3.8 out of 4 stars.
“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook – try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!”
There were so many wonderful aspects about this book. I would recommend anyone picking it up if they love any of these subjects; love (Paul and Julia), cooking (tons of recipes), France (where Julia found her passion), history (filled with classic photos from the early 1940s), and humor (jam-packed with hilarious sayings).
I was having so much fun reading it that the book just flew by and when I finished I wish there was more available to DEVOUR. Food joke.
Julia’s true calling came later in life when her and her husband, Paul, moved to Paris for his job with the US government. Julia was looking for something to fill the time with in this new foreign land so she decided to pick up cooking lessons at Le Cordon Bleu just down the street. Once she received her diploma she began teaching cooking lessons and was introduced to two true frenchwomen, Louisette and Sima. The three amigos became instant friends and the two ladies asked Julia to hop on their cookbook they had been writing. Unlike their admiration for one another, the book did not take off quite as fast. It took almost 10 years for the ladies to complete it and get it published. However, once it hit the stands the history of what occurred made it all well worth it. Julia Child became a house hold name.
Unfortunately, I do not have a distinguished palate. I could eat cardboard pizza every day and be as happy as a pig rolling around in mud. It is hard for me to try new things and be patient enough to let the taste interest me. However, after reading this book I cannot lie and say that Julia did not spark my interest in the culinary arts. She has such a captivating way of writing and describing all the fun it is to experiment and entertain people. It is a world that seemed less rigid and intimidating when Child described it.
Great read for the spring and summer. Makes you want to go out and explore!
