French / Read-a-thon update...

Read two books last night / this morning, as part of the Read-a-thon and Paris in July Challenge

What French Women Know: About Love, Sex and Other Matters of Heart and Mind by Debra Ollivier

Written by an American who has married and lived in France, this is an interesting of what makes French women 'French' - She discusses body politics, sexuality, motherhood, food etc,. writing with insight and a certain wit.
While there is obviously no typical French Woman, this is an interesting account of many of the attitudes of French woman.
I particularly liked the section on aging, where she suggests that French women are less concerned with age than with self confidence, as seen in my favourite quote from the book:

'In France there is less concern about "fixing" mother nature or human nature, because you don't "fix" yourself in France - you cultivate yourself. You don't fuss over the "right" way to do something; you work with who you are and create your own personal narrative, and, accepting that the brevity of time is inevitable, you fill your life with as much pleasure as possible."

I found the book interesting and her style of writing easy to read.
3/5

The other book I read is a craft book:

 Made in France: Cross-stitch and Embroidery in Red, White and Blue by Agnes Delage-Calvet and Anne Sohier-Fournel

This is a lovely book with some very pretty charming rustic / folk patterns.
it is divided into three sections - red, white and blue designs

3/5

Currently reading The Bone Thief: A Body Farm Thriller by Jefferson Bass

The fifth installment of this excellent series...