Sign in with Facebook
Life From Scratch
by
Melissa Ford (Goodreads Author)
Her life's a mess. And so is her kitchen.Divorced, heartbroken and living in a lonely New York apartment with a tiny kitchen, Rachel Goldman realizes she doesn't even know how to cook the simplest meal for herself. Can learning to fry an egg help her understand where her life went wrong?She dives into the culinary basics.Then she launches a blog to vent her misery about li...more
ebook, 214 pages
Published
July 20th 2010
by Belle BOOKS
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
2,385)
Best line: "We went from thinking-about-you moments to forgot-you-existed-at-all."
Worst Line: "[A bad first date post-divorce] is like the Hymen Fairy giving you back your virginity and then wasting it yet again."
Synopsis: Rachel Goldman, recently divorced, is seeking the perfect recipe for a new life. She's shucked a workaholic husband, her job at the library, and her old home, to set-out on a year-long sabbatical to find herself. Except, as the months go by, she gets more and more lost and can...more
Worst Line: "[A bad first date post-divorce] is like the Hymen Fairy giving you back your virginity and then wasting it yet again."
Synopsis: Rachel Goldman, recently divorced, is seeking the perfect recipe for a new life. She's shucked a workaholic husband, her job at the library, and her old home, to set-out on a year-long sabbatical to find herself. Except, as the months go by, she gets more and more lost and can...more
Rachel Goldman is newly divorced and takes a one-year leave of absence from her job to try to figure out what to do with her life. She left her thirteen year marriage when they both became entrenched in their professional lives, falling into a pattern of mutual neglect. As Rachel saw it, her husband had chanaged and was now just unwilling to prioritize her above his job. But, like real life, the problems in their marriage are quite a bit more complicated.
Rachel grew up the child of high powered...more
Rachel grew up the child of high powered...more
This book was a really pleasant surprise! I got it for free as a deal-of-the-day on Amazon for my Kindle and thought, as is usually the case, that it would just be a very light throwaway little book but I ended up loving it! I couldn't put it down and when I finished, I was genuinely sad that the book was over. The story is about a woman who is recovering from a divorce after her marriage of 14 years ends abruptly. In order to do so, she decides that, being a native New Yorker and thus never hav...more
I started this book because I liked the premise of moving through the pain of divorce by learning to cook. There is a saucy man with an accent to spice it up as well. I enjoyed all the trials and tribulations the main character went through. I have to say, at the end I was disappointed. Spoiler--Why would you go back to your husband, back to comfort when you had come so far and stood on your own? I really felt like all her personal growth was wasted by the time the end came. Still there were a f...more
Rachel Goldman left her husband because of a cockroach, and learned to cook herself a brand new Life from Scratch in Melissa Ford’s novel. Not only does Rachel learn to cook; she also starts a blog, accidentally ends up with hundreds of followers, meets a gorgeous guy, and generally finds the kinds of successes a reader might only dream of, while remaining the kind of mixed up wannabe readers can perfectly relate to. As to the cockroach, you’ll have to read the book to find out the details, but...more
May 08, 2011
LP King
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Thirtysomething (and older) women
Recommended to LP by:
Amazon recommendation ("readers who bought this bought..."
Shelves:
women-s-fiction-romance
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Life from Scratch is about cooking, blogging, and failed relationships. The "failed relationships" component takes center stage. The cooking part isn't so much about love of cooking or food--this is not a foodie book--as it is about an attempt to get over total ineptitude in the kitchen (and perhaps in life). The food is not a character in its own right as it is in some foodie books.
Melissa Ford is probably used to comparisons to "Julie and Julia" by this time, so I will make one. Both have emot...more
Melissa Ford is probably used to comparisons to "Julie and Julia" by this time, so I will make one. Both have emot...more
This was a coming of age story; however, the main character doesn't come of age until she's 35. Rachel Goldman doesn't know what she wants. She's divorced her husband, left her job and has decided to learn how to cook. But this novel isn't really about any of those things--it's really about Rachel learning to be Rachel. Outside of the expectations of her uber-successful parents, Rachel has to figure out who she is and what she truly wants out of life.
