A month ago, I was asked to review the new Julia Child, A Life by Laura Shapiro from Penguin Lives. Penguin Lives is an” innovative series of biographies pairing celebrated writers with famous individuals who have shaped our thinking.” Laura Shapiro is a celebrated food writer who has done justice with this beautiful concise book on the life of Julia Child. Click here to read her take on the current film Julia and Julia for Gourmet. Penguin Lives timing of the release of this book naturally coincides with the release of the film. There are a few great books on the legendary Julia Child. Besides this, I have read Appetite for Life by Noel Fitch Riley, which Shapiro credits as a reference in her research. For those that want the gist and essence of what Julia is about, this book is for you. A perfect primer if the subject is new to you ands you want delve further.Reading this book, I fell in love with Mrs. Child all over again. I find my inspiration in that she was late starter like myself, and had the support of a nurturing and supportive partner to cultivate her talent and mission in Paul Child. We share the same philosophy in that “People who love to eat are the best people’… for Julia loving food and loving life were the same”.
With all the hype surrounding the movie Julia and Julia, I suggest you read this gem of book to see who Julia Child was and what shaped and drove her to her success. A lot can be learned from her energetic attitude towards life love, and food.
I am giving away a copy of Julia Child, A Life. Just leave a comment reflecting on Julia child and I will draw one winner by Saturday September 19th. If you promote the giveaway on Twitter @glamah or Facebook with a link to this post, leave another comment to double your chances for winning. Bonne Chance and Bon Appetit!
My favorite Julia Child quote: “Always remember: If you’re alone in the kitchen and you drop the lamb, you can always just pick it up. Who’s going to know?”
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book!
I took my non-foodie friends to the movie and we all loved it. One of my favourite Julia quotes, "Being tall is an advantage, especially in business. People will always remember you. And if you're in a crowd, you'll always have some clean air to breathe."
ReplyDeleteI was just looking at this book in a bookstore a few days ago, but wanted to hear some reviews about it first! So thanks, you read my mind.
ReplyDeleteJulia is an inspiration to home cooks all over. I was always convinced that the chef in Ratatouille the movie was based on Julia. With the motto: "anyone can cook!".
I will also be posting about this on FB and Twitter!
Julia is truly the original "celebrity" chef who made it easier for those of us at home (or in many cases our parents) to make fantastic meals. She had no fear and that is something novice cooks could take away from her. I'd love to win a copy of this fantastic book!
ReplyDeleteShe was a great person! I have tested a few of her recipes and loved every single one of them...
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosa
An inspiration to all home cooks & wannabe chefs :)
ReplyDeleteCheers
Mikey
when I was in elementary school, my mother got migraine headaches often and Julia became a real friend to me on the weekends. I remember so many episodes so clearly to this day.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know who Julia Child was (I love in a cave in Africa -LOL) until the movie - now I that I know about her - I have googled everything I can find about her - she is an inspiration to foodies everywhere (even the cave dwellers in Africa)!!
ReplyDeleteHola Beauty! Thanks for all your comments in my blog, Courtney :D.
ReplyDeleteI do need to catch up too!!!!! But I will take it easy this time.
The book sounds so nice... I wonder if it has been translated. However my budget on cook books is below 0... I just bought a couple: A bread one and a Tripe/hearts/tongue/ears... you know, these kind of pieces.
I'm happy to be back at your blog visiting and wait for your next post :D
This book sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThe movie is finally opening in Italy next month. I cannot wait.
I remember watching the show she did with Jacques Pepin. Hilarious, especially as they eyed each other over their different methods of preparing the same dish, but what's great is that it was done in a fun manner. Everybody has their own method, and this series showed that there's more than one way to go about it.
ReplyDeleteNot entering this time, but it looks like a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteI still remember watching Julia, fascinated, in our living room, marveling that anyone could like cooking that. much.
Never imagined I'd grow up to be a cooking-obsessed person myself.
But happily for my old, eclectic self, not obsessed like Julia. But oh, the world is better for her obsession!
Thanks for the review. Never read any of her books or tried her recipes. Maybe it's time.
ReplyDeleteLove your cakes below. You HAVE been busy.
Paz
Hi Courtney -
ReplyDeleteI read Julie & Julia and saw the movie too. The movie was great.
Meryl Streep is a genius.
I thought it was a shame, however, that it took this book by Julie Powell to make a blockbuster movie about Julia Child. I would welcome a movie about Julia Child, about her entire life, and I would love to see Meryl Streep play her again.
LL
So glad to read your review of this book. I, too, grew up watching a few segments of Julia Child, but really didn’t know anything about her until seeing previews of the movie. Reading the posts of favorite quotes makes me want to learn more!
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