This is an incredibly comprehensive biography of Julia Childs--beginning with information about Julia's grandparents and parents, through her childhood and college years, and finally into her cooking . . . which for me was when the book really started to "cook" and get interesting. The author does a great job of showing Julia's energy, passion, and larger-than-life personality. I really enjoyed learning about this amazing woman and finding out how much Julia put into her cookbooks and career. I highly recommend this biography.