Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Julie & Julia: The Book

I finished reading Julie & Julia today, the book I won in a giveaway from Sweet Tea Diaries. To start with back when I saw the movie a lot of you asked if it made more sense to see the movie first and then read the book or to do the opposite. At the time, I couldn't really give a good answer. But now I can say, I'm glad I saw the movie first and then read the book.

What the movie seemed to do is book a only few key plot scenes and turn them into the core of the movie. For example the main to big cooking projects that stick out in the movie are boeuf bourguignon and cooking live lobster. While both are in the book as well, they are two small adventures no more important than say making mayonnaise. Something that seemed to happen a lot in the book, but was no where in the movie. I guess watching people make mayonnaise isn't very exciting. I do think if I had read the book first and then seen the movie I would have been disappointed as to some of the details they chose to cut.

Of course a lot of this is due to the fact the movie focused a lot more on Julia Child's story. While most chapters do start with an imagined scene of Julia Child's life, one of which contains one unforgettable Julia Child line from the movie, it doesn't tell Julia Child's story. But then its not supposed to.

As a blogger one thing I liked about the book was the blog talk. I've read books by bloggers before (books by Christine Coppa of Glamour's Storked and Jen Lancaster of Jennsylvania) And while both Christine and Jen talk about the blogging itself, its nowhere near to the point that Julie talks about if. For example, she talks about the type of discussions that break out in her comment's after she writes a post, or when she actually writes her posts. Little things them almost seem unimportant but somehow make it all feel more real.

I also liked the ending of the book quite a bit more than the movie. I do apologize if I'm spoiling the ending, but the movie ends with, "Julie's blog got made into a movie." Why yes, I just so happened to sit through that movie now didn't I? Not to big of a surprise. The ending of the book seems to be a much more he artful piece from Julie Powell that actually feels meaningful, and not "well, duh."

I am glad I both read the book and saw the movie. And I'm pretty sure I'll read her next book Cleaving after in comes out in December. I'd say if you enjoy reading blogs (which you must if you're reading this, right?), then I'd definitely say you'd enjoy it. And if you enjoyed the movie, you'd probably like this too. I guess there's only one thing left to say. Bon Appetit!

~Shoshanah

11 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you reviewed the book! I checked it out from the library but hadn't gotten around to reading it and was honestly planning on not picking it back up. I think I just might now! :)

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  2. You know what? I loved the movie SO much that I figured I really shouldn't read the book because I would be disappointed. But reading your review really made me want to read it :) I'm supposed to be spending wisely right now so it might have to wait a bit, but now I'm really excited about reading it :)

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  3. I'm glad to hear you liked the book! I heard from another blogger that they hated it, which was a little disappointing since I had just bought the darn thing :) I haven't read it yet, but you have restored my hope that it is worthwhile read after all. so thanks! ;)

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  4. I really enjoy reading your reviews and think I'll add this book to the list. I think it would be a fun and interesting read, especially since it relates to bloggers. I'll probably checkout the movie on DVD.

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  5. Glad you liked it! I still haven't got around to seeing the movie!

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  6. I loved the book. It was so fun to read before I went to France as it gave me a better understanding & appreciation for French cuisine.

    I wish they would have done the bone marrow part of the book in the movie. I laughed picturing her sawing into this bone!

    As usual, book trumps movie, but the movie was still good. They did do a great job of bringing "My Life in France" into the movie, though, and that book was also good & very interesting!!

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  7. Thank you for sharing your review! I still want to see the movie and read the book but I think I might do it in the order you did, movie then book. That way I won't be too disappointed in the movie!
    I adore all of your reviews! Thank you!

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  8. I LOVED that movie and I'm currently on the waiting list for the book at the library! Can't wait to read it!!

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  9. You just reminded me that I really wanted to see that movie. Stupid life gets in the way!

    I appreciate your write-up and now I think I'll go and check it out of my library. Thanks!

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  10. Thanks for sharing! I wanted to see the movie, but I think I'll check out the book first! :) Happy Saturday!

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  11. I have been reading the book (I haven't seen the movie yet) and I am finding it hard to get into. I am wondering if I saw the movie first, it would be easier to really visualize and connect with the characters. Not sure? I read right before I go to bed, so maybe I'm just groggy!

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