A Book, a Movie, and a Giveaway
I’m baaack. And I survived my two flights. Perhaps a little bit more gray hair…and warped nails after removing them from the armrest. But I’m alive.
Relocation and all that it entails is and will continue to be an utter drag for a while, but the trip wasn’t dreadful. This was mostly due to the fact that I stayed with sister Jen, her husband, and their two dogs (whom I affectionately refer to as “The Horse” and “The Moose” because of their gigantor size.) After a visit with them, my belly sticks out a little more than usual, my thighs rub together a little bit more than usual, and for a few days, I ask myself “Did I really need that 2nd 3rd helping?”
Most importantly, I did find a house to rent temporarily, and what I think is going to be a fantastic preschool. So I accomplished what I set out to do. That’s all I could ask for…well, except for a decent book and a good movie.
NOT BECOMING MY MOTHER
My girlfriend Jude, and fellow foodie, gave me Not Becoming My Mother for my birthday last December. Projecting ahead that I would be traveling, I saved it. Perfect diversion for the plane. Interestingly enough, it’s not really about food, which is what someone might expect from Ruth Reichl of Gourmet Magazine fame (R.I.P.) It’s really more a memoir about how she grew up and the difference in her generation and her mother’s generation.
There was a lot of criticism regarding the length of this book, coming in at only 128 pages. I definitely agree that it reads more like a long article or essay, not a memoir. But, for me, that worked. At times the writing feels hollow, but mostly I thought it was honest and candid, retracing her mother’s life through letters she had written – a real treasure for a daughter to discover. The writing style is simple and easy. I know a lot of people were deeply disappointed, some almost hated it. It held my attention, though, and occupied me from MSP to SFO, so I can’t complain.
JULIE AND JULIA
I never use the word delightful. Does anyone? It feels good rolling off my tongue, though. And it’s the word that comes to mind when I think of this movie. Filling a two hour gap in our day, Jen purchased this baby for a well spent $5.99 from On Demand. Criminal that I hadn’t seen it yet, considering the topic.
Julie and Julia is based on the true story of Julie Powell’s commitment to cook all 524 recipes from Julia Child’s book Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume I…and she’s going to do it in only 365 days. She also blogs about it and gains huge buzz from her readers and the media.
Meryl Streep delivers a great performance, capturing the positive nature and energy of Julia Child, and Amy Adams does an equally great job of portraying Julie Powell as very human and fallible.
This movie isn’t gripping, or amazing, or profound. It’s just a cute, witty story that made me giggle and put a smile on my face for a couple of hours.
THE GIVEAWAY
I know, I know…the book was released almost a year ago. And the movie came out last August. Reminder: I have two kids under the age of five. It’s a miracle I shower every day. Sadly, books and movies are a rarity for me right now. Assuming there are still a few of you who haven’t already experienced them, I have a copy of both the book and movie. Leave a comment if you’re interested in either one, and two random winners will be drawn on Saturday.
I love food lit but the Ruth Reichl one really intrigues me.
Not Becoming My Mother sounds like something I would love to read. I read Julie Julia when it first came out, and sometimes I reread it. It just makes me smile. I am so happy that you survived the trip and you are somewhat getting settled! What kind of dogs are Horse and Moose?
And I thot I was the last one to see J and J. Glad your trip wasn’t too bad. Love flying, but long trips are not fun.
Have read Ruth’s book and they are great reads.
Glad to hear that your move is going well. Not becoming my mother book sounds interesting, will have to check that out.
I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, and all of my children are in their 20′s. I have no excuses.
Mellissa - I admit that I wish it had a little more food content, but the absence of it didn’t ruin the story for me.
Astrid - They have a thick Chocolate Lab and a German Shorthair Pointer. Both sweetie pies.
Margaret – Happiest moment is once the plane is on the ground again! Can’t you send someone a wedding gift up to a year after their ceremony? That’s how I feel about the book and movie…they’re still new, right? Ha.
Natasha – One day at a time. At least we can start planning ahead.
Pam – LOL. Always love when you stop by, Pam.
I’d love either one. We rented Julie & Julia, but I told my husband that we’d own it one day. I’m always looking for a good book to read too! I’m glad you found what you were looking for. Good luck on the rest of the relocation!
I can’t believe you had not seen Julie & Julia until now! It’s one of the rare few movies we actually saw in the theater. I loved Merrill’s portrayal of Julia. Mike and I made her Beoff Burgoneon (I’m sure I butchered the spelling) recipe after we saw the movie and it was great.
Sign me up for either – anything with Meryl in it is worth watching many times. You didn’t say if your new temporary home has a gas stove or electric. This seems important to me. Spill.
I’m so glad to hear your trip went well! I have to say I really missed my little bit of Amy while you were gone. My days felt kind of empty without it.
I was really late seeing Julie and Julia as well. I liked it for what it was, especially given the fact that I’m a food blogger. But if I weren’t then I probably wouldn’t have adored it as much. That book sounds awesome.
Are you sure you can’t finagle a way to go to SF by way of NY next time? I think that sounds completely logical.
One response regarding the “puppies” – they are *not* 100 lbs! At 100 pounds our two dogs would be sausages – rounder than they are long! We have a Chocolate Lab and a German Shorthair Pointer. They are each about 70-75 lbs. and very fit. With that said, they are a horse and moose compared to Ebi and Ginger!
To all of you Very Culinary followers – it was just as fun watching Amy’s expressions during “Julie and Julia” as it was watching the movie. :o)
Thanks for the giveaway. Big Julia fan here, interested in both.
Amy – Even though I didn’t consider the movie a 5 Star one, it was good enough to own, IMHO. I would definitely watch it again. Thanks for stopping by!
