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jesslolsen's review
3.0
* I didn't actually realize this was a memoir, and was initially so surprised by the depth of insight in to characters thoughts/feelings.
* I wish I had read this book before I visited Paris myself. It all sounded very romantic (particularly her early days there) but that was just as much to do with the couple as well as how Bard described the city and restaurants. I would have liked to check out some of the places she was talking about.
* I feel like a bit of a kindred spirit with Bard regarding moving to a new place and trying to make new friends and find your own personal direction, especially in an area where everyone already seems to have their set social networks they are satisfied with. I could definitely emphasize with the frustration and defeat felt surrounding this aspect.
* It was very eye opening particularly in terms of how different the culture and career philosophies are compared to home.
* I'm definitely going to try and make some of the tagine recipes.
* There was nothing wrong with this story at all, but I was constantly getting distracted by other books while trying to finish it (I stopped and started again 3 times!)
mnll's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Death of parent
casspro's review
3.0
This one had to grow on me. I think a lot of the writing is very privileged and is hard to relate to, but its a nice fantasy to sneak away to on a morning drive. I don't know how easily accessible the recipes are, but if someone gets some good food out of this, it can't have been a total waste.
bird_babe's review
3.0
Story telling is simple, not really interesting. Love the recipes and can't wait to try them!
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
4.0
This was such an easy read and a sweet story. American girl packs up her life and moves to Paris to join the very French (as it turns out) love of her life. My one criticism, as other readers have pointed out, is that sometimes you wanted to kick the author, who often felt very sorry for herself when she was literally living the dream. On the other hand, having done it myself, I know how hard living the French dream can be and her portrayal was at the very least honest and realistic (at least to my experience). The writing is light and humourous without skipping over the tough times. And the recipes are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. It's almost a book worth buying just for that. It's authenticity became apparent at the end of the first chapter and the recipe for 'Pasta a la Gwendal,' which I've always half thought of as an invention of my own French husband, but he has always insisted is a French thing.
ptothelo's review
3.0
I'm at a similar point in my life, though minus the boy and Paris. But I relate to her struggles in trying to find her way and to redefine success. Can happiness be a goal?
thelaurajay's review
3.0
I really enjoyed it... Like a great chocolate chip cookie baked with love. It's not earth shattering in its content but it's about simply living life, being in love, and finding yourself along the way. I enjoy the tiny revelations (huge to a sole person, but simply small by comparison to other larger world concerns) she made along the way that really resonated with me.