Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie PowellOne of the critiques about Julie Powell I read while checking out reviews of Julie & Julia was that she is too self-centered. Well, this book is a memoir, which in itself means that it will be all about her, right? I actually really enjoyed reading about Julie’s successes and mishaps while attempting to make all of Julia Child’s recipes in her cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in one year.
Julie came to notoriety through her blog that she kept throughout her year of cooking. It garnered a lot of attention and made her a bit of a minor celebrity. I must admit, I don’t remember any of it. I first came aware of her with the release of the movie of the same name. I wish I had known about the blog, though. Her writing style, her humour and the content would have all kept me reading.
The book had me laughing out loud, but what was most funny to me were the parts that had nothing to do with her actual cooking. I related more with her love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Silence of the Lambs, of her liberal and honest views of the world, and her take on her blog readers’ reactions to her posts. The parts of the book focused on her cooking was just as funny as well.
Julie & Julia was really enjoyable, laugh out loud funny, a great look into the life of an Austinite living in New York. Which reminds me, the Austin references were fun to read as well. One other thing, I know I have complained a bit in the past about the overuse of profanity in novels. Well, there is quite a bit in this one as well, but it didn’t bother me in the least probably because it seems realistic, part of Julie Powell’s personality. Just be forewarned.
4/5
A to Z Reading Challenge
I'm always confounded when people say they don't like a memoir because the author is too self-centered. Uh... isn't that the definition of memoir? Anyway, this sounds like a fun read. I saw a very nice edition of the bookstore yesterday, and had I not already been about to spend too much money, I probably would have gotten this too. Still, it's on my list as a future purchase.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I'll have to look for that while I'm at home.
ReplyDeleteI missed all the blogging of Julie also. I really need to read this book. I don't know anyone that hasn't enjoyed it. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the book and thought that the movie was well done. I think it's coming out on DVD soon. You should really rent it. Meryll Streep is superb!
ReplyDeleteI have wanted this book for awhile!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind profanity if there is a reason for it, but I'm not sure about this one.
ReplyDeleteI've got this on Mt. TBR and have been waiting for someone to give me a review like this to really make me want to read it. I've read so many bad reviews that I had all but given up hope.
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