Let’s discuss the inspirational book “My Life in France” written by Alex Prud’homme and Julia Child. I also cook two recipes from the first volume of, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”
Why you Should Read “My Life in France”
To be Inspired
I have read “My Life in France” two times now. The first time I read the book was when I was up all hours of the night nursing my second baby. The second time I read the book was with my book club this spring. If I had to choose one word to describe how I feel after reading “My Life in France” it would be inspired. Below I list some of the reasons why I find Julia Child to be inspiring.
Overcoming Opposition
Julia overcame opposition in pursuing the things she wanted to do and loved. After moving to France with her husband, she was trying to find an activity or hobby to pursue. Julia decided to pursue cooking classes at the Cordon Bleu but the owner of the school did not like Julia. The owner told Julia that she cannot cooks and that she was not advanced enough. Her male peers did not like her invasion of their “boys club,” until she proved herself fearless in the kitchen. Julia also faced rejection when trying to publish her first cookbook.
Fast forward years later and Julia is well known as a famous American chef with her own TV show, best selling autobiography, and museum exhibits featuring her kitchen and life story.
Julia didn’t back down or stop pursuing the things she wanted to do. She pushed back, pushed through and ended up with a successful and fulfilling life.
It may be easy to equate success with fame and fortune. But I strongly believe that Julia was also intrinsically successful because she pursued the things she loved even when she faced opposition, and she showed perseverance.
It is these characteristics and choices I try to apply to my own life. When we make choices, we can stay safe and ere on the side of fear, or we can do what we love and take risks.
A Marriage to Admire
Julia describes her relationship with her husband Paul and it sounds like they had a beautiful partnership. Among other things, they supported one another’s careers. Julia was born in California, met Paul in Sri Lanka, and after getting married they moved to Paris, France for Paul’s job. Paul worked for the United States Information Service at the American Embassy. Likewise, Paul supported Julia’s interests and her desire to learn how to cook well. She became somewhat of a mad scientist in the kitchen and she also loved collecting new kitchenware (something I can relate to!). In the later years Paul also supported her work with her cooking show. Julia has said that her career wouldn’t have been what it was if she didn’t have Paul’s support.
If you have this kind of support in your life, whether it be from a spouse or family, you are truly blessed! I am thankful for my husband, family and friends that support and encourage me along the way.
Julia Truly Enjoyed Food
Julia enjoyed food with zeal and passion. I find it easy to relate to someone who appreciates not only a good meal, but a great meal. In her book, “My Life in France,” Julia describes her first really good French meal,
“I closed my eyes and inhaled the rising perfume. Then I lifted a forkful of fish to my mouth, took a bite, and chewed slowly. The flesh of the sole was delicate, with a light but distinct taste of the ocean that blended marvelously with the browned butter. I chewed slowly and swallowed. It was a morsel of perfection.”1
I enjoy reading about how Julia took her passion for food and turned it into her life’s work.
It is also interesting to learn that Julia and Paul suffered from crise de Foie, or what is considered an “American stomach in Paris.” After eating rich food day in and day out, and experiencing gastrointestinal issues, their doctor told them to lighten up their meals which Julia described as “no fun!”
Learn About French Culture
Julia was born in America and yet she felt she was a true French woman. Her descriptions of her time in France are beautiful. She spent time in the countryside but also experienced the city life in France. She did eventually move back to America and has taught many Americans to appreciate French food and French culture. Julia also wrote the first good cookbook for Americans on how to cook French food. After reading “My Life in France” I dream of traveling to France, shopping at French markets and eating French food.
Cooking French Food
Julia Child wrote the two volume cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” with her friends Louisette Bertholle and Simone Beck. It is fun to peruse the recipes and see the differences between American and French cooking. French cooking uses a lot of sauces, butter and fresh ingredients. It becomes apparent why Julia considered French cooking an art.
I recorded a video while cooking two recipes from the first volume of the cookbooks. I cooked Poulet Sauté aux Herbes de Provence, which is chicken sauteed with herbs, garlic, egg yolk and butter sauce. I also made potato crepes to go along with the chicken.
I cook chicken often, but this chicken recipe was different than what I normally prepare. The sauce added both interest and richness, and the fresh herbs and fresh ingredients added lovely pops of flavor.
The potato crepes also had a lot of flavor thanks to the Swiss cheese, cream cheese and fresh chives. The crispness of the potatoes added a lovely crunch.
My Challenge for You
My Challenge for you is to read a book written by Julia Child. If you enjoy reading, and if you like to be inspired, I highly recommend her autobiography. If you enjoy cooking and want to try some of Julia’s famous French recipes, check out one of her cookbooks and try a recipe or two! You will gain inspiration but also insight into French culture.
Where to Purchase Julia’s Books
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a commission of the sale without any additional costs to you. Please note that I only recommend items that I personally use and love. I always have my readers’ best interest at heart.
You can find Julia’s books at the library. If you would like to purchase your own copy of her autobiography “My Life in France,” you can buy it here with this link.
If you would like to buy her two volume set of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” click on this link.
Other Ways to Enjoy Julia Child
It is probably pretty obvious by now that I am a fan of Julia Child! There are several other ways I have been able to immerse myself in the rich history of her life story. Here are some ideas for you in case you’d like to learn more about Julia:
- Visit the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.– Julia donated her kitchen to this museum in 2001. This kitchen is from her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which was used as the TV set for her cooking show in America.
- Watch Julie and Julia– this movie was released in 2009 and has remained one of my favorites over the years. It follows the story of two women: Julia Child, during her time in France with her husband Paul, and the author, Julie Powell who wrote a blog and book about cooking her way through “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Meryl Streep and Amy Adams star in this movie and both did a wonderful job recreating the characters!
- Watch the TV docuseries, La Pitchoune: Cooking in France– This wonderful docuseries shows the workings of the Courageous Cooking School, which takes place in the home of Julia and Paul Child’s vacation home in the French Riviera Provence. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this recipe free cooking show, and wish there was another season to watch! I am also daydreaming about attending this cooking class while staying in Julia Child’s home….A girl can dream!
- Child, Julia., and Alex Prud’homme. My Life in France Knopf, 2006. Pg 18.
Have you ever seen Julia Julia? Amy Adam’s? Great Movie
I have, I love that movie!
Lol I just reread your blog ,Oops you have seen it