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Julia's Child
A delectable comedy for every woman who’s
ever wondered if buying that six-dollar box of organic
crackers makes her a hero or a sucker.
Julia Bailey is a mompreneur with too many principles and too little time. Her fledgling company, Julia’s Child, makes organic toddler meals with names like Gentle Lentil and Give Peas a Chance. But before she can realize her dream of seeing them on the shelves of Whole Foods, she will have to make peace between her professional aspirations and her toughest food critics: the two little boys waiting at home. Is it possible to save the world while turning a profit?
JULIA’S CHILD is a warmhearted, laugh-out-loud story about motherhood’s choices: organic vs. local, paper vs. plastic, staying at home vs. risking it all.
“Hilarious and moving, I actually missed my subway stop reading Julia’s Child. Any parent will relate to Julia’s triumphs and misadventures.” —ALICE BRADLEY, blogger at Finslippy.com, and coauthor of Let’s Panic About Babies.
“A clear-eyed look at what it means to hold firm to ideals while making peace with reality.” —DAPHNE UVILLER, author of Hotel No Tell.
“Julia’s Child is a savory read packed with humor and heart.” —JENNY NELSON, author of Georgia’s Kitchen.
ever wondered if buying that six-dollar box of organic
crackers makes her a hero or a sucker.
Julia Bailey is a mompreneur with too many principles and too little time. Her fledgling company, Julia’s Child, makes organic toddler meals with names like Gentle Lentil and Give Peas a Chance. But before she can realize her dream of seeing them on the shelves of Whole Foods, she will have to make peace between her professional aspirations and her toughest food critics: the two little boys waiting at home. Is it possible to save the world while turning a profit?
JULIA’S CHILD is a warmhearted, laugh-out-loud story about motherhood’s choices: organic vs. local, paper vs. plastic, staying at home vs. risking it all.
“Hilarious and moving, I actually missed my subway stop reading Julia’s Child. Any parent will relate to Julia’s triumphs and misadventures.” —ALICE BRADLEY, blogger at Finslippy.com, and coauthor of Let’s Panic About Babies.
“A clear-eyed look at what it means to hold firm to ideals while making peace with reality.” —DAPHNE UVILLER, author of Hotel No Tell.
“Julia’s Child is a savory read packed with humor and heart.” —JENNY NELSON, author of Georgia’s Kitchen.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2012
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795 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 13, 2024
Ugh. Part of me didn't even want to finish this. Julia is not a character I can even remotely relate to, mostly because I'm not an overprivileged person who acts entitled. What is supposed to be a story about a mom who creates a business, struggles and makes it, is actually a story of someone who cares only about herself and her own needs. Pinneo's writing is laborious, as if she took a summer creative writing course and has now decided this is her calling. Two stars and that's pushing it.
March 1, 2012
http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2012...
Crunchy momma, Julia Bailey, has taken her love for making healthy foods for her children and turned it into her own small business, Julia’s Child. Julia’s Child is all about making healthy snacks for toddlers and Julia dreams of the day when she can get Whole Foods to sell them in their stores. After a chance meeting, Julia’s Child begins to really take off. Great right? Well, as the business grows so does the debt while the time she can spend with her family begins to shrink.
When things begin to look like all hope is lost, a life preserver suddenly appears but is it what it appears? Julia finds herself struggling between holding fast to her ideals or becoming a sellout. The question becomes is there a middle ground and can she find how to live in the moment?
I really enjoyed Julia’s Child, I found it to be a light hearted read with some real life lessons to be learned. As a mom, I can appreciate Julia’s struggle with finding a happy balance to her life and to her dreams. I’ll be honest; when I first started the book I felt a little mommy judgment. I am not a crunchy momma. I’m not. Yes, I feed my children fruits and vegetables and when we go out to eat mine will yell in unison for a side of steam broccoli over French fries any day of the week. But I don’t mind them eating some amount of processed foods at the same time. By the time the book ended I could really appreciate where Pinneo went with the story. She really conveyed how we as moms do have our things we feel strongly about and truthfully we all look for some shortcuts along the way and we each need to find the ones that work for us and not judge each other. This really hit home for me and I couldn't agree more! A book mom’s can really appreciate (and some recipes in there too, I can’t wait to make my shopping list this week)!
Crunchy momma, Julia Bailey, has taken her love for making healthy foods for her children and turned it into her own small business, Julia’s Child. Julia’s Child is all about making healthy snacks for toddlers and Julia dreams of the day when she can get Whole Foods to sell them in their stores. After a chance meeting, Julia’s Child begins to really take off. Great right? Well, as the business grows so does the debt while the time she can spend with her family begins to shrink.