Heather – I’ve only seen two movies in the theater over the past 4 years: The Blind Side and Avatar. Julie and Julia definitely made me want to try and make the Beef Bourguignon, too.
Cathy – Because it IS important. And I am happy to report it has a gas stove…which is softening the blow of having to rent (slightly.)
Joanne – Missed you, too my dear! And I totally agree about the movie centering around a food blogger. I said to my sister at the end, that aspect of the movie made it more comical to me.
Jen – I said gignatic, I didn’t say out of shape. They are gorgeous. 70-75 to me is the same as 100. Their paws are as big as my hand!
Chris M. – Thanks for stopping by and participating.
I have seen the movie and it got me so excited to get in the kitchen as soon as it was over. I’d love to own it so I can watch it again and again for more inspiration!
Thanks for blogging :)
Looks like a cute movie, didn’t have a chance to see it in theaters. Would love to try out the cookbook. Love this giveaway:)
Hi, Amy. Funny, but I (belatedly) just saw the movie two weeks ago. However, I love Ruth Reichl’s writing – Tender at the Bone was great!
Good luck to you with your blog et. al.
Thank you.
Wonderful!
I am so glad you had a safe time and found a home for now.
I am a huge Ruth Reichl fan.. if Canadians are in the hat. :)
It took me awhile to see the movie and I loved it. Although after doing some research on them afterwards, I wasn’t as impressed with the real Amy Powell, I think I “get” why Julia Child didn’t find her impressive either. I wholeheartedly enjoyed the movie though. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I have yet to see the movie too! ach!
Allie – Anything that inspires people to get back in the kitchen and cook is a great thing!
Melissa – Personally, I don’t think this movie is theater worthy, given the cost, so it’s better that you rent it…or maybe win it ;-)
Dan – I will need to check out Tender at the Bone, thanks for the recommendation.
Natashya – You’re in the hat, my dear.
Debbi – Ooooo, do tell…what’s the back story?
Kelly O – Thanks for joining us and good luck!
I believe Debbi’s comment was in regards to Julia Child saying of Julie Powell, “I don’t think she’s a serious cook.”
Spot on assessment of the movie, Amy. It was light. And Ms Streep carried it. Was anyone else hungry after watching it? …then again, I was hungry after watching Disney’s ‘Ratatouille’.
Congrats on finding a preschool and a home. Fingernails grow back!
I actually went to an Oscar party yet I’d seen none of the movies, but a party’s a party and the food was fantastic. I do love to read though and I like movies at home so I can watch them in installments!
I’m so glad your trip went well and was productive. I’ll learn more when I see your lovely mom this afternoon!
Jude – Ah. I guess one would have to define “serious.” I give major props to anyone who undertakes a challenge like Powell did.
Lora – Indeed. But that armrest might need to be replaced.
Lynda – Ha! Installments is my middle name…Paul and I are lucky to get through a movie in 3 nights. Wonderful to see you here!
Throw my name in the hat………….I have just one question………Do I feel lucky…..well do I? I will wait and see on Saturday :)
I stumbled upon your blog looking for a truffles recipe. I’m glad I did!
i’ve been hankering to see julie and julia, but it hasn’t seemed to work out yet. on a brighter note, the truffles in the previous post are all kinds of awesome!
Ms. Jenny – Love it! So glad you showed up and are playing along.
momgateway – So glad you found me. Hope you come back soon!
Grace – Those truffles seem to be attracting many new visitors…which only seems appropriate, since sweets define me. And they were incredible.
OK — I totally use the word delightful. And it describes the movie exactly. Of course, I think that Stanley Tucci totally made the movie…
As for the Reichl book, I’ve not read it, but now you’ve picqued my interest.
… how in the world did it post my comment without my permission?? I wasn’t done!
I wanted to tell you that… more than the book OR the movie, I’m very glad that you’ve started to find your “places” — an apartment, a school. That’s all so very good. And I hope everything is smooth sailing from here. I know how life goes — but I can hope!
Lo – Hahahaha. No worries! Thank you for the added encouragement. I feel like I have a huge circle of people rooting for me…and it’s awesome!
Sounds like things are coming together for you. Julie & Julia was delightful! ;-) I saw it with my Mom and we both loved it. I’ll have to check the book out. I have been very into Ruth Reichl’s series on PBS lately–where she travels and goes to different cooking schools around the wold.
Great post on your thoughts about some good foodie books/movies. I thought your comment on the Julie/Julia movie was exactly how I perceived the movie. Interesting about “Not Becoming My Mother”… I thought I would really enjoy this book. However, after reading your thoughts, maybe not.
Congrats on your move-hope you are settling into your new abode.
Deb – Always nice when you stop by, Deb. I didn’t know Reichl had a show on PBS. Will need to check into that.
Velva – Many people were pretty harsh in their critique of Reichl’s book, calling it an “obligation to her publisher,” “a rush job,” and “void of emotion.” Ouch! I didn’t feel that way, BUT I get it. It was definitely much different than what I expected. Quick, easy read, though. And I thought the difference between her adult life, and how she was raised was pretty interesting.
i have yet to see this movie either – so bad of me! i hope it’s still on demand!
Good luck on your relocation! I made the move from Allentown, PA to San Jose a lifetime ago and am now as much a Californian as most. You will love the weather, the ocean and the farmer’s markets. You have a great attitude, best wishes on getting settled.
Anne – Greetings, Anne…and thanks so much for stopping by. I’m actually from the San Fran area, so I’m returning after a long time away. Looking forward to enjoying all the things you mentioned, again!
The book by Ruth Reichel sounds fabulous. Thanks for making this giveaway.