't snobby. I would probably enjoy reading her commentary or chatter about anything.

I loved learning about how she learned how to cook. She's got an adventurous soul (like me!). I find she takes on cooking like a captain would take on a mysterious sea. She just goes for it and is brave and hopeful, with skill, patience, persistence, humility, curiosity and love. She found out about French food later in life, and fell in love with it and did her work learning about it and teaching it much later in life. There's a certain maturity with her when she comes across it. It also feels like Jiro Dreams of Sushi - always striving to become better. It's a labor of love.

Anyway I just really enjoyed the book. It makes you a little hungry while reading it sometimes. I had her voice in my head half the time saying "Bon Appetit". I also love the love story between her and Paul, very sweet. She has soul and heart and isn't afraid to share it.

I also loved her perspective and biography on life after WWII and life in Europe and France. Her stories from her time in Marseille, Provence, Paris and France are enchanting. She has a way of finding beauty in people as well and describing them - the art of appreciation I suppose. Her stories take you away to such a different lifestyle, and it's nice imagining the way she lived and a fun mental vacation from modern life.

If you decide to read this I hope you enjoy it as well. I may have to read her other books and add her to my list of favorite authors.