Melissa Ford handles this brilliantly. She...more
Melissa Ford handles this brilliantly. She...more
I loved this book. Whether you are going through a divorce, contemplating a divorce or even happily married I believe you could take something meaningful from this book. If you are happily married you might find yourself seeing all the things that you doing right and recognizing that you aren't in a good place by chance, it took work on both parts to get there. If you are contemplating a divorce you could see that there are two sides to every story, and to think it through, and do what needs doi...more
2 likes · like · see review
view 1 comment
Life From Scratch by Melissa Ford
★★
Rachel Goldman is recently divorced, childless, and 35 years old. She decides to find herself by taking a year off work (can’t everyone afford to do that?) and learn how to cook, a skill she has never mastered. She starts a blog on her adventures of a single New York woman (and the men she meets along the way) and her new cooking prowess.
This novel has pretty high reviews on Amazon so perhaps I am in a minority here but I just didn’t like this story. Besides b...more
★★
Rachel Goldman is recently divorced, childless, and 35 years old. She decides to find herself by taking a year off work (can’t everyone afford to do that?) and learn how to cook, a skill she has never mastered. She starts a blog on her adventures of a single New York woman (and the men she meets along the way) and her new cooking prowess.
This novel has pretty high reviews on Amazon so perhaps I am in a minority here but I just didn’t like this story. Besides b...more
Life From Scratch was very different from most of the chick-lit I read. For one thing, the main character's over 30. The second thing, she's divorced. Since I'm neither, I had a tough time relating to the main character.
It wasn't until the book started to focus on how Rachel wasn't over her ex that I started to get into it. I could relate to that, maybe a little too much, but I'll never admit it. It's a shame that it took far too long for it to get to that point before it hooked me.
The cooking t...more
It wasn't until the book started to focus on how Rachel wasn't over her ex that I started to get into it. I could relate to that, maybe a little too much, but I'll never admit it. It's a shame that it took far too long for it to get to that point before it hooked me.
The cooking t...more
So I've had this book sitting on my Kindle forever...it was a freebie that had looked interesting.
I needed something that looked fluffier than my usual fare, so I thought I'd finally crack it open.
I enjoyed it. It's about a girl just going through a divorce, not really over her ex, who quits her job and spends a year finding herself by learning to cook and blogging about it. As a blogger (though not so avid lately), I enjoyed that aspect. The author is a well-known (infertility?) blogger, though...more
I needed something that looked fluffier than my usual fare, so I thought I'd finally crack it open.
I enjoyed it. It's about a girl just going through a divorce, not really over her ex, who quits her job and spends a year finding herself by learning to cook and blogging about it. As a blogger (though not so avid lately), I enjoyed that aspect. The author is a well-known (infertility?) blogger, though...more
Apr 14, 2011
Emma
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
favorites,
top-reads-of-2011,
romance,
i-own,
kindle-books,
fiction,
free-books,
books-read-in-2011
This book was fabulous, I actually couldn't put it down, I was so eager to see how the story turned out. There was something quite captivating about the way that it was written, partly as blogs, partly as a novel filled with all the in-between times of the blogs.
This is definitely down as one of my top reads for this year and one of my favourites overall. I liked the way that it gave advice and I think even I took something from it about not taking things for granted and finding your voice to sa...more
This is definitely down as one of my top reads for this year and one of my favourites overall. I liked the way that it gave advice and I think even I took something from it about not taking things for granted and finding your voice to sa...more
I'm really quite cross that I liked this; I'm feeling all sucky uppy because of it. The reason? Well the author Melissa Ford, is the owner of the Stirrup Queens Blog which is possibly the absolute default (along with Glow, can you have two defaults?) places on the internet for infertility/loss/associated pregnancy crap. It's also home of the Stirrup Queen's Completely Anal List of Blogs That Proves That She Really Missed Her Calling as a Personal Organizer. And you know, I did know about that si...more
Rachel has been divorced for less than a year. Since she and her now-ex-husband, Adam, signed the papers, she’s been very lost. So she starts a blog and decides to learn to cook.
It’s Julie & Julia, right?
No. Because you know how (especially in the book), Julie Powell is kind of annoying? Rachel isn’t. At all. She’s smart and funny and she’ll probably remind you of your best friend (or, in some cases, the best friend you wish you had).
