Hello my fellow bookclub members! I hope that you all enjoyed our first book and I look forward to reading your opinions about it. Let's get started!
Personal review of the book:
I have to start off by saying that I think Julie Powell is a very expressive writer. Her descriptions of her cooking endeavors were side-splitting. My favorite being the chapter on the lobsters. "Lobster killer, lobster killer, lobster killer..." page 149. There were parts of the book, the reason for disclosure we posted about this book, that I thought could have been left out that really had nothing to do with the joy of cooking or even her quest to get out of the funk that she was in. I did find her original blog The Julie/Julia Project and found out that she is just as candid on her blog as she is in her book. I do have to say that her friends' moral decisions bothered me a bit.
To kick off the discussion part, here are a few questions to get going:
I like the first question in the back of the book, 1. Julie has such a remarkable relationship with Julia Child, despite never having met her. What did you think of the relationship that Julie built in her mind? And why does it not matter, in some sense, when Julie finds out that Julia wasn't an admire of hers or the Project? 2. What significant rolls did her friends and family play in the Project, and who was the most helpful/encouraging to keep up the hard work? 3.Was anyone else concerned whether or not they had a healthy marriage? Explain. 4. In what ways do you relate to Julie Powell?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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Like Courtney, there were definitely things I really enjoyed about Julie & Julia. Julie Powell has a true talent for story telling, and her descriptions of cooking are wonderful. I’m not a very accomplished cook, so I was wondering if I would become bored with the detailed imagery she provided of following the recipes in MtAoFC. Instead, I found most of them fascinating. Of course, it helped that something often went wrong, and Julie let us laugh with her.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Courtney that there was a lot of sifting through unnecessary details when it came to Julie’s personal life and that of her friends. I know I’ve grown up in the Buckle of the Bible Belt, but I also come from a liberal arts background and can usually separate myself enough from things in a story that don’t quite jive with my moral code, accept it as coming from the person’s own experience, and focus on the big picture. But this book maxed out my reasonable open mindedness on several occasions, and towards the end, it was a struggle to even finish it. But I’m glad I did, because the big picture of this memoir is something I can honestly relate to.
Discussion Questions:
1. Julie has such a remarkable relationship with Julia Child, despite never having met her. What did you think of the relationship that Julie built in her mind? And why does it not matter, in some sense, when Julie finds out that Julia wasn't an admirer of hers or the Project?
Being a person with a vivid imagination, I can completely relate to Julie’s relationship in her head with Julia Child. This is a person that is her hero. She says that Julia Child saved her life. She comes to see Julia as her kindred spirit, and Julia becomes the voice in Julie’s head, encouraging her to keep going. I think that by the time Julie finds out what Julia Child has said about her blog, it doesn’t really matter to her because she can completely separate the hero in her head from the woman in real life. It only matters what the imaginary Julia things of her.
2. What significant rolls did her friends and family play in the Project, and who was the most helpful/encouraging to keep up the hard work?
Julie’s husband was probably the most encouraging, in my opinion. I mean, he certainly had his moments where he wanted her to throw in the towel. But really, wouldn’t you, if you were living with her? Over all, though, I think he was incredibly helpful and encouraging. He’s the one who got her started on the Project in the first place. And he’s the one who provided the necessary, day-to-day support that made it possible for her to conquer.
Julie’s friend (the one who lived in Texas and left her husband for the British dude – can’t remember her name) was also extremely supportive of her. Since they were at such a distance, this support was more emotional than tangible, but I think it still filled a very important need for Julie.
3. Was anyone else concerned whether or not they had a healthy marriage? Explain.
While I admired Eric for his support and encouragement of Julie, I couldn’t help thinking that he really had to put up with a lot from her. She seemed to take everything out on him, and she even openly voiced in her book (and I’m sure consequently in real life – she doesn’t seem like the kind of person to let thoughts go unvoiced) her speculation that she may not really be the marrying kind. That’s got to be tough for any spouse to swallowing.
4. In what ways do you relate to Julie Powell?
Well, that’s a loaded question. I’m 26 (will be 27 in about four months), and my life definitely is not what I thought it would be when I was in college. There are times when I get antsy at my job. It’s a fine job, but I sometimes wonder about my purpose – the bigger picture. I think these are some of the biggest things Julie deals with during the year of the Project.