When things begin to look like all hope is lost, a life preserver suddenly appears but is it what it appears? Julia finds herself struggling between holding fast to her ideals or becoming a sellout. The question becomes is there a middle ground and can she find how to live in the moment?
I really enjoyed Julia’s Child, I found it to be a light hearted read with some real life lessons to be learned. As a mom, I can appreciate Julia’s struggle with finding a happy balance to her life and to her dreams. I’ll be honest; when I first started the book I felt a little mommy judgment. I am not a crunchy momma. I’m not. Yes, I feed my children fruits and vegetables and when we go out to eat mine will yell in unison for a side of steam broccoli over French fries any day of the week. But I don’t mind them eating some amount of processed foods at the same time. By the time the book ended I could really appreciate where Pinneo went with the story. She really conveyed how we as moms do have our things we feel strongly about and truthfully we all look for some shortcuts along the way and we each need to find the ones that work for us and not judge each other. This really hit home for me and I couldn't agree more! A book mom’s can really appreciate (and some recipes in there too, I can’t wait to make my shopping list this week)!
March 21, 2013
This is a Cinderella tale for working moms. Struggling entrepeneur working mom is trying to get her business "Julia's Child" more than off the ground...she wants it to float into every food aisle of Whole Foods. While I didn't really personally connect with Julia and where she's at in her life, I did enjoy visiting her world of upper-incom Manhattanites who dream green and dream big. Pinneo's writing is vibrant and clear, easy to read, and the book is filled with a lot of behind-the-scenes info on small-time and corporate food production. Plus, there are recipes. I might just make a muffet tonight.
Fun book, especially for moms who are trying to figure out how to feed their kids while feeding their own hopes and dreams.
UPDATE:
3/21/2013
First, I read this book simply because I wanted to, and then I had the honor/pleasure of narrating it. I liked the book even more the second time around, noticing little nuances in the characters and layering of the plot. And now I really, really want to try some of the recipes. I'd say I want to make them for my kids, but the truth is I just want to eat the Muffets myself.
A fun read that reminds me there's more in life than falling in love and getting married. In fact, there's a whole adventure that can happen afterward, especially with forward-thinking mompreneurs. A delicious read.
Fun book, especially for moms who are trying to figure out how to feed their kids while feeding their own hopes and dreams.
UPDATE:
3/21/2013
First, I read this book simply because I wanted to, and then I had the honor/pleasure of narrating it. I liked the book even more the second time around, noticing little nuances in the characters and layering of the plot. And now I really, really want to try some of the recipes. I'd say I want to make them for my kids, but the truth is I just want to eat the Muffets myself.
A fun read that reminds me there's more in life than falling in love and getting married. In fact, there's a whole adventure that can happen afterward, especially with forward-thinking mompreneurs. A delicious read.
March 8, 2012
Julia Bailey is a stay-at-home Mom who takes the topic of her children's nutrition quite seriously, but her kids are slow to get the point and frequently pose comical and crazy questions that challenge Julia on a daily basis - very funny often! But Julia's trying to start a new business with an organic food company named Julia's Child! What's the focus - healthy eating - cheese and vegetables into the most unusual products like pancakes and muffins. It may not be such a new idea now but it's still great to see how it all started - and the sample recipes in the novel are fascinating to consider - and try!
The other interesting part of this novel is to follow how a small entrepreneur starts a business initially stocking her products in a small Brooklyn store. Next step a break on a TV show; next step approached by Whole Foods, the well-known natural food store, and so much more.
The reader will learn quite a bit about the "organic" label, what it really means, as well as marketing and business aspects of growing a flourishing, lucrative business!
This is a light-hearted novel that was pleasant, informative, funny, and interesting all the way through to the last page - a supportive husband and adorable kids add to the fun and adventure of the journey! Nicely done, Ms. Pinneo!
The other interesting part of this novel is to follow how a small entrepreneur starts a business initially stocking her products in a small Brooklyn store. Next step a break on a TV show; next step approached by Whole Foods, the well-known natural food store, and so much more.
The reader will learn quite a bit about the "organic" label, what it really means, as well as marketing and business aspects of growing a flourishing, lucrative business!
This is a light-hearted novel that was pleasant, informative, funny, and interesting all the way through to the last page - a supportive husband and adorable kids add to the fun and adventure of the journey! Nicely done, Ms. Pinneo!