I think what I loved most about this book was the fact t...more
It’s Julie & Julia, right?
No. Because you know how (especially in the book), Julie Powell is kind of annoying? Rachel isn’t. At all. She’s smart and funny and she’ll probably remind you of your best friend (or, in some cases, the best friend you wish you had).
I think what I loved most about this book was the fact t...more
A beautifully written novel about life, loss and growing up. Anyone who has gone through a life-altering event that knocks your well-ordered life off its axis willbe able to relate, laugh and cry with Rachel. I haven't been divorced, but I have had my preconceived notions of how my life would pan out shot to smithereens from underneath me, and so I loved Rachel's journey to self-discovery and a better understanding of who she is and what she wants.
The writing was wonderful, sparkling and witty...more
The writing was wonderful, sparkling and witty...more
Life From Scratch by Melissa Ford was a little different read from what I normally pick (which is why I **so** enjoy snagging free reads to find new authors I wouldn't have otherwise noticed), but it was one I didn't want to put down at night. Divorced, heartbroken, approximately half way through her one-year sabbatical, and living in a tiny and lonely apartment far from where she used to live in New York City, Rachel realizes that she has no clue how to cook. She starts with the basics of cooki...more
I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could. A bit self-absorbed, this main character chronicles her transition from wife to divorce', a transition I've made, but not without the luxury of a year off, having the time to teach myself how to cook, & luckily become an award-winning "blogger." I didn't even know that much about the world of "Bloggers" so that much I learned & I'm intrigued!! I am amazed people will pay or take the time to read people's "stream of consciousness" thoughts but I guess t...more
I bought this Kindle book while it was on sale in the Sunshine Deals, I wanted to support lower pricing by buying a few books and this one seemed like a good one.
I'm so glad it was on sale, otherwise I might not have come accross this one. It was a bunch of laughs, a load of giggles and even a cry. The writing is very funny and engaging, I could identify with a lot of what was going on and there's a bunch of really good quotes here. For my own situation it was sometimes frightingly familiar whi...more
I'm so glad it was on sale, otherwise I might not have come accross this one. It was a bunch of laughs, a load of giggles and even a cry. The writing is very funny and engaging, I could identify with a lot of what was going on and there's a bunch of really good quotes here. For my own situation it was sometimes frightingly familiar whi...more
I am giving this book a 4 star rating because it deserves more than a 3 and can't seem to find any 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed this book which turns out to be more about writing a journal and living a somewhat self-centered life than learning to cook and blogging about that a la Julie/Julia. I liked the main character very much at the beginning and the end of the book but often wanted to shake her out of her me-me-me mode in the middle of the book. I am not complaining about that since I think h...more
I got this book as a free download on Amazon so I felt obliged to read it. It was actually my first e read...I like having it on my phone where ever I went. Might have to get an ereader. we will see.
As for the book itself...I enjoyed the journey of the main character. I was reading along and enjoying it then we came upon a "scene" and it was a little bit more then I expected then there were a few foul words that came out of nowhere. But beyond that I enjoyed the book. It made me wonder...how man...more
As for the book itself...I enjoyed the journey of the main character. I was reading along and enjoying it then we came upon a "scene" and it was a little bit more then I expected then there were a few foul words that came out of nowhere. But beyond that I enjoyed the book. It made me wonder...how man...more
I purchased this for a whopping 99 cents on Amazon after hearing good things about it from my friend Rachael. I'd been eyeing it for a couple months, and had been vaguely disappointed it wasn't available in hard copy format, as I knew it would be something I would enjoy. And sure enough - I devoured this story in a mere two evenings, and yes, I do wish I could purchase a hard copy to put on my bookshelves. I'm old school like that;) Although it wasn't the most original of plot ideas to someone l...more
4.5 stars
Life From Scratch blogging about life ... one scrambled egg at a time was such an entertaining read, it's a coming of age story, even if that happens to be at the ripe old age of 34, it's about finding your voice and learning to use it.
... starting the blog was like the first breath of air after breaking the water's surface while swimming. The words came out fast and furious; I had finally found my voice again, that old friend who had disappeared over the years from disuse.
