2011 books: part 2

[[I began this book an embarassing length of time ago, but since I finished it in this calendar year, I am going to count it.]]

Like many Julia-lovers, I went to see Julie & Julia in theaters eager to see the hilarious, curly-haired chef portrayed by Meryl Streep.  Between the movie and the novel, I couldn't bring myself to love the character of Julie (she was a whiney lady, am I right?).  I did, however, love learning more about the life of Julia Child and her husband, Paul.  Since their love story was, in my opinion, the best part of the movie, I knew I had to read Julia's account of it all, on which that portion of Julie & Julia is largely based.

And I loved it.  I like to think that it took me so long to read because I was savoring it.  Julia actually wrote it with the help of her great nephew.  Her voice shines through so beautifully, telling the happy love story of her life with Paul and the start of her love for France and food.

It's a must read -- especially if you love food!

2011 books: part 1

One of my goals for this year was to read more non-school books.  A book a month has not been my practice, and considering the girth of my textbooks last semester and this summer semester, I decided not to be too hard on myself about it.  Here's what I have been into, though....

For January, I read Laurie Colwin's Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen.  It and a few of her other books were recommended to me by my mother in law, Judy, when Blake and I were in Wichita for Christmas.

Ms. Colwin wrote mostly fiction, but this particular book is a collection of some of her essays on food and cooking for friends and family.  I found it hilarious and entertaining (especially for those interested in cooking and how good food brings people together).  It was warm and personable and reminded me of some of my own misadventures in front of the stove.  

Laurie Colwin died at the young age of 48, leaving her husband and young daughter and many fans of her prose saddened and wondering why.  You can read more about her story here.

I highly recommend this -- it's a quick read and very culinary-ly inspiring!