December '08 discussion thread: French Milk

[Caryl]

Here is our discussion thread for French Milk, one of our December group reads. As always, be cautious of reading the posts below if you haven't finished, as they may contain spoilers.

[jennifershepard]

I loved French Milk and will likely re-read it this weekend. Lucy Knisley has a fresh, enthusiastic voice and wonderful artist talent. Telling the story of a trip she took to Paris with her mother, who was celebrating her 50th birthday, by way of illustrations was brilliant.

[Caryl]

I enjoyed French Milk, too. It was a perfect read for a busy December. It brought me back to my junior year in France, and made me homesick for Paris. (I didn't live in Paris, but it's such a gorgeous city that once you've been there, I think you always feel a little homesick to go back again.) I think I should read a Paris (or France?) book every December.

Lucy is so fun, and so young. I thought it was cute that even though it was a milestone birthday for her mother (50!), she didn't talk much about that but instead focused on her own 22nd birthday and her search for her self and her future. (There is a sweet panel where her mother tells her, when she gets depressed, "This is just what happens in your 20s. Sometimes it's just like this.")

Here is Lucy Knisley's website. Lots of fun stuff to browse through there!