October 6, 2012
My Review:
To start my review for Julia's Child, I will state that at first it took me a little while to get into the book. Then after I started to get into it, Julia's Child lost my attention again. My daughter loaned it to me thinking that I would like it. I did finish it, but just because of her.
The story to me was kinda slow. Mostly was about Julia getting over her fears of almost every thing she was trying to do. I know we all do think about like this when there is something big we are trying to do. But for almost every thing to go wrong as well. Okay enough said on that. I will say I did like Julia's mindset to at least keep trying no matter what did happen.
Sarah Pinneo did do a great job creating fully developed characters. I loved Julia's two little boys. Her crazy partner was a hoot. I will not go any further in to the book. I do not want to discourage any one from reading this novel. Not all books are for everyone, this was the case for Julia's Child and Me, it just wasn't for me.
To start my review for Julia's Child, I will state that at first it took me a little while to get into the book. Then after I started to get into it, Julia's Child lost my attention again. My daughter loaned it to me thinking that I would like it. I did finish it, but just because of her.
The story to me was kinda slow. Mostly was about Julia getting over her fears of almost every thing she was trying to do. I know we all do think about like this when there is something big we are trying to do. But for almost every thing to go wrong as well. Okay enough said on that. I will say I did like Julia's mindset to at least keep trying no matter what did happen.
Sarah Pinneo did do a great job creating fully developed characters. I loved Julia's two little boys. Her crazy partner was a hoot. I will not go any further in to the book. I do not want to discourage any one from reading this novel. Not all books are for everyone, this was the case for Julia's Child and Me, it just wasn't for me.
December 18, 2011
Ok, really 2 1/2 stars. This was a fun enough read, but smacked of propaganda. Way too many not so subtle references to organic food, never feeding your kids sugar or processed food or fast food, lots of food chopping, with kids, dad, everyone. Even her relationship with her parents was weird... She treated them so condescendingly, and of course their opinion of her food habits was that she was too intense about it. It all ended too tidily and unrealistically. Seemed too easy. But, still, I had fun reading it.
September 9, 2012
Light fiction about a young mom with a dream: to market her organic-but-tasty baby food. She puts a lot on the line to realize her dream, jeopardizing relationships with her husband, kids, and babysitter; taking financial risks; taking advantage of her one employee. There are a few parallels to the movie "Baby Boom" with Diane Keaton. It's an enjoyable novel and there are even a few recipes included. In some ways I think the author stopped JUST short of a hilarious satire with this one. A fun read for when you're looking for something light with some funny moments.
November 7, 2011
Julia's Child is a really fun read, particularly as I saw so many people I know in this book. The characters are funny and true, and Pinneo's voice is strong and confident in this novel.
February 18, 2012
When successful entrepreneur and mom Julia Bailey goes into business for herself she pores every ounce available into it, including the time she once spent with her family. Opening her new business “Julia’s Child” only became a dream after the birth of her two children, but her business sense came long before that. With a team consisting of only her and her new friend Marta, Julia develops an organic line of food for toddlers that quickly has them both working around the clock. In a matter of a few months her life is quickly turned upside down and she’s left wondering if what everyone else feeds their children is really that important.
Julia’s Child was such a pleasure to read. Not only was it based on a topic that is close to my heart, but the writing was superb. Within pages Sarah Pinneo’s writing had me caught up in Julia Bailey’s life & new found business and I couldn’t help but want to keep reading until the very last pages were finished. Sarah’s characters were fantastic and I especially loved her husband Luke. Now, Julia could actually become a bit annoying at times but thankfully another great character emerged in her new business partner Marta who helped balance her out. There was even more to it than that including a mother that couldn’t be more different, a nanny who gets herself into her own bit of snafus, and her two adorable little kiddos. Overall the entire cast of characters coupled with the writing made for a spectacular read and one I won’t soon forget.
Speaking to the actual subject matter of the story I’ll say I was pleasantly surprised. I’m actually quite fortunate in that I live in an area on the coast of California known for it’s abundance of fresh locally grown organic produce as well as numerous farmer’s markets weekly. It’s something I value about living here and enjoy a great deal, but I’ve also lived in other places around the country where it’s incredibly difficult to get access to organic fresh produce. So the idea of putting a struggling organic toddler food business in the heart of New York City was intriguing and worked incredibly well to move the story forward. It was easy to see how Julia would have struggled to find a packaging plant as well as local fresh produce to put in her recipes. Now add that to the fact that she may have had a saboteur in her midst made it even more interesting.
