Where I live, I imagine that finding cuisine or specific type of food is as easy as one-two-three. I even take it for granted that if I desire to find a specific type meat or tea, I can easily drive to an ethnic market and buy it there, thus its difficult for me to imagine that prior to 2017, France didn't have any kale. Unlike the author, I only knew kale because it became popular recently and even then I just knew the name; I didn't know it was a cabbage (there are things I don't know) and I also had no idea that kale was so well known prior to 2017. Back to the book, the author has done an amazing job researching things about kale and introducing it to those who are new to the craze as well as making it an exciting fish out of water story about a young woman who has moved to France and the daily struggles she experiences while living life there be it returning things, language barriers or learning the norms of France

I was given this for an honest review ( )

After a failed attempt to bring transport her favorite vegetable kale from New York City in her luggage, homesick Kristen begin a quest to find elusive vegetable in the French markets. A member of the cabbage family, kale is easy to grow and can be harvested in about sixty days after germinating. It is a journey of childhood recollections, dating, marriage, and relationships as Kristen settles into life in France. The book is peppered with recipes. ( )

Here's another Paris memoir. Goodness! Is there an infinite market for American in Paris fairy tales? I will give author Kristen Beddard points for not being in love with the idea of Paris before she gets there & for doing a realistic job of describing the alienation a person feels not being able to speak the language beyond the level of a two-year old.

However, her breathless descriptions on the joys of kale and her messianic quest to reintroduce the green to France was not appealing - maybe because I've just never gotten into the whole kale craze. At least it was a quick read.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I finally finished my foodie Paris book, Bonjour Kale. I was a little reluctant to try Bonjour Kale. Yes, I adore Paris, but a story about the woman who reintroduces Paris to kale? Happily, Kristen Beddard is a solid writer, and her passion for kale has convinced me to give this healthy-food vegetable a try. Preferably in Paris, but who knows?

A lovely memoir of life in Paris by Kirsten Beddard.
Whilst growing up in America, she "grew up" with kale.
Moving to Paris with her husband she realised that kale was not to be found anywhere, or being mistaken for cabbage, which it isn't.
Kristen set about the onerous task of introducing the leafy vegetable to France.
This book reads as a memoir, French travel and recipe book rolled into one and should be on everyone's cookery book shelf.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Sourcebooks via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review. ( )