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Book cover: Photo by Jo Singer
Book Review “Julia’s Cats The same way we find it hard to resist a second serving of a favorite dish; it’s fair of me to warn you that once you start reading this delicious book, “Julia’s Cats“, it will be just as hard to put the book down. Given that August 15th is Julia Child’s 112th birthday, I would be remiss if I overlooked this perfect opportunity to share my thoughts on such a delicious bestseller.
Book Review “Julia’s Cats
Several years ago, a copy of this book suddenly arrived in my mailbox. My cousin Judy had sent it to me as a birthday present, knowing how passionate I am about cats and in love with Julia Child’s recipes. I quickly tore open the small manila envelope the book had arrived in and briefly glanced at its beautiful dust jacket.
I was eager to delve into the pages that turned out to be delightful descriptions of the many mouth-watering feasts that Julia lovingly prepared. Her romantic relationship with her husband Paul, and her adoration of Minette, their lovely feline companion was (pardon the pun) the icing on the cake. But, above all, I was both surprised and delighted to learn that Julia Child was such an ardent felinophile.
Although the kitty named Minette was originally invited into Julia’s kitchen to catch tiny mice that scurried under the sink in Julia’s “holy of holies”; the little furry tricolor huntress quickly won her heart. Minette “ignited her passion for baby dolls”. Paul once said that “a cat – any cat – is essential to Julia’s happiness”.
Paul also soon fell under the spell of the enchanting feline.
Book Review “Julia’s Cats
I don’t know if it was just “accidental” or a true case of synchronicity that beckoned me to open the book to a section that turned out to be the most appropriate passage. I will never forget the feeling that this particular chapter could have been written for me since I too was constantly caring for our two very sick kitties.
As I read on, I felt like the book’s authors, Patricia Barey and Therese Burson, were speaking to me directly by the way they described Julia and Paul’s anxiety over Minette’s sudden and unexpected illness. . The cat had stopped eating; even turning his nose up at the tasty bites Julia offered him. Minette was apathetic, “moped around the apartment, visibly very uncomfortable. Luckily Julia realized it was a real emergency and rushed Minette to the vet. This time it was something much more serious. Julia and Paul left their sick kitty at the clinic for three days. Now it was their turn to mope around the house.
Book Review “Julia’s Cats
Photo credit: Calico cat Flickr user: Brandi
The 143-page book is full of tantalizing anecdotes about Julia Child’s relationship with Minette, her love for Paul and her passion for cooking. The book’s final treat for readers is the addition of one of Julia’s favorite dessert recipes – “Langues-De-Chat” (cat’s tongue cookies), so readers can get a “taste” of Julia’s sensational cuisine.
I hope this short review will provide our readers with an enticing appetizer to devour “Julia’s Cats” in its entirety. It is available online at Amazon.co.uk in hardcover, softcover and Kindle editions. This little book is an ideal gift for cat lovers. Of course, since “Julia’s Cats” is such an entertaining and “delicious” read, I can hear Julia whispering her favorite words in the background, “Bon Appetite!”
By: Jo Singer, MSW, CSW, LCSW (ret.)
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