51. It Ain't All About the Cookin'
by Paula Deen and Sherry Suib Cohen
nonfiction, 2007
library audio cd
abridged audio read by the author
finished, 10/29/09
I've only seen Paula Deen's cooking show maybe three times, but I found her so delightful that when I saw this audiobook at the library, I thought I'd like to read it. The bonus is that she is the narrator. I had read somewhere that she went through a long period of agoraphobia when she didn't like to leave her house. This is only one facet of her life which she has decided to share. She wondered about doing such a book because she didn't want to disappoint her fans who love her.
This excerpt (scroll down the page a bit) from the beginning of the book will tell you more than I can ever write in a book report. I didn't find out until after I listened that it was abridged, but it doesn't seem to matter. Her story moved along just fine. I really enjoyed getting to know Paula, and by the end of the book she felt like a new friend.
Paula is my husband's favorite TV chef - he LOVES watching her. Glad you enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteA Christmas present for him, perhaps?? Her husband has written a book which is coming out next year, I think.
ReplyDeleteI am forever grateful to Paula for her cheese biscuit recipe...so yummy and perfect with eggs and bacon. I really enjoyed reading this book. I found her story inspirational but I still can't shake the part about what was living under her bed...gave me the creeps for days.
ReplyDeleteOh, Book Psmith, I visibly shivered as I read your comment. That was a really awful part, wasn't it? Her honestly quite amazed me.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch her show much, but I think it would be a hoot to hang out with her. And her food is fantastic. My partner John went to the cafe that she and her sons own in Savannah. Had the fried chicken. Mmm.
ReplyDeleteI've only seen her program a couple of times, but yesterday I needed to make something for my book club meeting so I googled "Mexican Wedding Cookies" and chose PD's recipe. They were wonderful! And very, very easy. I was going to take the leftovers to work tomorrow, but I think my husband has eaten all of them. ;)
ReplyDeleteI went through a big Paula Deen kick last year cooking up (and enjoying) many of her recipes. I think I might enjoy reading more about her. Book Psmith's comment has really got me curious!
ReplyDeleteThomas, lucky John! There's quite a bit about the restaurant in the book.
ReplyDeleteLes, great minds yet again, wouldn't you say? :<)
Jeanette, I've not made anything by her, but plan to look into her recipes, esp. desserts. She loves butter, just as I do! Oh, and that part of the book is quite startling!
I read this book earlier this year and it made me like Paula even more. She has overcome so much.
ReplyDeleteOne thing she wrote about in the book was letting herself get involved with a man she should not have because she did not feel she was worth of a good relationship. Then she tells the story of meeting her new hubby and it is so heartwarming.
She didn't have to share that part of her life but by doing so, you realize why finding such a wonderful husband is just as much a miracle as her business success.
Brenda, she really is remarkable, and so open about her life.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the club of people who love Paula Deen! She is so human, so funny, and so real that we all feel she's one of our friends. Her food is cholesterol-laden but usually delicious and sometimes offbeat. I recommend her Watermelon Salad. But I also usually cut the amount of butter in half--and I don't make food that begins life as a boxed mix. I know that puts me in the fuddy-duddy minority, but it doesn't mean I love Paula any less.
ReplyDeleteMary Lois, I'm right in that 'fuddy duddy minority' with you. :<) well, at least on the boxes. I must look up some of her recipes and try them.
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