A FEW MORE BOOKS

(sigh)

Before the end of the summer and the beginning of the holiday rush, indulge in one or more of these few books I've read recently that may hold an appeal for some of you.

Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin - A book with a very conservative viewpoint, which suits me. Levin has an interesting take on just about everything.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery - I was intrigued by this title, which turned out to be a good read with a particularly French feel.

Honolulu Hotel by Paul Theroux - Theroux's usual satire with great debauched characters. Fun.

The Witness by Sandra Brown - Absorbing page-turner from one of the masters.

Enjoy.

JULIE AND JULIA

(sigh)

I donned my earplugs and hit the movie theater yesterday, venturing in to see "Julie and Julia." If you haven't heard about this film, let me tell you that it's a hoot. It's based on the true story of a young NY woman who is bored with her life and who undertakes to prepare all 527 of the recipes from Julia Child's best-selling cookbook within one year. Encouraged by her husband to create a blog to document her progress, the cooking and blogging soon consume her. The film's interspersed with flashbacks of Julia Child's early start in France as a student at Le Cordon Bleu, and Meryl Streep is a ringer for Julia. It's Streep's show.

For some reason this movie made me cry. It isn't supposed to. For the most part it's upbeat and inspirational, but I could identify totally with Julie's character. Loving to cook while also wanting to be a writer, I understood the passion she had for both. While not rocket science, being a creative chef and dedicated writer are talents which are under-appreciated. Everyone can't master French cooking or write a best seller. This woman did both.

Go see it.

(sigh)