Mireille Guiliano

I really enjoyed M. Guiliano's two previous books (French Women Don't Get Fat and French Women For All Seasons) so when I won this book, I was really looking forward to reading it. However, I was a bit disappointed. The book is a "woman's guide to navigating the world of work, living the good life, and savoring every minute of it." M. Guiliano gives practical advice on a multitude of things; how to dress for business, dining etiquette, even hair cuts and more. In some cases, I found the advice too general to be useful e.g. as someone who doesn't know the meaning of packing light, I would have loved knowing what specifically went into her suitcase to enable her to exist for a week or more with just a carry-on. (Pour moi, il est impossible!) Other advice seemed a bit basic e.g. don't wear flip-flops to the office. Maybe this should be required reading for women just before they enter the job market but I suspect(and hope) for those who have already embarked upon a career, most of the advice is not new. On the plus side, it was a pleasant surprise to find a few recipes at the end of the book.… (more)

I finished it last night and have mixed feelings. I thought the information, tips, philosophies, etc. were all great---just not so doable for the average American woman. Most of us don't live in places where we can walk to the market several times a week for groceries. Most of us can't afford to feed a family with the luxury wines, food, and chocolate she talked about. This book is not for the woman who has a significant amount of weight to lose (which IS the average American woman) and those who only have a minimal amount to lose probably already practice these no-brainer tips.

My biggest takeaway from the book was the reminder that I can say no to foods---even after they've been served to me. I don't have to finish everything on my plate. Better to toss it in the trash than wear it on my middle.… (more)

I liked the general idea of this book - slow down and actually enjoy the food you are eating instead of mindlessly shoving it into your mouth.
It made me look at my own bad habits (eating in front of the TV and not paying attention to what I was eating and actually enjoying it).
I found it worked for me, slowing down and savouring food made me eat less overall and more of the foods I enjoy. When visiting France hubby and I happily indulged in great food and walked everywhere, and at the end of it were slimmer, fitter and happier depsite all the pain au chocolats we had devoured. We also rarely snacked, and if we did, it was on a piece of fruit from a market stall. The French, regarding their view and culture of food, have it right in that respect.

But there were some parts, like the alcohol chapter, that felt outright self-promoting (she works for a champagne company...)… (more)