Julia Child's Life in France

Yep, I am still on my France book kick. I think this is the last unread France-based book on my bookshelves, and since I am taking a break from book buying, I probably won't be reading anything set in France for a while... Aside from blogs written by people in France, of course!



I really liked Julia Child's book, "My Life in France." She is one interesting lady. I have vague memories of watching her tv show, "The French Chef" on PBS when I was pretty young. I just remember that she had the most peculiar voice. And she used a heck of alot of butter. Maybe even more than Paula Dean? I think I need to add her shows to my Netflix list to see if my memories of the show match up with what it was really like!

I was surprised to learn that Julia didn't learn to cook until she moved to France around the age of 36. I read this & thought to myself: 'maybe there is hope for me!' I'd like to be good at cooking, but it's really not my forte. But if Julia Child can go from a total flop in the kitchen to a master, then maybe I can learn a thing or two from her!

I was also surprised to learn that Julia didn't meet/marry her husband until she was in her 30's. In the 1940's, I imagine she married well above the average age. So once again, I thought - 'Again, maybe there is hope for me.' (side note: I'm not hopeless about meeting Mr. Right but do appreciate reading about people who get married in their 30s... It makes me feel like less of an old maid...)

Julia & Paul Child were definitely an interesting and unique couple... The best example of this is a Valentine's card that they sent out one year. They stripped down & took a picture in a bathtub w/ 'strategically placed bubbles' and a caption that read, "Wish you were here!" I tried to find a picture of this postcard to post (there is one in the book), but was unsuccessful. So you'll have to take my word on this one - it was downright odd!

I was actually inspired to read this book since the movie "Julie & Julia," which is based on the book by Julie Powell, opens nationwide this summer. I can't wait to see it. Julia Child will be played by Meryl Streep! I feel very prepared to watch this show after reading about both Julie Powell & Julia Child's lives. I just wonder if they will feature the dish that I was inspired to try while in France...


Yes, that is a bone. No, I did not enjoy it - the bone marrow was really greasy... but I am really glad that I tried it!

Anyways, back to the book at hand... If you have any interest in the life of Julia Child and how her legendary cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" was developed, I recommend checking out this book. It was a quick, easy read. At the end of the book, Julia concludes the book by saying that no one is born a chef. It's something you work at. It's a muscle you develop.

With all the extra time I have now that I am done w/ school, I intend to work that muscle!!