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The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry: Love, Laughter, and Tears at the World's Most Famous Cooking School Hardcover – October 4, 2007

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Kathleen Flinn (Author)
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Kathleen Flinn (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars 145 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Viking Adult; 1st edition (October 4, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0670018228
  • ISBN-13: 978-0670018222
  • Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1 x 9.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (145 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #171,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsFrom one Alumni to another...
By L. Gasparro on January 15, 2009
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
While reading this book I had the ultimate thrill of reliving my own amazing experience as a culinary student (and graduate) at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris! Kathleen's story was like reading a Diary I should have written of my experience at this incredible institution. Details such as how overwhelming it is in Basic Cuisine to watch a Chef cook, listen to what he says, listen to the translation, write down every detail and jump between 3 different recipies at the same time was incredibly accurate. I laughed out loud at the Chef's constantly saying 'plus sel' because I thought I was the only one who never put in enought salt! Even though she changed the names of the Chefs, it was quite simple to figure out who they actually were...the handsome Chef was in fact quite the playboy who often went after the young, pretty girls, the singing Chef was always in a good mood and even though he didn't speak much english, made up for it by hugging you and kissing you on the cheek if he liked what you did!

Kathleen's details of fish guts, skinned rabbits, screaming Chef's, furious competition amongst students and drinking after school at the local Brasserie bring you into the 'real world' of the school

I, too, took 3 months off before going thru Superior Cuisine. It was difficult when I returned becaused I did not know anyone and most people already had their 'clicks' from Basic. I did have the pleasure of having Giada DeLaurentis in my class, she was shy, quite and very serious about cooking, but then we all were by that point.

To anyone who reads this book, please know that Kathleen tells the story from her heart, with insight, accuracy and amazing detail. I loved every word of it.
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5.0 out of 5 starsTrials and triumphs in the world's most famous cooking school
By Bundt Lust TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on March 13, 2008
Format: Hardcover
The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry is a riveting memoir of one woman's journey through the hallowed kitchens of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Fresh from a corporate layoff in her London office, Kathleen Flinn chases her childhood dream to attend Le Cordon Bleu, encouraged by then-boyfriend Mike. Kathleen's love for cooking came as a result of necessity: after her father's early death from cancer when Kathleen was a teenager, she took over cooking for her family, eventually exploring the works of Julia Child and other cuisines. As an adult, her job in journalism allowed her to dabble in food writing and to indulge her love of restaurants, cooking, and food around the globe (including a brush with food poisoning from undercooked pig kidneys in China).

Kathleen's witty observations of Cordon Bleu demonstrations and classes are culled from 600 pages of personal notes, 120 hours of audio recordings, and selections from the 300-plus recipes in the Cordon Bleu curriculum, so readers are instantly immersed into the grueling world of elite chefdom, including less appetizing ventures such as gutting fish, removing tendons and glands from chickens and guinea fowl, beheading rabbits, and chopping live lobsters in half (this book is definitely NOT for the squeamish). However, such visions are tempered by sweeter notes, including puff pastry and delicate sauces described in detail.

Kathleen describes her new friends and classmates in detail, along with her continuing explorations of Paris and her struggles to improve her rusty French. One of the book's most touching moments involves a visit from her sister, who had planned on studying at the Sorbonne but gave up her place (and her dreams of studying in France) when their father was diagnosed with terminal cancer.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsI'm Transported Back to Paris Every Night
By Memoir lover on October 11, 2007
Format: Hardcover
I've found another page-turner. I'm the sort who puts the average modern book down after forcing myself through a couple chapters (for example, I loved the Italy section of "Eat, Pray" but skipped the India section for Bali), but this book so far does not disappoint. With each page of this book, not only do I feel the author's pain (how many times can Chef make her cry? Will the new romance develop?) but there are great tips and tricks for preparing food. I can't wait to try the chicken stock recipe. Kathleen is a naturally gifted writer with a great flair for words.
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4.0 out of 5 starsDelicious!
By Colleen Moonen on October 9, 2007
Format: Hardcover
What's not to love?

Kathleen Flinn takes us along with her to Paris and the famed Le Cordon Bleu. The descriptions of the school, her fellow students, the Chefs and the dishes they prepare are charming. But be warned - some of the techniques and dishes are hard to stomach - such as cooking a rabbit.

The apartments, the city streets and markets, and the many people she meets enrich the story. It also gives a good view of the French and their customs. While briefly mentioned, she does talk about what it is like to be an American in Paris during Iraq. All of this is done so honestly and without agenda that it is refreshing and enlightening. I learned a lot from the Chef who gave a little history lesson with each dish he demonstrated.

This book has a quote on the jacket from the author of Eat, Pray, Love and I have seen some comparisons. Having read both books I must confess I much prefer Ms. Flinn's. She is warm, charming and open. While she is taking this great risk to follow her dream she embraces the experience and she grows and deepens. I only got 2/3 of the way thru Eat, Pray, Love because I found the author self-centered and immature. I felt she wasted her time and mine.

This book was a real treat!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Very enjoyable reading.

Published 3 months ago by Pearl
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

I travel to Paris a lot and enjoyed learning more about the cooking school.

Published 4 months ago by V. Jones
3.0 out of 5 starsI wouldn't call this book terrible, but it was

I wouldn't call this book terrible, but it was, how do I put this kindly? flat and uneventful... not exactly exciting reading. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Elizabeth Tai
5.0 out of 5 starsBecoming a Le Cordon Bleu Chef

The path to becoming a chef is lined with successes as well as failures. Kat tells her story as the Ups and downs of her life inside and outside the kitchen. Read more

Published 6 months ago by Jill E. List
5.0 out of 5 starsParis review for foodies

A fun read about life in Paris and studies at the "original".

Published 8 months ago by David H. Leech
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

I loved it!!!!

Published 9 months ago by Candy
4.0 out of 5 starsOne of the better books about the creation of a chef set in ...

One of the better books about the creation of a chef set in the city of great food at its finest school. Read more

Published 14 months ago by Keith C.
5.0 out of 5 starsIf You've Ever Dreamed of Cooking School

As a person, as a teacher, as a writer and as a cook; the word that describes Kathleen Flinn and her work is approachable. Read more

Published 14 months ago by T. Haugen
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Great read and delicious recipes included as well!

Published 16 months ago by Love2Nest
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Recommend. Excellent read.

Published 17 months ago by MfH

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