What I valued more than anything about the story were the various relationships Julia had. As I mentioned I especially appreciated the role her husband Luke took on. It’s not often that you read a novel as of late that has a strong, attractive, genuinely kind and supportive husband who doesn’t end up sleeping around on his wife. This was a huge breathe of fresh air! Because of this, their relationship became something that supported the story rather than worked as some sort of twisted plot device that I would have detested. It also lent itself to delving deeper into Julia’s relationship with her children, her motivation for the business as well as her relationship with Marta who I absolutely adored. Marta was hilarious and exactly the voice of reason that Julia needed almost one hundred percent of the time. Her sass was also something I looked forward to in nearly every scene she was in, often because I was so tired of Julia’s uptight behavior. All of these relationships were what to me truly made the story shine.
Julia’s Child was a marvelous debut novel for author Sarah Pinneo! Her characters stood out as some of my all-time favorites and the way in which they interacted with Julia became a driving force behind the story. Now I have to say before I’m finished that I love the play on “Julia Child” with the title Julia’s Child. Having grown up in a home with a chef and now food blogger/foodie it was fun to see this nod to such an innovator of her time which I’m certain also plays a part in Julia Bailey’s own trend setting ways. This would absolutely be the perfect afternoon read for food lovers, but also anyone who simply loves a well written story full of delightful characters. Congratulations goes to Sarah Pinneo for a wonderful new novel! I’ll certainly be looking out for her next novel and our readers should as well!
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at my site Chick Lit Reviews and News.
Julia’s Child was such a pleasure to read. Not only was it based on a topic that is close to my heart, but the writing was superb. Within pages Sarah Pinneo’s writing had me caught up in Julia Bailey’s life & new found business and I couldn’t help but want to keep reading until the very last pages were finished. Sarah’s characters were fantastic and I especially loved her husband Luke. Now, Julia could actually become a bit annoying at times but thankfully another great character emerged in her new business partner Marta who helped balance her out. There was even more to it than that including a mother that couldn’t be more different, a nanny who gets herself into her own bit of snafus, and her two adorable little kiddos. Overall the entire cast of characters coupled with the writing made for a spectacular read and one I won’t soon forget.
Speaking to the actual subject matter of the story I’ll say I was pleasantly surprised. I’m actually quite fortunate in that I live in an area on the coast of California known for it’s abundance of fresh locally grown organic produce as well as numerous farmer’s markets weekly. It’s something I value about living here and enjoy a great deal, but I’ve also lived in other places around the country where it’s incredibly difficult to get access to organic fresh produce. So the idea of putting a struggling organic toddler food business in the heart of New York City was intriguing and worked incredibly well to move the story forward. It was easy to see how Julia would have struggled to find a packaging plant as well as local fresh produce to put in her recipes. Now add that to the fact that she may have had a saboteur in her midst made it even more interesting.
What I valued more than anything about the story were the various relationships Julia had. As I mentioned I especially appreciated the role her husband Luke took on. It’s not often that you read a novel as of late that has a strong, attractive, genuinely kind and supportive husband who doesn’t end up sleeping around on his wife. This was a huge breathe of fresh air! Because of this, their relationship became something that supported the story rather than worked as some sort of twisted plot device that I would have detested. It also lent itself to delving deeper into Julia’s relationship with her children, her motivation for the business as well as her relationship with Marta who I absolutely adored. Marta was hilarious and exactly the voice of reason that Julia needed almost one hundred percent of the time. Her sass was also something I looked forward to in nearly every scene she was in, often because I was so tired of Julia’s uptight behavior. All of these relationships were what to me truly made the story shine.
Julia’s Child was a marvelous debut novel for author Sarah Pinneo! Her characters stood out as some of my all-time favorites and the way in which they interacted with Julia became a driving force behind the story. Now I have to say before I’m finished that I love the play on “Julia Child” with the title Julia’s Child. Having grown up in a home with a chef and now food blogger/foodie it was fun to see this nod to such an innovator of her time which I’m certain also plays a part in Julia Bailey’s own trend setting ways. This would absolutely be the perfect afternoon read for food lovers, but also anyone who simply loves a well written story full of delightful characters. Congratulations goes to Sarah Pinneo for a wonderful new novel! I’ll certainly be looking out for her next novel and our readers should as well!
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at my site Chick Lit Reviews and News.
