Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Wry Humour, Sly Eye…The author, a French national, gives advice and tips for interacting and getting on with her compatriots in this short guide. With wry humour and a sly eye, the mystery of the Gallic cooking pot is revealed. Amusing and entertaining. ~ ruth giles (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Astre-Démoulin has achieved the impossible—especially for a French person—by connecting the theoretical to the practical. She begins by identifying what the French see as their characteristic strengths, then delves into French history, culture, and life to show how they developed, and goes on to explain why they are a source of French pride. She then steps out of the French mindset to understand how each French quality, when taken to excess, can be seen negatively by non-French people. Finally, she proposes nuts-and-bolts practical strategies to bridge the cultural gaps and help intercultural teams work together more smoothly and effectively. This is a succinct and pleasurable read with considerable depth. It imparts a great deal of wisdom for non-French and French people alike, and confirms my conviction that even after decades of living with the French, there’s always something new to learn—and of course, to discuss for hours while enjoying a delicious meal together! ~ Ruth Mastron, Ruth Mastron, MA,Intercultural Specialist and Writer

I went through the whole gamut of emotions while reading the idiosyncratic viewpoints expressed in this book. Sometimes surprised, even a little irritated, I found I was also charmed because the author sheds an interesting light on the complex nature of a people close to my heart. All in all, reading this text—and uncovering its humorous illustrations—was a very enjoyable experience. ~ Nine Simon, French Literary Events Programmer

Marie-José’s engaging wit and elegant prose add more than a soupçon of class to The Gallic Cooking Pot. She muses that the French have been blessed with numerous gifts but rather than writing a peaen to Frenchness, she delivers forensic insights into why the French are often perceived as difficult or contradictory. The “Fix Its” (at the end of each chapter) are insightful tools for improving effective communication, universally. ~ Dr. Susan Laverick , Crosscultural Communication Specialist, Director Beaufort Group Consulting

I absolutely love this book! It has been beautifully crafted. It educated and entertained me throughout. The Gallic Cooking Pot is such a witty and wonderfully woven gem of a book and I would highly recommend it. ~ Liggy Webb, Award-Winning Author and Presenter

The author is turning for us foreigners the key in the lock of the mystery on how to understand French people or “Frenchness”. Only a French could do this. The book is humorous and serious all together. Jan Abellan’s illustrations achieve the perfect balance: “just right and not too much”. ~ Dr. Dr. h.c. Walter B. Gyger, Retired Swiss Ambassador

This is a succinct and pleasurable read with considerable depth. It imparts a great deal of wisdom for non-French and French people alike, and confirms my conviction that even after decades of living with the French, there’s always something new to learn—and of course, to discuss for hours while enjoying a delicious meal together! ~ Ruth Mastron, MA, Intercultural Specialist, Writer

This easy-to-read book explains how some qualities and specificities can cause misunderstandings. I was particularly interested because I have a PhD in Risk Management...and I happen to be French myself ! I intend to use those skills in my daily life and work. ~ Julien Chorier , Ultrarunner - Speaker

"Achieving a successful recipe means being light-handed and balanced with the ingredients.” As the author shows us, the rule has application well beyond the kitchen. Between gastronomical courses we learn about the Académie française, Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. That is the France I, a Cuban-American, have learned to love and admire. A fun book to take with you on vacation! ~ Dr. Alfred de Zayas, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of the United Nations Society of Writers, Past Président, PEN International Centre Suisse Romand 2006-2009, 2013-2017

The author presents her compatriots with a touch of self-deprecating irony. As a specialist in self-development and conflict resolution, she is experienced in analysing human behaviour. In this book she applies her skills to enable Anglophones get a better understanding of the French mentality—which may seem a little bizarre at times ... ~ Huguette Junod, Swiss Publisher

As a former rugby player, as well as with my business partners, I know that it’s important to go beyond stereotypes to put messages across and have an impact. The Gallic Cooking-Pot does exactly that; it’s a very instructive book about French culture and specificities, and a good read : illuminating, for any visitor to France. ~ Serge Betsen, Former Rugby Player, Coach and Speaker, Founder of Serge Betsen Academy

Marie-José Astre's years of working in the United Nations gives her an in-depth awareness of what is profoundly French. She explains what is specifically French in an easy to read and pleasant format. ~ Katrina Burrus, PhD, MCC , Leadership catalyst-speaker-author