BOOK REVIEW: My Life in France by Julia Child

When Julia Child arrived in Paris in 1948, a six-foot-two inch, thirty-six year old, rather loud and unserious Californian, she spoke barely a few words of French and didn't know the first thing about cooking. 'What's a shallot?' she asked her husband Paul, as they waited for their sole meuniere during their very first lunch in France, which she was to describe later as 'the most exciting meal of my life.'
As she fell in love with French culture, buying food at local markets, sampling the local bistros and taking classes at the Cordon Bleu, her life began to change forever. She became the English speaking world's authority on French food. 

Publisher: Duckworth Overlook 

Pages: 352

I simply adored this book! My lovely thoughtful friend Kim bought it me from Paris and it was the perfect gift. I knew of Julia Child from the film Julie and Julia where she is played by Meryl Streep and I had always wanted to read the book that had been the inspiration. I will never let go of my copy as I know it will be re-read many times.
Julia is a fascinating character, as is her husband Paul. They were based in Paris as Paul worked for the US government.
Julia decided to take classes at the Cordon Bleu school of cookery after falling in love with French cuisine. And there her passion began; she went on to write two definitive French cookery books with her friend Simca and she was actually one of the first TV celebrity chefs. Her name is now synonymous with French food and her legacy is huge.
If you are not too interested in food and cooking then this may not be the book for you. However it is also about so much more; love, friendship, loyalty, travel, bureaucracy, politics and passion. Julia Child wanted to bring French cooking to the masses which is no easy feat. I greatly admired the dedication, time and sheer hard work she put into all she did, all whilst having a great deal of fun along the way.
This is not the best book to read if you are hungry or on a diet (I read it whilst on a cruise so was literally surrounded by food) there are beautiful descriptions of French cuisine on every page. I really love cooking and this book has inspired me to challenge myself a little more in the kitchen!
My Life in France is the best autobiography I have ever read, it is a charmingly beautiful book.

BOOK REVIEW: Bonkers, My Life in Laughs by Jennifer Saunders

She's been in two of the most popular double acts in TV history. As the Saunders out of French and Saunders, she gave the world one of its longest-lasting, most loved comedy partnerships. And in Ab Fab's Eddie and Patsy she created two hilarious monsters we've taken to our hearts.
Bonkers is the story of how it all came about. Or at least the bits she recalls. The rest she made up. Either way, it's all here; the stories, the characters, Dawn, Joanna and, playing herself throughout, Jennifer. 

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 279

I adored this book from start to finish. I'm not usually a big fan of autobiographies but I didn't want this one to end. I felt like I had met Jennifer Saunders for a glass of wine and a chat.
I am a big fan of French and Saunders and Absolutely Fabulous ad this book showcases how naturally funny and talented Jennifer Saunders is. I loved learning about how these shows came about and were developed over many years.
I was also quite shocked to discover that Jennifer Saunders is actually very shy but she is most comfortable when performing in front of a large audience.
Bonkers covers Jennifer's childhood, training, TV success, marriage, breast cancer, becoming a mother, dealing with the ups and downs of fame plus the odd rant or two.
It's beautifully honest and poignant whilst also being brilliantly funny. If you are a fan of this lovely lady then I would definitely give it a read.

Booking Through Thursday: Celebrities?

Do you read celebrity memoirs? Which ones have you read or do you want to read? Which nonexistent celebrity memoirs would you like to see?

I occasionally read celebrity memoirs but they are not my favourite type of book! Probably the most high-brow celebrity memoir I have read is Living History by Hilary Clinton. I'm sure some people would not class her as a celebrity but this book was truly fascinating. You get a real feel for how the White House works behind the scenes and she is extremely honest about how she handled her husband's now infamous affair.

The other celebrity memoirs I have read recently are a little more trashy! I was bought the Girls Aloud memoir, Dreams that Glitter for my birthday and I love them so I really enjoyed reading about how they have been so successful.
I also read Alan Carr's autobiography a couple of weeks ago and that was excellent as well, it had me laughing out loud several times. I have to be really interested in the person in order to read someones memoirs, it's quite a personal choice of book in that way.

(sorry about the italics but Blogger is clearly having a bit of a funny today!)