I found it really interesting that she kept on even after the publishers were not giving positive feedback on the book. It's also interesting to me how even back then, Americans were only concerned about quick cooking and shortcuts.

It seems like the back and forth between her and Louisette would have been so painful back then even just being from Paris to Marseille. Too bad they didn't have email!

I wasn't a big fan of the description of the duck with the duck blood sauce. Maybe that's just me...

I had the same thought about email! I was like, how in the world did they communicate back and forth with such detail? But I suppose those letters are why we now have a book with such rich detail. The disciplines of letter-writing and journal-keeping are so valuable.

I was sad when they had to leave Paris, but I enjoyed Julia's descriptions of Marseilles. On another note - her husband's photographs are a treasure in this book. The one of Julia climbing the hill in the windstorm!! What's your favorite photo so far?

Since I'm working on a long research project right now myself (unfortunately, not cooking-related), I find Julia's perseverance in the face of a huge workload and complex logistics quite inspiring.

In terms of short-cuts and quick cooking: though they still prevail in American society in so many ways, I thought it was interesting that the publishers and marketing folks thought that a real "cookery-book" like "Mastering..." wouldn't find an audience. Knowing that it was one of the most successful cookbooks of its time, and that it really changed American cooking and food writing, it seems like another instance where corporate interests underestimate the American public's intelligence and good taste. That audience was out there, and here we are nearly 50 years later an extension of that same audience, excited and inspired by the idea of hard work and determination creating delicious food and a rich life.

Sometimes, I read an autobiography and it feels like the author is getting tired of talking about his or her own life partyway into the book. Julia clearly remains excited about retelling her story, and she maintains a fresh voice as she moves to tell the story about life in Marseille. The photos, as always, add richness to the story, but the photos in Chapter 4 are some of my favorite as I try to imagine what life for Julia was really like. The intensified focus on politics and bureaucracy really brings another side of Julia to the forefront. She'd mentioned her shortcomings when it came to trying to talk about politics intelligently and her earnestness in wanting to become a more educated thinker, and that endeared me to her even more and made her an even more poignant idol. Her description of Americans and food when she and Paul return to the States is still relevant to this day, and that's another insight I appreciated!

Reading about her dedication to the book (not THIS book, her first book) is inspiration, but it is a pity that it took so long to put together - worth the effort, I don't deny that, but so many years on the same book ... wow!

I have already finished the book because it was such a nice read. I was actually more inspired to look into all of her other books and the DVD of her show that recently came to stores. Her personality is infectious and the whole book is quite enjoyable.

Faith, it's hard to pick just one favorite photo! I love the photo of tall Julia let by her kitchen window, bathed in rising steam over the sink (p. 74); of "Jeanne-la-folle," seemingly dancing reluctantly with her much more enthusiastic reflection as she cleans the mirror (p. 90); of Julia standing on a Marseille street, smoking; and of course, all the Valentine's Day shots (200,201)--proof that you can take the day past just another Hallmark holiday, and make it personal and meaningful!

It's awe-inspiring how much detail and work Julia dedicates to writing the book. Wears me out just reading about it! But she never seems to tire, because she's so passionate and delighted by all things French food! Amazing!

I like how she gets so frustrated with their father and step-mother in the way they travel. She's a true adventurer who knows the value of getting into towns, meeting the people and experiencing the cultures. Also, I'm glad she's voicing her thoughts on politics...it's refreshing and such a great insight into who she is.

I think my favorite photo is the wind one, also. Though the bubble bath valentine is irresistible!

How fun it would've been to receive an annual Valentine from the Child's! Those cards were great!

I am not tiring of Julia at all, quite the opposite actualy! I am already watching the French Chef Dvd's, and my copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking just came to the library today, can't wait to see how her final copy turns out!

I can't believe they essentially put together 1500 pages (from the first "too complicated" book the second "easier" but still 750 pages) of recipes, not even certain to be published, again, Julia (and Simca) have passion that I truly admire.

It's fun to know there was a time when cooking (and cook bookery) was so inventive, so groundbreaking. So much of what we do today has been done before, but she found a niche and it transformed millions of AMerican kitchens.

Julia was such a trailblazer, could she have imagined her book would be the beginning of her empire? Is that part of what kept her so motivated?

Oh yeah, and I LOVE the Valentines. Is anyone else planning on making their husband pose for next year's cards?

I found it awe-inspiring that she continued to work on this book - truly her passion - for so long, overcoming many obstacles (and miles with her partners!) to produce such an amazing book. In a way, I was jealous because she could devote such time to the project, but there seemed to me to be times when she grew weary of the large task at hand. I loved the photos throughout the chapters, they added some images for me from that time period, and I also have to agree that my favorite part was the Valentine's pictures!

The Valentine's pictures were the best. They conveyed what quirky and fun people Paul and Julia must have been. Another thing I loved, that gave that same impression, was the way Paul and Julia made up funny names for everyone and everything.

I've already finished the book (I had to return it to the library). I never once tired of her voice, and I found myself wishing to hear more when it was over.

I have both volumes of MTAFC and I use them often - esp vol.1. It's interesting to read about her writing and researching certain chapters of the cookbooks, since I am so familiar with them. The cookbooks, by the way are good reading as well.

I think the photos that stand out for me are the one where she is smoking, caught in the windstorm and the Valentine bathtub shot. They seem to show her quriky side.