Victoria E's Profile

I used the alarm feature on my cell phone

5 out of 5 for me :)

The book was spectacular and I'm so glad that I joined this book club to read it. This isn't the kind of book tat I would normally buy, but it was more than worth the time to read it.

Julia's voice is what continues to strike me the most in this book. She is so very genuine in everything she does. So rare it is to find someone that truly loves everything she does and puts her all into it - that is what Julia Child was and we need more people like her.

It would be an ok idea if they didn't use BIC pens for their promo shots since it pretty well known that BIC tests on animals.

In theory, bamboo makes a great eco-fiber, but when I researched more into its production for a piece I wrote last October, I found it wasn't as great as everyone thinks:

http://victoria-e.com/writing/green-living-online-how-green-is-bamboo-fabric/

Reading about her dedication to the book (not THIS book, her first book) is inspiration, but it is a pity that it took so long to put together - worth the effort, I don't deny that, but so many years on the same book ... wow!

I have already finished the book because it was such a nice read. I was actually more inspired to look into all of her other books and the DVD of her show that recently came to stores. Her personality is infectious and the whole book is quite enjoyable.

In Chapter 2, there were a few particular sentences that striked me:

Pg 71 "I wondered if the nation's gastronomical lust had its roots not in the sunshine of art but in the deep, dark deprivations France had suffered over the centuries."

"The sweetness and generosity and politeness and gentleness and humanity of the French had shown me how lovely life can be if one takes time to be friendly."

Pg 75 "One of the best lessons I absorbed there was how to do things simply."

Pg 77 "I don't believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses and explanations over the food your make."

Pg 89 "... I came to understand that learning how to fix one's mistakes. or live with them, was an important part of becoming a cook."

I have to say that this book reads very well - Julia's personality flys off the pages and though I never had the honor of meeting her, it feels like I have. I finished the book over the weekend and am amped to talk about all of it.

The intro and first chapter were great. The fact that she didn't get into France and cooking until her 30s in an inspiration to me, since I'm 23 and already feel like a lot of my life is over.

It is wonderful to read so much about France - a country I've always wanted to visit. Unfortunately, I know that when I one day do get to visit France, it will be nothing like what Julia has shared with us.

I'd read Cadillac Desert if it ended up being chosen, but it wouldn't be my first choice - that would be Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future by Bill McKibben