Julie Powell (1) (1973–2022)

Originally published in 2005. I have to say the movie does not capture the character of Julie very well at all as written in the book. But, what a fantastic read! Julie writes like she talks, and it's the raw truth complete with "f" words throughout and lots of humor. Some parts had me cracking up, and some parts of it reminded me of myself like her over sensitivity to her blog and her out bursts and crying...my gosh if that's not me made over...lol. I do understand her purpose in creating this challenge for herself. I wish I would have thought of it first.

Now the movie portrayed a cluttered home, when in reality it was plum filthy and disgusting with maggots in the sink drain, globs of butter on the fridge, meat grease splattered across the walls and at one point they were inundated with a million flies in the kitchen. I guess they didn't always have time to clean up with them both working and her cooking up those difficult and time consuming French meals. Most of the time they weren't eating dinner until around 10 or 11:00 pm at night. If you enjoyed the movie, then you've got to read the book. It's so much better!!!… (more)

Julie and Julia by Julie Powell is an incredibly written book... It just wasn't for me!

This is one of those books that seemed like something going in but I came out seeing something completely different. I can't even say it was my expectations being too high because I went in knowing I was going to read about a woman trying all of Julia Child's recipes. Problem? It was a lot more about Julie's life and struggles than the cooking. Yes, her experiences and culinary journey is interesting, but the book wasn't what I wanted. I wanted to hear her make the recipes and read the struggles or when she had to use a different ingredient. I didn't really want to read about her marriage troubles.

Does that make this a bad book? Absolutely not! I think this book is phenomenal and other readers will love it. But for me? It was a flop. I just couldn't get into it, I had to force my way through, and I almost DNF-ed five separate times. It wasn't a book that kept me as a reader engaged. And that's completely okay! Not every book is for every reader.

I still recommend this book for other readers, whole heartedly. I can't say this book is bad! With this book, I think the film adaptation is what is going to win for me. In this occasion, that seems like the kind of medium that will work better with my reading/viewing preferences.

One out of five stars.… (more)

I thought it was funny and real and interesting. Don't expect Powell to go into details about the recipes (although there are times when she's all about "deglazing the pan and reducing the sauce while peeling and boiling the artichoke leaves..."). She's a kind of snarky writer, which I appreciate, and (let's be real here....) inordinately obsessed with a crazy idea to begin with. That's what makes the book good in my opinion. I see other reviews that criticize her use of vulgarity and seeming lack-of-focus on making the food. But I think we are getting a real life look at someone who embarked on a crazy idea during a low point in her life. And that's the POINT of the book....to share her experience, as it happens. I'm not sure it's 5 stars, but close. And, I enjoyed the movie before I read the book, but I think the movie is a fine representation of the tone of the book.… (more)