Life

The Julie/Julia Project

July 29, 2009

julie-julia-book-covers1I’m on vacation this week and selected a book I’ve been meaning to read for quite some time as my “beach read.” I picked up Julie & Julia by Julie Powell on Friday night and finished it by Monday night, it was that good. One of the most authentic and open-hearted memoir-style books I’ve read in a while.

I won’t spoil the book for you, especially if you’re planning to see the movie. Obviously, it’s Julie Powell’s story of the year she spent cooking through Julia Child’s cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. She also shares insights into where she was at in her life and marriage at that time, and all of the things she learned about herself, her friends, and life in general by “cooking dangerously” (with her husband’s help) in a tiny outer boroughs kitchen in Long Island City.

If you’re planning to see the movie and you want the whole story, please read the book, too. It’s incredible.

One last thing before I go – You really must read the blog. It’s still online, and it will give you another side of the story – the readers’ side, and why the Julie & Julia Project came to mean so much. http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/2002/08/25.html

(Quick tip: The blog is old school and difficult to navigate. Use the link above, and then click on successive dates in the calendar at the top of the right column to read the blog “in order.”)

Are you planning to watch Julie & Julia when it comes out in August? This film is on my list of most anticipated movies of the year. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep? Sweet!

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6 Comments

  • Reply Lea August 1, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    I am really liking this book, too! So glad you wrote this recommendation, because I wouldn’t have known anything about it otherwise! It’s a fun read, and it’s in demand! People have made special calls about it at the bookstore, and there are 5 holds on it at the library. Looking forward to reading more tonight. Thanks! 🙂

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  • Reply Dee Wilcox August 1, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. I learned today that the movie comes out August 7, and I’m thinking of trying to read Julia Child’s My Life in France before then. So glad you were able to get the book at the library!

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  • Reply Lea August 2, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    August 7! That’s soon! Never read anything by Julia Child, could be good! I’ve just been reading a copy at the bookstore since it’s not available at the library. Read about dinner parties and aspic yesterday. 🙂

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  • Reply Mom Wanda August 6, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    Wow, Dee, that sounds very interesting. I would like to read the book, too, when I finish ones I am reading. Just for FUN. I really would like to see that movie, too. But, I will never cook a lobster or make aspic. 🙂

    I love you and I am very proud of you!

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  • Reply Mom Wanda August 6, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    Well… I don’t know about aspic…

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  • Reply Dee Wilcox August 6, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    Oh, no, me, either! All of the aspic recipes sound gross, and I could never cook a live lobster. I don’t know how I’d even get one home!

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