Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child

This comprehensive biography about the utterly delightful and talented Child is so much more than a typical life story. It is also a worthwhile look at segments of American history such as homesteading, gold mining, and banking. Readers are also treated to an excellent introduction to fine French cooking, which Child Americanized and made more palatable to our tastes. Child took on the previously all-male bastion of cooking, particularly in France, and got right to its core. For example, she spoke directly to the wives of French fishermen to learn what they put in their bouillabaisse. She also had an astonishing influence on public/educational television in its early days. Narrator Kimberly Farr's lovely French pronunciation and her skillful presentation of Child's humor and style make listeners feel that an "insider" is chatting to them about a fascinating and beloved celebrity.