I haven't always loved Julia Child. My first real knowledge of her was Dan Ackroyd spurting blood from his hand while admonishing us all, in Child's warble-y voice to "Save the liver!" Basically I was born in 1966 when "The French Chef" is just gaining steam.

But somewhere along the line, I started loving her. So Bob Spitz already had me in the palm of his hand with this book.

Needless to say, with 500 and some pages, it is IN DEPTH. Having read Child's "My Life in Paris," there is a lot of overlap with that book. I feel like most of the overlap was about the writing and publishing of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." So during these chapters of the book, I didn't feel it dragging just a bit. But if it is all new to you, then it won't be the case.

Where I think Spitz brought out tons of new details was regarding "The French Chef." That is new. And fascinating. And funny. And exciting.

Spitz appears to have interviewed tons of people and read diaries, journals and calendars and day planners. So he has details upon details and memories and quotes from people who were there.

The best part, is that he captured Julia's personality and gumption and left me feeling like I know HER rather that just know what she DID.

If you aren't totally smitten with Child, you probably will be after reading "Dearie." But "My Life in France" might be the better choice in that case. But "Dearie" is do detailed it is a much better choice!