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Julie and Julia
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Due to my current reading topic (i.e. books that were turned into films), I had in mind reading Julie & Julia anyway. So why not do it now together with a group (for the first time). I have to admit I started a little early and just finished the book today. Actually, I found it a little disappointing. The project itself is such a cool idea. But I would have expected the story to be more cohesive and focused on that topic. I was missing so many points like how does she write, does she take photos, what about the leftovers, interaction with her readers... I'm curious to see the film (that I've already recorded) anyway as it seems to include more of Julia's story, as well, according to the cover.
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I read the book a few years ago and found it entertaining (but then, I love to cook) in places but also somewhat irritating in places. I really did not like Julie very much. Saw the movie and Meryl Streep as Julia Child was fantastic! Amy Adams did a credible job as Julie, but she didn't have much to work with ... her character just isn't likeable.
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Does anyone want to step up and take it over?
Book Concierge wrote: "I read the book a few years ago and found it entertaining (but then, I love to cook) in places but also somewhat irritating in places. I really did not like Julie very much. Saw the movie and M..."
I agree with you on both counts. I didn't care for Julie in the book version from the beginning. The read was such a drugery, and I tried to keep reading just to get through with it. However, once it was adapted for screen, it wasn't near as nauseating, mainly due to the actors, eg. Amy McAdams, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci.
Amy Adams rescued that character, certainly. I read the book a few years ago. I enjoyed it, but mostly because I kept a food blog at the time. The book renewed my interest in Julia Child's cooking, though I'd always been a huge fan.
I did not enjoy the book as much as I did the movie. The book seemed to have a hard-edgedness to it whereas the movie adaptation smoothed away most of that roughness.
The book I found whiny (and I was disappointed, as the concept is a real winner). The movie is good fun, due to Meryl Streep having a ball as Julia Child, and that half of it is based on My Life in France, which is excellent.
Ugh! Julie is so annoying. She complains and throws fits and her poor husband is so nice to her. I wanted to slap her in the face! It did make me check out MtAoFC from the library and am seriously contemplating taking on Boeuf Bourguignon.
That is a wonderful recipe.
Boeuf Bourguignon has caught my eye as well. I'm thinking of attempting it soon.
I am still reading this book and just found this discussion page finally. I was happy to find this group as my husband and I left our sticks-and-bricks life behind us this summer and hit the road as full-time RVers. A virtual book club is perfect! Anyway, I am enjoying the book. I'm reading it on my tablet with the Kindle app, so I don't even know how far into it I am (she's about to cook Lobster Americaine). It truly is a great concept as Susanna said. What I find interesting is that Julie and Julia could really not be more different, don't you think? Or are they more alike than it seems? I will be pondering that as I finish the book. By the way, I was interested in reading the book because I also like to cook (and drink wine).
Curious: Did any of you attempt the Boeuf Bourguignon?I agree with the above comments...I could watch Meryl Streep play Julia Child over and over again. She was just having so much fun.
Please join me in welcoming Cathy as the Julie and Julia discussion leader this month!