These past few reads have been wonderful and entirely different. I have enjoyed them during nap time snuggled up with a blanket and my homemade mocha. The mocha has seemed to become a daily accompaniment.
My Life in France by Julia Child – We read this book last month for book club. To be honest, I did not think I would like this book as much as I did. I don’t typically gravitate toward french cooking and I never watched Julia Child growing up on TV. So prior to reading, I felt pretty removed from the story except from what I gathered from Julie & Julia. All that being said, I was utterly charmed by Julia, her story, her determination in writing Mastering the Art of French Cooking, her descriptions of food and life in Paris, and her life-long love affair with her husband.
If you read this book for a book club, have a french dinner afterward! We did, and it was delightful!
Emma by Jane Austen – I have mentioned this book before but in regards to the Masterpiece mini-series which aired this season on PBS. The mini-series makes for such a delightful Sunday afternoon. After watching it several times, I wanted to read the book again, and I am SO GLAD I did. I have to admit as much as I love the way Austen crafts a story but, I find her hard to get into with a cold reading. The previous time I tried reading Emma I had a really hard time getting myself submerged he story. Having watching the mini-series, I loved seeing all the details portrayed in the book. This was the perfect book to have next to bed and to escape to a different world before going to bed. There are parts of Joel that are just like Mr. Knightly especially in the way he never lets Emma get so wrapped up in herself she loses sight of other people.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett – This book was fantastic. It is set in Jackson, Mississippi at the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. It is the story of a young woman, who in her own way, combats the cultural injustice of her small town and the lives that change in the process. This is an exceptionally well-written and a well crafted story, I found this story to be a page-turner in the sense that I wanted to see the characters develop. I think this is a perfect summer vacation read. This is the book for book club this month, I will let you know if the other girls liked it!
Hope you all have a wonderful day! This morning is shaping up to a be a great one. Right now, I am listening to the wonderful noise of Lady and Bubba (the little boy who comes two days a week) decide how they will build the train track for Thomas. It is amazing when three years olds play side by side with one mission.
{This post is linked up with other reading recommendations at Life as Mom.}
beautifulladybird.wordpress.com 
I’m visiting from the Life as Mom Booking It post. And Oh! “My Life in France” is on my to-read list! I finally watched “Julie & Julia” last month and loved it (had very low expectations and was very pleasantly surprised). I picked up the “Julie & Julia” book in a used bookstore a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn’t cheap enough for me to actually buy it – especially when I thought about it and decided I would rather read Julia’s book instead. So I’m so glad you reviewed it here and linked to Booking It! Thanks!
Hi Carrie, thanks for visiting! My Life in France was a great book. I also read and watched Julie and Julia. I thought Amy Adams did a great job in the movie, and overall, I liked the movie! I did not, however, like the book as much as I liked the movie. Julie in the book was much more crass than the Julie in the movie was portrayed and I found myself put-off by that aspect of the book. Overall, I think your decision to wait for My Life in France was a great one!
I can’t wait to get my hands on The Help! I found the title in the comments on LifeAsMom’s website a few days ago – it may have even been your comment that got me intrigued to begin with. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it. 🙂
You know, that’s the second time “The Help” has been brought up to me today. Looks like its time to keep my eyes peeled for that one! Thanks for the recommendations, I love that Life As Mom is doing this book thing!
hi i found you by way of amanda soule. My Life in France was one of my favorites and Austen is always amazing. thank you for the review of The Help. my mother was from jackson. i always like a good mississippi book. maybe my book club will as well.
happy reading
stephanie from texas
I liked EMMA much more the second time around. The first time I read it I found the character of Emma pompous and annoying, but then when I read it for a second time I found Emma fun and sweet – just loved her! 🙂 It’s now my second-most-favourite-Jane-Austen-novel-ever (first being P&P, of course). 🙂
Happy reading!
~S. xo
I’ve added your Julia Child book to my list. Thanks! I love reading about food. And Jane Austen is an absolute favorite. I’ve heard lots of good things about The Help, but am still waiting on the library. Looks like you had three great winners. Looking forward to your update this month.