A beautiful presentation of how a not terribly well-educated, and not terribly sophisticated woman found and pursued her true calling, and in that way changed how people lived and ate and cooked, and contributed to much happiness. This may sound over the top, but if you believe cooking and feeding family and friends is a glorious and worthy art, then Julia Child's contribution can not be understated. This book presents, in her own words, how that happened and, as such, is a sociological history that is worthy to be read. ( )

My Life in France is one of those delightful non-fiction books that reads like fiction, and is therefore easily accessible and enjoyable.

Reading about the making of a cookbook (or cookery-bookery as Julia Child called it) was fascinating, and made me realise how much work went into putting together Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It wasn't just a matter of choosing some favourite recipes - they had to be tried and tested numerous times, using both French and American ingredients.

My Life in France wasn't quite as bad at making me hungry as Julie&Julia because while as stock-full of mentions of good food, Julia Child didn't go into as much detail as Julie Powell did.

I do want to get my hands on MtAoFC now though, and try out some of the most delicious-sounding recipes. ( )

My Life in France
ISBN: 978-0-307-47485-8
Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme
Anchor Books

As many of us have, I picked this book up at the bookstore because of the movie Julie and Julia. I had received a copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by chance and have found that, that cookbook has changed the way I cook.

This book is simply a memoir of, for the most part, how "Mastering" became. It is about Julia's life in France among other places and her views on the world. It is also the love story of Julia and Paul Child. Since I love to cook, I love France, and I love to hear about peoples lives this book is a natural for me. I was pleased to be able to connect many things I have experienced with experiences of Julia's.

Since reading this book I will never apologize when something I cook does not come out exactly right. (Easier said than done by the way) I also now plan to send more Valentines Day cards. Many things within it have left an impact on the way I see things.

This book I have to admit is not a page-turner. I did not find myself rushing through any thing in order to be able to get back to reading. I prefer to look at it more like so many cookbooks that I enjoy, a book to be wandered through a bit at a time. Isn't that what good cooking is all about anyway, taking your time and allowing the flavors to blend.

Bon Appetit ( )

Listening to this one, ok. This obsession with French food being better than anything is wearing, tedious. I doubt I'll last to the end. ( )

I never had much interest in Julia Child until reading Julie and Julia by Julie Powell and then watching the DVD of the same name( Meryl Streep was wonderful as was Amy Adams). The movie incorporated parts from this memoir, so I decided to read it.

It could more aptly be named My Love of France or My love of French Food.
Julia married Paul Child after they met while both working for the OSS in WWII. They lived in France while Paul was assigned to the embassy there. Julia knew little of French culture but immediately fell in love with it's cuisine. Julia tries to keep herself busy, taking French lessons, but ultimately decides she wants to learn to cook at the famed Cordon Bleu. She throws her self into cooking with the same gusto that she eats. This leads her to Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, her cookbook co- conspirators.

The first half or so of the book focuses mainly on her time in France but continues through to her and Paul's other diplomatic posts and eventual return to the US.

my review: This was quite interesting, Julia Child is an amazing woman and accomplished so much in her lifetime. She threw herself fully into every project, whether it be the Cordon Bleu, her cookbooks, her show The French Chef.

This is a woman who truly loved French food and cooking and really wanted Americans to be able to cook such cuisine at home without sacrificing the true experience of enjoyment.

Julia and Paul seem to be such a perfect couple, both so supportive of each other. I don't think Julia could have so accomplished so much with out his support and devotion and very creative ideas.

I enjoyed reading about Julia's life and all of the delicious food that she describes throughout. I would not read this on an empty stomach!

But there is more than food in this book; she discusses the political climate of the US, McCarthy's reign. Paul is even called back to the US to be questioned about potential communist ties and what kinds of books he reads.
Paul and Julia travel quite a bit but France remains their true second home. They build a cottage there and visit several times a year.

Julia Child is not a sentimental woman, but she is passionate, opinionated, loyal, and driven to excellence.

my rating 4.5/5 ( )