Bob Spitz

Draws on the iconic culinary figure's personal diaries and letters to present a one-hundredth birthday commemoration that offers insight into her role in shaping women's views and influencing American approaches to cooking.

The Remarkable Life of Julia Child

Dearie

Laura Mauler

The last 150 pages or so became a little repetitive: Julia was called up to do a tv series or special, then churned out a cookbook of recipes used on said series or special, then did a national book tour to shill said cookbook, and my! wouldn't that be exhausting for someone half her age. What kept it interesting in that home stretch was her personal life, especially how she handled growing older and her beloved Paul's declining health. 

Overall, a fantastic book.

Wynter

Before Julia the state of American cuisine was deplorable, to say the least: mayo-slathered spam, tuna casserole with potato chips, mushy vegetables out of the can, instant mashed potatoes with an array of artificial flavourings... Yum (not). It seemed the market got carried away with convenience and futuristic know-how that leaned on synthetics a little too much. A meal was reduced to just an inconvenient pause for a re-fuel. 

It took Julia one meal of sole meunière in France to launch her destiny at 36 and change American perspective on enjoying food. 

However, no matter how lustrous and distinguished her culinary career turned out to be, it is Julia's gusto for life that really drew me to her. I found myself relating to the woman on so many occasions as she sought to find herself in Ceylon or Kunming, and everywhere in between. Even as she finally found her calling in cooking and teaching culinary techniques, she never stopped aspiring to new adventures. Age is just a number, and this message couldn't come at a better time for myself, looking forward to meeting a new decade of my own life.

A very comprehensive biography that leaves very few questions unanswered. I am yet to read My Life in France, but I am convinced that Bob Spitz did great justice to this loud, adventurous, generous, and talented woman.

Jeni Enjaian

This book definitely sparked a renewed interest in cooking (and in the Julie and Julia movie) but other than that it was rather unremarkable. 
The narrator was well chosen. She did an admirable job and even infused a little of Julia's own trademark voice throughout the reading. 
One thing that the author did a fairly poor job of was tying up the narrative ends of characters (as important as her brother and sister!) introduced into the story at various points. The author also had no explanations as to why he felt compelled to go all the way back to the Civil War for a biography of a woman who died only 10 years ago. (Also, I apologize for any typos. For some reason, the app won't let me scroll down to see what I'm typing.) Once the narrative returns to Julia, it regains its footing. That footing was not consistent throughout. Also, the author frequently indulges in unnecessary melodrama. He also repeats certain facts (like Julia's argument with PBS) in subsequent chapters. Sometimes this is word for word. I'm also disappointed in the fairly abrupt ending. He could have at least discussed a little of her legacy. 
Most of my comments may seem negative but I did enjoy the book for the most part.

Anna Pinto

Thanks to this book, I was able to know more about Julia Child and now regard her as an idol and inspiration for me. Bob Spitz does a great job putting in context Julia's personal life and activities with what was happening in the world at the time.

Dearie The Remarkable Life of Julia Child

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