Reviews of my favorite books written by expatriates, journalists, and diplomats on what it's really like to live abroad

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Book Review: The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn

When Kathleen Flinn got laid off from her corporate job, the 36-year old took it as a sign from the fates that perhaps she was meant to live her dream life after all. So, she cashed in her savings and left for Paris to study for an entire year at Julia Child's alma mater, Le Cordon Bleu.

This memoir is the world's only behind-the-scenes portrayal of Le Cordon Bleu in the 21st century. Personally I love stuff like this, when you get to see what something terribly glamorous is truly like in real life. Kathleen is a great guide, sharing both the magic and the stresses of studying with some of the toughest teachers in the world. Laughter, new love, tears, and very sharp knives -- it's all in there along with her favorite recipes.

Also includes, to me amusing, sections on how hard it is to find a half-decent rental apartment in Paris for a remotely reasonable price.

Worth a read if you:
- Are a foodie and/or a cook
- Have dreamed of chucking it all in and moving to Paris
- Enjoy true-life love stories and romantic comedies

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