Julie and Julia
by Julie Powell
Published: September 28, 2005
Genres: Memoir, Non-fiction
Format: Paperback (310 pages)
Source: Purchased
Some people go on pilgrimages; Julie Powell attempted to master one cookbook. Thirty years old, bored with her job, hating her Queens apartment, Powell decided to transcend her life by concocting all 524 recipes in Julia Child's 1961 classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking -- in a single year. Replicating Child's kitchen artistry at such short notice tested Julie's skill and stamina, not to mention her husband's patience; but it did produce a high-spirited, sometimes hilarious memoir.
It made me laugh out loud sometimes, but swears so much that I wouldn’t recommend it. The movie catches the essence of what she went through in the book. There are some scenes in the book that were funny and didn’t make it into the movie, but there are also a few gross stories that didn’t make it into the movie, either. Overall, the writing was good.
Content Rating: High, for strong language (we’re talking f-bombs like it’s WWII).
About Julie Powell
Julie Powell was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where she first fell in love with cooking — and her husband, Eric. She is the author of a cooking memoir, Julie & Julia, which was released in 2005. Her writing has appeared in Bon Appétit, The New York Times, House Beautiful, and Archaeology Magazine, among others. She lives in Long Island City, Queens.
My name is Jessica. I love to read Young Adult and classic literature. I’ve been a book blogger for six years and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. I’m a very curious reader. Writing about all the questions and thoughts I had while reading a book is the best hobby ever.
I’ve wondered about this one but I think I’m fine having just seen the movie.