There is magic in documented words, one that stays for years and changes lives. It is often not a conscious choice but the sheer passion for one’s work that brings it about. Julie & Julia is a movie that depicts this excellently. It’s the story of Julie, a woman who loves to cook, and finds solace and companionship in Julia Child, via her book. The link between the two women is The Julie-Julia Project, is a cooking-blogging challenge.
Several parallels between the lives of these women, including the relationship they share with food and their husbands, are explored in the narrative. Their stories are tangled across times, each focussing on the power of love, support and all things culinary.
The movie is majorly based on two books: My Life in France and Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen. Set in the time when blogging was in its nascent stage, it shows Julie taking up a project (The Julie/Julia Project) where she would cook her way through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in a year.
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Julie is someone with a history of unfinished projects, making this one interesting for her. Her love for cooking and how she finds an escape in the culinary world drives her through it. Having a loving husband to see her through and gobble up the said food sure helps a great deal. The cherry on top: The movie’s got Merryl Streep playing Julia Child.
At this point, you are bound to be either intrigued or nostalgic about Julie & Julia. As you plan to watch it for the first or the nth time, here are some Julia Child books that you should read. They kept Julie hooked through the project, and they may just be the inspiration you need.
From Julia Child’s Kitchen
The book looks at French Cuisine from an American point of view, making it accessible to enthusiasts across linguistic boundaries and cultures.
People Who Love to Eat Are Always the Best People: And Other Wisdom
A classic gift for someone who loves to spend time in the kitchen, this gem contains Julia Child’s quotes, memories and wisdom about love, life and food.
The Last Interview
Julia’s attempt at bringing French cooking into American homes got her much deserved media attention — The Last Interview is a collection of some of her most memorable interviews.
As Always, Julia: The Letters of Julia Child and Avis Devoto
The letters Julia wrote to her pen pal Avis are a treasure trove of insights into not just how the classic cookbook came about but also in the life and mind of Julia Child.
Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking
A large part of what Julia did was make cooking accessible to people — Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom is a collection of tips and tricks that can help make everyday cooking easy.
So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
