The BR pile: Julia Child

As I am fond of saying (probably because I say it so frequently): I'm so far behind, I can see my own ass. Yes, there's been a lot of excitement lately and more events than I anticipated this time of year; I'm also working on two short stories, both of which are due the same month. Good thing the cats are here, and cause a ruckus early afternoon for their vittles. Otherwise, I would forget to eat lunch. That's busy.

I was disappointed to realize I haven't been keeping up with reading and have accumulated a sizable TBR since Christmas. I've made an effort on that front, and am whittling away at it. Right now, I'm reading the Edgar nominees for "Best Short Story" and am blown away. More about them later; for now, Julia Child's My Life in France.

One of the reasons I loved this book (co-authored with Alex Prud'Homme) was that it absolutely sounded like the Julia Child I grew up with (televisually speaking). There is such incredible and appealing can-do energy in Child, who was a problem-solver and infinitely curious about so many things. It reveals itself whether she's discussing attempting to negotiate a household move across continents, schedule her final exams at Le Cordon Bleu or how to finalize a recipe for French-style bread.

You don't have to be a foodie (I am) to enjoy this book; there's enough of French culture and 20th-century history to satisfy anyone. But if you are a foodie, she is the genesis of cooking on television, and the early history of "The French Chef" is simply wonderful.