Bébé

After getting an iPad for my birthday, I've really started to embrace all of it's benefits.  I was gifted a subscription to The New York Times (my fave), which I read daily.  I also am loving the convenience of reading books on this tablet.

My latest read was Pamela Druckerman's book, Bringing Up Bébé.  I loved it!  Though I'm not at all expecting (note: currently sitting in a lumber yard knocking on every piece of timber in the place), I really enjoyed learning about her experience at trying to raise her children the French way.  

The part I enjoyed most was learning that children learned to eat everything.  To "just try it."  I think that  I've lived in the United States for so long that I can't even imagine a child enjoying oysters or stinky cheeses.  But stinky cheeses were on the lunch menu at her daughters school.  Balanced and healthy meals were provided.  They even had meetings to discuss the upcoming menus. 

Food is so important.  It nourishes our bodies by giving us energy and brain power.  I remember the school lunches offered to me growing up.  I remember fluorescent yellow cheese and wilted lettuce salads.  The rolls and the pizza were the only things I really cared for (not exactly the healthiest things available).

I find the difference so fascinating.  I know that the grass is always greener.  I'm proud to be an American, most definitely.  But the ritual of meals that the French are known for?  Oh la la! 

Have you read this book?  Did you enjoy it?