Blogging c...more
Life From Scratch blogging about life ... one scrambled egg at a time was such an entertaining read, it's a coming of age story, even if that happens to be at the ripe old age of 34, it's about finding your voice and learning to use it.
... starting the blog was like the first breath of air after breaking the water's surface while swimming. The words came out fast and furious; I had finally found my voice again, that old friend who had disappeared over the years from disuse.
Blogging c...more
This was my book clubs selection for the month of February. Yes, reader I am just a little late this month! Rachel is the main character of this book, and she is indeed a very lovable character. In many ways, I saw myself in some of her actions and thoughts, having been through a divorce myself.
Rachel, took a long look at her life and her failed marriage, and examined it for what they were. Then she decided to take action, she taught herself to cook, and to examine new ways of thinking. Rachel...more
Rachel, took a long look at her life and her failed marriage, and examined it for what they were. Then she decided to take action, she taught herself to cook, and to examine new ways of thinking. Rachel...more
Solid 3.5. This book was a free Amazon Prime read. Aside from The Hunger Game trilogies, I have been highly disappointed with the Amazon Prime book selection. I was pleasantly surprised by this one. While divorce is not a light topic, this was a light, quick read that had me shedding a couple of tears in the end. I can understand how some reviewers complained that the main character was too self-absorbed but she is writing in first person and there are also "blog posts" to introduce each chapte...more
Mar 27, 2012
Amy Elaine
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
location-kindle,
genre-fiction
I absolutely loved this book. It is an engrossing story about a woman who gets divorced, and realizes that since she can't afford to eat out every night, she needs to learn how to cook. Her new cooking skills are acquired as she navigates the dating world and her relationship with her BFF. She also has to decide - is she, or isn't she over her ex???
The voice of the main character, Rachel, was so real, that I originally thought this novel was a memoir. I went on line to find and subscribe to her...more
The voice of the main character, Rachel, was so real, that I originally thought this novel was a memoir. I went on line to find and subscribe to her...more
Inspirational proof that you can write a book from blogging! Melissa Ford's book is a hilarious recipe (yes, I played off of the title) that combines love found, love lost and its surprising aftermath as the heroine, Rachel Goldman, decides to "get over" herself by learning how to cook and blogs about it. How about the first chapter name: Peeling the Onion? (Yes this works too.) Want a sneak peak: "I am waiting at the bar, my soaked umbrella tucked under my seat, at a trendy, sushi restaurant in...more
Rachel Goldman is recently divorced. Her life turned out completely different from what she had envisioned after her life with her lawyer husband fell apart. She teaches herself to cook and begins to really enjoy it and her new blog. She writes about the recipes, her life and her feelings about being divorced and dipping her toes into the dating game again. Her blog is a hit and as a result, Rachel finds her self-confidence.
The story is about a woman on the journey to finding herself and discov...more
The story is about a woman on the journey to finding herself and discov...more
I was about 1/3 of the way through this book when I realized it was fiction. Somehow, I got confused and thought the author had written a book about her own experience with blogging and divorce. Once I got that figured out, that helped me see just how awesome the writing was since it felt so real and true. You have to love Rachel, and you have to hope for the very best for her. It was a pleasure to share in her self discovery, not to mention the secondary characters, which were also amazingly cr...more
This is not the type of book I normally read, but I decided to give it a chance because it was being offered for free on the Kindle. This was a novel written in the form of a memoir by a recently divorced woman writing a blog about learning how to cook. The main character was so self-absorbed and awful that the book was hard to read. Her whole cooking blog was her wining about how miserable she was. I am not clear why anyone would want to read such a thing. Aside from unlikeable characters and a...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
I never know what to put into one of these things. I mean, do I talk about my penchant for making up Yiddish words and trying to convince others that they’re real? My love of the penny whistle? My fears of white foods? Or do I tell you a tale about how I applied to my MFA program because I didn’t know what one did after college except remain in school indefinitely?
Long before I published my first...more
More about Melissa Ford...
Long before I published my first...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“While dessert tastes good, woman cannot live on cake alone.”
—
4 people liked it
More quotes…
