Linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy for Twitterature
Quick reviews of books I’ve read in the past month. I didn’t read as many titles last month, because I made a conscious choice to slow down on my reading. I wanted to be really choosy this month, and pick titles I could truly relish and love. These 4 didn’t disappoint!
Do Less: A Minimalist Guide to a Simplified, Organized, and Happy Life by Rachel Jonat. This book was too good for a quickie review, so I’ll be writing more about it when it’s released on May 18th. (I got a preview copy from the author.) This book is full of inspiration and practical how-to’s for being happier with less. Loved it. My copy is well dog-eared.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan. Something about this book immediately grabbed my attention, so when I spotted a copy at the thrift store I grabbed it. I was riveted and couldn’t put it down, finishing it in one day. Totally spellbound by this true story of a young, successful, happy, beautiful journalist with everything going for her – until a seemingly innocuous virus made her immune system turn against her own body and attack her brain, finally leading to a month-long psychosis that took years to fully recover from.
And now, bien sûr, two books about la belle France.
On Rue Tatin: Living and Cooking in a French Town by Susan Hermann Loomis. Imagine meeting the love of your life, moving to France, happening upon an amazing, ancient country home in a small village, buying and fixing it up, and cooking and writing cookbooks all the while. Le sigh. I ate this book like candy, not wanting it to end. I have about two dozen Post-It flags sticking out of the pages marking recipes I want to try (not a cookbook, but the recipes are scattered throughout as the food appears as part of the story).
A Gift from Brittany by Marjorie Price. Also another wonderful memoir about an American’s life in France, Marjorie’s situation was far from ideal. Her romantic, handsome, intelligent French husband whisks her and their baby away to a tiny hamlet in northeastern France, where they also buy an ancient set of houses. Unfortunately, her Prince Charming turns out to be a Jekyll/Hyde. Her story would have been disastrous had it not been for an illiterate, elderly peasant woman she befriends, who ends up changing everything for her. Such a sweet, wonderful book. I wanted to know Marjorie and Jeanne. Also, made me Google the recipe for quatre quarts.
Another mention, although I haven’t totally finished it yet: I’m re-reading Karen le Billon’s French Kids Eat Everything: How Our Family Moved to France, Cured Picky Eating, Banned Snacking, and Discovered 10 Simple Rules for Raising Happy, Healthy Eaters. I wrote about the book here, and will share some more thoughts when I finish it (again).
Incidentally Karen le Billon just released her second book, Getting to YUM: The 7 Secrets of Raising Eager Eaters, which promises to be just as helpful for us parents who want to instill good eating habits in our kids.
It’s been one of the best months, reading-wise I’ve had in recent memory.
All four of your books look great, but I’m especially excited to hear le Billon has a new book coming out! I’m actually re-reading French Kids Eat Everything right now too, and just requested my library purchase Getting to Yum. Thanks so much for the heads up. 🙂
What a great list! Thanks!
On Rue Tatin sounds like just my kind of book!
Hi Carrie – been reading your blog for good part of a year; I find it so fascinating because your life is so different (it’s already sweltering where you are? This is our first warm weekend of the year in the UK!), and it’s a real treat to be allowed a glimpse into someone else’s life. Thank you!
If you liked On Rue Tatin, you’ll also enjoy Tarte Tatin, as she writes very honestly and evocatively – and the olive biscuits recipe is fab. It sounds as though you are really committed to all things French, so best of luck with your language lessons.
I live near Atlanta, GA… and thanks so much for the book recommendation, I’ll check it out right away. 🙂