by Happy writer

Created on: September 20, 2008   Last Updated: January 16, 2011

I'm going to let you in on a dirty little secret. I feel quite ashamed really as if what I'm about to reveal might erase that little-bitty amount of feminine savoir faire hidden deep within me...take a deep breath, here goes... I hate cooking. There, I said it. I also hate ironing, each time I try to use the damn thing the batteries are dead but let's squirrel away the topic of ironing for another day.

I'm not quite sure why I dislike cooking so much, My Body Mass Index would surely suggest otherwise but the truth is, I gain no pleasure from it and have no interest in being in the kitchen unless I absolutely have to. This might therefore be the reason why I had never heard of Julia Child until this novel. Another possible alibi could be that the poor lady got lost somewhere in my British upbringing of bangers and mash but the most likely explanation must be that everyone else knew who she was except for me which is not so uncommon. I still ask.... who IS this Bush/Push/Mush/Tush guy everybody keeps talking about? So by picking up this book, not only was I introduced to the fabulous author; Julie Powell, I also got a crash course on Julia Child, the woman responsible for bringing French cooking to America.

I actually know a thing or two about French cooking as my mother has been living there for nearly 29 escargot farci years and the thing or two I know is firmly stuck around my butt area. French cooking is my absolute favorite. Italian definitely is an out of breath runner up but there is nothing that gives me more pleasure than either the simplicity or extravagance of French cuisine. Both seem effortless and are always orgasmic, yes orgasmic. I do not get the same vaginal shout outs when I eat greek food or even a Friday favorite curry. And I certainly could not eat these two types of cooking each and every day of the year but French food, what can I say...I think I've said enough.

So, although I am not from the USA, we all need to gather round for a big ol' group hug and give Julia Child a heartfelt round of applause for crossing the continent with her bag of goodies and sharing French cooking with America. I must also thank Julie, the author of this novel for bringing this woman back to life to be recognized and rediscovered once more. I absolutely loved the author. Her humor was spot on, her writing a riot and her story, an inspiration to us all.

Julie Powell, a bored and frustrated government secretary picks up an old copy of "Mastering the Art of French

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