Damrosch is a talented write, and there are some interesting things to be learned from this book. She does a good job of bringing us in the world of Per Se, and sets scenes well. I absoutely devoured the first third of this book, but then I just found it tedious. I have waited tables (who hasn't?) and I wanted to really identify with her, but I couldn't. I found the characters mostly flat and despite the name, did not find any juicy insder's gossip. This book has received a lot of hype, and after reading it I felt disappointed.
This should have been a long magazine article in my opinion; I do not feel that it had enough substance for a book.
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(3 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
I've only been to the south of France once, for two days on a tour. But when I read this book, I feel that I've gone back again and again, sitting in Wolfert's warm kitchen as she tells me all about the history of classic French dishes. This is not for the legions of Rachel Ray fans. Some of the dishes are complicated and time consuming, but that's the whole point -- a braise or a stew isn't meant to be "fast food." so much of true cooking these days has been lost, and it is wonderful to find it captured in a book that treats its subject as very important matter.
This wonderful book that sits on my counter alongside Mastering The Art of French Cooking' by Julia Child and The Silver Palate Cookbook as those are my two favorite books to cook from.
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(8 of 19 readers found this comment helpful)
I've enjoyed all of Bryson's books, but this one is my favorite. It's a fun, easy read as he educates and informs, yet remains warmly engaging. I recommend it.
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(14 of 30 readers found this comment helpful)
Terrific! I am a longtime fan of this author, and I gobbled this book up just like one of the turkeys on the farm. I not only enjoyed this book for the marvelous story and good words, but it made me think about the decisions that I make each day as a consumer and occupant of this planet. This was thought provoking, intriguing and at turns, both funny and poignant.
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(15 of 31 readers found this comment helpful)
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I actually felt the India portion of the book was the strongest, which is interesting as I love Italy and Italian food, but I found that portion of the book more clearly defined and in line with the book's premise. I had to push through the last third on Indonesia, but in the end, I felt the whole package was enjoyable, and appreciated the author's revelations.
The author is a skillful writer and storyteller, and I can see issues that some readers might have with it being too egocentric, but remember - it's a memoir. It's supposed to be about the person who is writing it.
I enjoyed this author's humor and tenacity at going to the ends of the earth to change her life. This is a story that I think a lot of women -- especially in their 30s like me -- can identiy with.
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(9 of 21 readers found this comment helpful)
annagrayscott has commented on (6) products.
Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter by Phoebe Damrosch
annagrayscott, November 30, 2007
Damrosch is a talented write, and there are some interesting things to be learned from this book. She does a good job of bringing us in the world of Per Se, and sets scenes well. I absoutely devoured the first third of this book, but then I just found it tedious. I have waited tables (who hasn't?) and I wanted to really identify with her, but I couldn't. I found the characters mostly flat and despite the name, did not find any juicy insder's gossip. This book has received a lot of hype, and after reading it I felt disappointed.This should have been a long magazine article in my opinion; I do not feel that it had enough substance for a book.
(3 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
The Cooking of Southwest France: Recipes from France's Magnificent Rustic Cuisine by Paula Wolfert
annagrayscott, July 30, 2007
I've only been to the south of France once, for two days on a tour. But when I read this book, I feel that I've gone back again and again, sitting in Wolfert's warm kitchen as she tells me all about the history of classic French dishes. This is not for the legions of Rachel Ray fans. Some of the dishes are complicated and time consuming, but that's the whole point -- a braise or a stew isn't meant to be "fast food." so much of true cooking these days has been lost, and it is wonderful to find it captured in a book that treats its subject as very important matter.This wonderful book that sits on my counter alongside Mastering The Art of French Cooking' by Julia Child and The Silver Palate Cookbook as those are my two favorite books to cook from.
(8 of 19 readers found this comment helpful)
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
annagrayscott, July 30, 2007
I've enjoyed all of Bryson's books, but this one is my favorite. It's a fun, easy read as he educates and informs, yet remains warmly engaging. I recommend it.(14 of 30 readers found this comment helpful)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver and Camille Kingsolver and Steven L. Hopp
annagrayscott, July 16, 2007
Terrific! I am a longtime fan of this author, and I gobbled this book up just like one of the turkeys on the farm. I not only enjoyed this book for the marvelous story and good words, but it made me think about the decisions that I make each day as a consumer and occupant of this planet. This was thought provoking, intriguing and at turns, both funny and poignant.(15 of 31 readers found this comment helpful)
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert
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1-5 of 6 nextannagrayscott, July 16, 2007
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I actually felt the India portion of the book was the strongest, which is interesting as I love Italy and Italian food, but I found that portion of the book more clearly defined and in line with the book's premise. I had to push through the last third on Indonesia, but in the end, I felt the whole package was enjoyable, and appreciated the author's revelations.The author is a skillful writer and storyteller, and I can see issues that some readers might have with it being too egocentric, but remember - it's a memoir. It's supposed to be about the person who is writing it.
I enjoyed this author's humor and tenacity at going to the ends of the earth to change her life. This is a story that I think a lot of women -- especially in their 30s like me -- can identiy with.
(9 of 21 readers found this comment helpful)