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Americans in France: Mastering the Art of French Murder and (not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living

26 Apr

Mastering the Art of French Murder
by Colleen Cambridge
Mastering the Art of French Murder is the first book in a new series by Colleen Cambridge. I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher and Netgalley so I could give you an honest review. The novel is set in post WWII Paris, where Julia Child’s fictional best friend, Tabitha, is living with her Grandfather and “Oncle” Rafe. Fans of Julia and France will be happy to see that details about both were well researched and Cambridge depicts them in loving detail. Tabitha worked in a factory during war time in Michigan and feels at odds with returning to a world where women are expected to wear dresses and simply get married, so takes the opportunity to temporarily relocate to Paris and works as an English tutor, while trying to decide what her next chapter in life will be. She also struggles in the kitchen and looks to her friend for cooking tips, which allows for some fun, light hearted moments amongst a mystery committed with Julia’s own chef knife. I enjoyed Tabitha and her interactions with her family and friends, but they mystery itself is also a clever one that draws from historic details. I’m hoping there will be many more in the charming American in Paris Mystery Series. Cambridge is the pen name of Colleen Gleason who has published a variety of books including the Phyllida Bright Mysteries, another cozy series published under Colleen Cambridge.

If you are left hungering for French food after reading the story, you can check out how to make everything from Boeuf Bourguignon to Chocolate Soufflé from Julia Child in The French Chef Volumes 1-4.

For those looking for books about or including Julia for kids check out my previous post where I helped my son do research about the culinary icon.

(not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living
by Mark Greenside
(not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living is the sequel to Mark Greenside’s memoir I’ll Never be French (no matter what I do). Greenside though now splitting his time between America and France is still learning to fit in. This memoir discusses everything from his struggles with driving, money exchange, healthcare and learning to be more adventurous with food. I was particularly interested in this work since I had spent a summer in Brittany and Paris with my grandparents as a teenager and was eager to see how his experiences were similar or different from my own in comparison to his time in Brittany. Greenside definitely is a bit of a curmudgeon, but in putting forth this version of himself the annoyance or frustrations he feels struggling with another culture play off as humorous and more self-deprecating than offensive towards those he interacts with, which can always be a possibility with travel fiction. I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Richard Poe, who brings Greenside’s humorous and at times touching tales to life.

Looking for more Americans in Paris; check out my review of the adorable TV series, Emily in Paris.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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An Audiobook, You’ll be Glad You Checked Out: I’m Glad My Mom Died

1 Mar

My children are fans of Jennette McCurdy in her various Nickelodeon roles (roles she despised), so it was perhaps inevitable that I would listen to her biography, I’m Glad My Mom Died.  

Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to not listen to this book with my kids, because, watch out, as the title implies, this book is dark.  Like pitch-black dark.  It’s really a remarkable tale of Jennette’s abuse at the hands of a family member (her mom) and the erosion of her own identity to fulfill her mother’s wishes.  And the hits keep coming!  When you think, “this is terrible,” another thing comes along and you’re like “this is more terrible.”  And that happens from the beginning to the end of this book!  

I listened and didn’t read this book which I feel is the appropriate format because Jennette narrates her own tale.  I think if you are triggered by familial abuse you may want to either steer clear of this book or read it, that may make it more palatable.  Ultimately, this is a tale of recovery, because Jennette has been doing the work to get better.  This book is Exhibit A. 

Written by:
James Cox
Special Collections Manager 

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