been reading: My Life in France by Julia Child

I was inspired to read this book after seeing the movie Julie & Julia. I had read the book by Julie Powell on which the film is based, but I hadn't realized that Julia Child's memoir also informs the movie, perhaps even more so than Powell's. The best parts of the film are the ones centered around Julia, and I was curious to learn more about this woman and to relive the time she spent in her beloved France.

I have always been rather taken with the idea of moving to a new place, with the romanticism of fashioning a life out of new surroundings, of making the unfamiliar familiar. When we travel, I almost always decide I want to make that destination my permanent home, and more than once I've come across an available property while traveling and nearly begged Rob to let us move there. Although even if he agreed (which he never does), I love my life here too much to actually go through with it. I think. And yet, it remains a dream I can't quite shake. Someday...

This book did nothing to quell that desire. Julia first arrives in France knowing no French and very little about the country, but she is immediately charmed by it and sets about making Paris her home. She befriends the butcher, gossips with the ladies at the market, and frequents her favorite restaurants. She takes language lessons and then, in a decision that will change everything, cooking classes. She makes friends, throws parties, and creates a true community around herself. The fullness with which she lives life is inspiring. As is the verve with which she throws herself into cooking, the life passion she discovers at the age of 37.

One of the most notable aspects of her memoir, and the movie as well, is her marriage. Her relationship with Paul epitomizes partnership. They cheer each other on, embrace each other's projects, and delight in exploring life together. They have a sincere mutual respect, which is what I believe causes some relationships to rise above the rest. And theirs soars.

This book is a pleasure to read. Julia's love for life leaps off the page; her charm and enthusiasm are contagious. And knowing that celebrity awaits her, it is fascinating to witness the path she takes as she finds her purpose. Not to mention that the way she describes food will absolutely make your mouth water.