Bonjour, Happiness! Paperback – April 1, 2011

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which I read because I was planning to attend a conference where the author would be speaking. She turned out to be just as much fun as the her book. Essentially, it's an easy-going read, with lots of suggestions for how to enjoy life more, and since it's done with a French twist (so to speak) it makes it even more readable.I had no expectations of following any of the suggestions when I started reading, but I find myself looking for something to wear that has a bit of flair to it (a skirt maybe? JCC would approve) or making sure I chat to local shopkeepers to keep my flirting up to speed. Not actual flirting, but...oh, read the book!PS This gets 4 stars instead of 5 because if I've met the author and like them, I think readers will discount my review. But I'll be reading more of her books because I really liked this one

Very nice read :). Whenever I put it down, I'm left smiling and inspired.The only thing that I can say that's not quite as positive is, I wasn't expecting so many refrences to Weight Watchers. It kind of felt like a promotional read for that company at times. It was offputting at times because I wasn't expecting such a focus on weight and diet.... Other than that this book is great :)

It seems as if I cannot buy enough books to satisfy my desire to learn more about France and the city of Paris in particular. Each book seems to tell me of a new place or restaurant or museum that must be visited when given the opportunity to travel to France again. These books make me envy the time and adventures the authors found when they were there.

Not for the true Francophile. I saw this book and thought I was downloading a sample, but instead I was buying it, so I went ahead and read it. I had to return it. This book was awful.I don't like to give negative reviews, but I want to spare readers like me, who love everything French, from wasting their money. There are times when I read negative reviews and I buy the book anyway, because I'm not looking for the same thing that those reviewers were looking for in this book. But when buying this type of book, I think we're all looking for the same thing-to find out what it is that the French, and French women in particular have that we don't have.I'm coming at this book, and others like it, from a different perspective, at times I read these books from a work perspective rather than a pleasure perspective. I study French culture for a living and I'm married to a Frenchman, so I do feel that I have a good idea of what these books should have.What this book doesn't have is a French woman, or a woman who spent her life in France. The author apparently lived in France during her high school years many years ago as part of an exchange program (Tip**have you noticed how many woman write these books who did the same thing? don't buy those books. Living in France for a year in high school does not qualify you to write a book on what French women do or don't do.) then she went back for a few weeks for a writing course and she "interviewed" French women. The problem I have with that is that a lot of the women that she uses as examples in the book are American women who are Francophiles like she is. That's not very helpful. You want advice like this from a real French woman (if only I could get my MIL to write a book, she is a treasure trove of information).Second a lot of the book is NOT about her time in France, but rather her life back in the US and she goes VERY, VERY far off the subject. She uses a lot of examples of things that are "French" but bases them on very American ideas.I would have given this one star, but I hate to do that. However I would advise anyone against getting this. It is just another author trying to get on the money bandwagon of the French. Avoid at all cost. There are much, much better books out there.

Thank you Jamie Cat Callan for brilliantly shining the light on the single most destructive element to sanity, joy and living a fulland meaningful life...perfectionism. By re-focusing us all on the easily available natually occurring ingredients that cook-up a delicious human life --good friends, food & lingerie (among other things) that don't cost much more than a little attention and effort, you have brought much deep happiness to the lives of your readers. I can tell you I have noticed first hand a big difference in consciousness in both my mother and sister since they read your book! They too send you a big round of merci beaucoup for taking the time to create this gift of wisdom for us all.---Alana Ruben Free

I love of Jamie Callan's books: they're just beautifully written. This one is of course about how French women find happiness in the moments of life. Callan's observations and stories about her time in France are humorous, touching, insightful and you just feel as if you're right there with her in the moment. This one is my favorite of her books. It's worth rereading and has a place on my shelf.UPDATE: I just got the Audible version too. The voice talent is wonderful. I feel as if I'm transported. Great read and listen.

Trust Jamie Cat Callan to delight, entertain and encourage her readers, as they discover their own personal joie de vivre. In her honest and sensitive manner, we find that she, like many American women benefit from French women's secrets. We can learn to be more confident, nurturing our individual tastes and appreciating small moments in a loving life. And what woman or man cannot use this gentle reminder to be as charming and gracious as the author herself? See you in Paris, Jamie. Thanks for the wonderful read.Kathy Handley, author

She wrote and wrote and finally, toward the end of the book, what she wrote almost became a readable draft which could have been edited into a book. Someone referred to this as a memoir, it is not. Mostly it is Francofile Froth, an advertizement for Weight Watchers and a rehash of French Women Don't Get Fat written for well to do middle class white "girlfriends" who don't mind swooning over everything French!

This is a lovely little book with lots of tips on how to make the best of yourself whilst retaining an air of mystery and how to live mindfully in the present. Although I don't know anything about French women it gave a wonderful insight into how they conduct their lives. Jamie makes much of how the French females always wear a pretty scarf to finish off an outfit, I used to have a friend whose sister lived in France and she always wore a scarf, now I know why!

I've just finished this wonderful book while recovering from 'flu on New Year's Eve. I'm studying for an AS level in French, a bit behind in my studies (due the 'flu!), and was rapidly losing the love for all things French. I don't have the money to visit France on a regular basis so at times it's hard to visualize the distant goal of one day becoming a fluent French speaker.Well, no longer. This little book brings the essence of France and the French to you (even in cold, dark Northern Ireland). Jamie, an American, writes lovingly about and with admiration for the wonderful, slightly mysterious French women she has met. I learnt a little of their lives in France, a few of their secrets and what the joy of living means to them. It also teaches you to live in the present and appreciate the small everyday things. Not always easy to do when you when you are trying to grasp French indirect object pronouns!Officially in love with France and all things French again. Thank you, Jamie.

This book gives several good tips about how to improve you life in order to be more stylish and cool. It helps you visualize the woman you want to be - if you admire French women it will definitely help you to make sound choices about your diet, cloths, make-up etc. And the most important, it will show you how to make something special out of every single day.  Bonjour, Happiness!: Secrets to Finding Your Joie De VivreBonjour, Happiness!: Secrets to Finding Your Joie De Vivre

Uplifting to read and fun to act upon the advice given. It really makes a different to ones perception of things.

Great feel good factor book. Holiday reading or everyday Bible ... Loads of little tips to make life that little more special for yourself.