1. I also have an vivid imagination, not so much as my sisters but if you consider almost believing that I lived in the Edminston/Alston House in Chaleston, SC vivid then I have it, lol. I to have been at point when I have researched someone so indepth that I feel like I know them and can even imagin having conversations with them. I had the opertunity resently to meet my "hero" in the Photography Industry. And while i have imagined conversations in my head with him, I could not bring myself to even talk to him.
ReplyDelete2. I also think that her husband was the most significant supportive roll. I also think that her friend Gwen, I believe was the one in NYC, I think that she was pretty encouraging.
3. I really felt like Eric put up with a lot. I'm not sure I could have put up with as much as he did, I might have been out of there. I agree with Jodi that it bothered me when she said that she might not have been the marrying kind! I mean, what in the world! You're married and yet your saying that maybe you shouldn't be? Thats kinda harsh.
4. Well, Im 23 (will be 24 sooner that Jodi will be 27), and I am in my fourth internship with no promise of a perminate job. At time I feel just as lost. I don't want to settle for just any job like Julie did. Who knows, I might find myself cooking my way through MtAoFC to find myself, lol. Seemed to work for her.
Hey guys! :) Sorry this is so late - had a late start on the book and haven't actually gotten to finish yet, but I have thoroughly (well, almost - haha) enjoyed this book so far! And I find myself agreeing very often with you two! hehe. Julie Powell is an incredible writer, a realist and very colourful in her narration. I really enjoyed the way the book is written - I often find myself relating to the plot, as well - very realistic, the life she leads. It has kept me interested in reading further. Not all books do that with me. I also agree that some of the little colourful inuendos could have been left out or at least toned down a bit - haha - but I guess it does add to the reality in a way. And what a neat hobby/project she picks up! It's admirable in a way and I enjoy reading about it. I also love that it's based on a true story - I really need to check out her blog, Court - it's pretty cool, eh? :D
ReplyDeleteGreat questions!
1. The relationship that Julie builds between herself and 'Julia' is quite interesting & inspiring. I think it's so neat that she has created such a character in her mind, created Julia in a way that she needs, and I think this helps her along in the project. She compares herself with the character she's created, and even though they are almost polar opposites, she finds some similarities (in her mind) - it seems to give her a boost and encouragement. Then when she finds that the real Julia doesn't necessarily care for herself or her Project (I haven't gotten that far - sounds like it will be interesting! Hehe), I agree that it wouldn't matter much, because they are two different people to Julie. The character that she has created is all that matters to Julie and has been quite sufficient to serve the purpose she needed, so to speak. That's pretty cool. She did this project for herself, not for Julia. :)
2. I agree with you two in that Eric seems to be the most supportive/encouraging. Even though he sometimes doesn't see the point himself, he realises that Julie needs it and wants to support her in whatever she does, regardless of reason. I think that's very admirable, definitely considering what she puts him through - you guys are so right! ;) Poor guy... He always tries to keep a strong persona up, seemingly for her. Very accommodating, to say the least. Isabel is also very supportive and encouraging as well, which really seems to help Julie. Her mother seems like an obstacle, but I think it has also helped her - to prove to her that she can do something like this. Her brother helps, too - he seems to understand her more than anyone, besides Eric. The crazy 'bleader' (can't remember her name - is it Chris?) seems to boost her motivation in a creepy way as well, I think. Haha.
3. To me, in the end, it seems that either no one else notices that she is questioning/having problems in their marriage, or they just don't acknowledge it. But it does seem that no one else is concerned. The book doesn't touch on what Eric really thinks/feels on the subject and no one else brings it up. It's kind of strange that she's the only one that feels that something isn't right - almost like everyone else is oblivious. And it is definitely sad that she comes out and acknowledges that she 'may not be the marrying type'... What?? :S
4. I feel like I relate to her desire to have a passion and to see something through, from beginning to end, and do it well. Change is good at times. It heightens the spirit and helps a person to sort of regain purpose, I think. :)
Great book! I look forward to re-reading P&P! Happy February, you guys!