I loved the book! I did find the book club schedule a little too slow since I couldn't put it down. It has definitely inspired me to whip up some French classics and get out Julia's cookbooks from the library. Thanks for the book and the discussion!

I also finished early and am revved up to look at my grandmother's copy of From Julia Child's Kitchen as well as the new edition we won in a contest recently to take in some of Julia's comments about editing and editions as well as to try out her recipes with new insight into her process. I really loved the book and left a bit sad that I will never really know France quite the way Julia did. At least I have her beautifully written memories.

I was impressed with how huge a sense of life I got from such a short span of Julia's life--it makes me wonder about what my own turning point has been or will be. The book was inspiring and exhilirating, but also exhausting, as autobiographies often are. What a roller coaster! It seemed like Julia was well on her way to coasting happily through her food career at the end of the book, so despite the upheaval of moving and finishing projects to start new ones, I appreciated the sense of resolution. The epilogue was bittersweet, though, with Paul first in a home, then gone, and her little countryside French house going back to Simca's family. I admired her tenacity, though--being able to move on without letting the past weigh her down, keeping it in perspective and remembering things fondly, yet practically.

I finished early too!

The years seemed to fly by in the end of the book. I kept looking at the dates she mentioned to figure out how much time was flying by! I loved hearing the stories about their house in the French countryside and it was sad that she said it changed so much over the years.

The relationship with Simca seemed very frustrating. Julia rarely seemed to walk on eggshells around anyone but her. I found that interesting.

After reading this book, I really want to see some of her old shows and try out making the french bread!

The book was spectacular and I'm so glad that I joined this book club to read it. This isn't the kind of book tat I would normally buy, but it was more than worth the time to read it.

I agree with Victoria E's comment; this is a book that I normally wouldn't have chosen to read, but I'm VERY glad that I did. It was inspiring and had so much personality. It was great experiencing France through the eyes of someone who was excited about life and learning a new culture. The amount of work that she put into writing the cookbooks was incredible; I had no inkling about the effort. Like everyone else, I want to run out to get her cookbooks and bring a taste of France home. I think I will tackle JULIE & JULIA next, though...

Sorry for posting a comment twice in a row, but did anyone else know that JULIE & JULIA is being made into a film? I just saw an interview with Amy Adams on television, and she'll be playing Julie while Meryl Streep is playing Julia. I'm pretty excited about this one!

I'm still reading... I'm glad I wasn't the only one who didn't finish!

Cecilia, I read Julie and Julia a few years ago and LOVED it. I had no idea it was going to be a movie. Thanks for letting us know!

Overall the reading schedule was too slow for me as I finished over a month ago...but I loved this book! I loved that Julia had a marriage that was a real partnership and I loved that she maintained her friendship while working with Simca; as anyone who has worked with a friend knows, this can be beyond difficult and can easily end badly. I felt like I really got to know Julia and could tell that she impassioned all those around her.

I finished the book early as well (thanks to a four day President's Day weekend), but once I got to chapter 5 I just couldn't put it down. I too found it interesting about the underlying tension between Julia and Simca. This was not a book I would have normally picked up, but I am so glad that I read it. A few years ago, I thought about reading Julie & Julia, but now I think I have to read it! I am so glad that I took part in this book club!

I absolutely loved this book! I knew who Julia Child was but I never really knew anything about her. After reading this book, though, I count her as a real inspiration for myself. I love thinking that she found her true calling in her late 30's, she continued to be curious and open-hearted all though her life, she had a wondrful relationship with her husband, and they didn't let the setback of not being able to have children ruin their lives. She and Paul were a wonderful hard-working team. I can only hope to live my life with as much vigor, humor and integrity. I have already ordered Julia's French Chef series on DVD, I can't wiat to buy "Mastering the Art..." and I know that I will think back to this book often. Great selection, I probably never would have picked up this book on my own, but I feel like I'm so much richer for having read it.

I LOVED this book! I was so pleased it was chosen as the Club selection. I wish Alex Prud'Homme would have started this project with Julia earlier, I would have liked to see the results of more conversations with her. The inclusion of Paul's photos are an essential companion to her words. They give you a visual sense of what they were seeing and doing.

Her relationship with Simca was familiar. I think we've all had a relationship with a really intense person and finally one day we have had enough! Maybe the span of the relationship happens much more quickly these days because we can communicate so much more with a person than Julia & Simca were able to (travel, phone vs. letters, almost no mention of the phone).

Unlike several other readers, the descriptions of the food and cooking DID NOT make me want to eat it or try to make it. I guess I am hopelessly picky!

Throughout reading, I kept telling my husband, "you will really like this book" and sure enough, he is reading it now. I have a feeling the descriptions of the food and cooking will be much more appealing to him and we will have a French kitchen in no time.

I am starting Julie & Julia next!