December 17, 2011
When you see a novel titled Julia’s Child you’re going to assume it’s going to be a) about food and b) perhaps somehow related to the real Julia Child, a chef and television personality. Julia’s Child is indeed about food, but not as I expected it as rather than being about the type of food Julia Child herself produced, it’s instead a novel about children’s food, as Julia Bailey cooks organic treats and snacks for children. It wasn’t necessarily what I expected and when I saw it was a novel about a mother who’s a bit of an eco-warrior, I was terrified I’d hate it. I’m not a big fan of baby novels – I like them well enough, but sometimes they can be a bit over the top and as I’m not yet a mother I can’t exactly understand the craziness. Secondly, I am the worst eco/green person in the world. That’s probably not something I should admit out loud, but it’s true. So eco novels always set me on edge, always make me feel as if I’m not doing enough (though I’m not) and they come across as preachy.
As soon as I knew Julia’s Child was about the two things I really can never seem to get on board with, I was scared, but I persevered. Because it is possible for me to change my mind and I’m pleased to say Julia’s Child did indeed prove me wrong. Yes, Julia Bailey is a mother (a somewhat neurotic one, at times) and sure, she’s trying to make the world a greener place with the way she lives, the way she makes her products for children, but it’s a nice mix of the two. It isn’t over the top, it isn’t preachy and I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn’t laugh-out-loud funny as the blurb suggests, but it was warm-hearted, it was fun, and it was an interesting tug of war between Julia having a successful business and Julia keeping her family in tact. I was pleasantly surprised and I’m glad I hadn’t read the blurb before hand because I probably wouldn’t have read it then and I’d have missed out massively.
This is really a special debut novel, and I enjoyed every page. I even stayed up past midnight to finish it because I wanted to know what Julia was going to do with her company, whether it was going to survive. It’s not a typical Chick Lit novel, there’s no relationship drama (huzzah, there CAN be happy marriages in Chick Lit! Although there was a slight moment where I thought it was going to all pear-shaped… However that was quickly resolved), it’s not overly focused on Julia’s family, either – she’s not weighted down by guilt, spending pages and pages feeling bad about how busy she is. Instead, it’s a novel about a woman starting her own business and trying to make it work. The family stuff is there, obviously, but it’s not OTT and it didn’t make me angry, as mother novels are wont to do sometimes. I loved Julia’s business savvy, I loved reading about her struggles because she was just so passionate about her muffets, about making her business succeed when all around the world companies and businesses are failing exponentially.
The characters, particularly Marta, Julia’s partner in Julia’s Child who was awesome; the writing; the plot… It was all just one big, happy, warm novel. It has its ups and downs, of course it does – Julia’s Child isn’t a perfect business and a lot of time is spect as Julia tries to drum up business, but overall it’s warm and happy. I loved reading it, I loved racing to the finish and wondering how it would all pan out. Sarah Pinneo has written a very engaging debut novel, one that will resonate with mothers everywhere who struggle every day to make sure their kids eat the right foods, but it’s also one single people can enjoy, people who don’t have kids, because it’s not all about being a mother, and I was able to understand Julia’s issues, understand why Julia was so passionate about Julia’s Child. I totally recommend the novel, and I can’t wait for Sarah Pinneo’s second novel, because Julia’s Child is a triumph!
As soon as I knew Julia’s Child was about the two things I really can never seem to get on board with, I was scared, but I persevered. Because it is possible for me to change my mind and I’m pleased to say Julia’s Child did indeed prove me wrong. Yes, Julia Bailey is a mother (a somewhat neurotic one, at times) and sure, she’s trying to make the world a greener place with the way she lives, the way she makes her products for children, but it’s a nice mix of the two. It isn’t over the top, it isn’t preachy and I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn’t laugh-out-loud funny as the blurb suggests, but it was warm-hearted, it was fun, and it was an interesting tug of war between Julia having a successful business and Julia keeping her family in tact. I was pleasantly surprised and I’m glad I hadn’t read the blurb before hand because I probably wouldn’t have read it then and I’d have missed out massively.
This is really a special debut novel, and I enjoyed every page. I even stayed up past midnight to finish it because I wanted to know what Julia was going to do with her company, whether it was going to survive. It’s not a typical Chick Lit novel, there’s no relationship drama (huzzah, there CAN be happy marriages in Chick Lit! Although there was a slight moment where I thought it was going to all pear-shaped… However that was quickly resolved), it’s not overly focused on Julia’s family, either – she’s not weighted down by guilt, spending pages and pages feeling bad about how busy she is. Instead, it’s a novel about a woman starting her own business and trying to make it work. The family stuff is there, obviously, but it’s not OTT and it didn’t make me angry, as mother novels are wont to do sometimes. I loved Julia’s business savvy, I loved reading about her struggles because she was just so passionate about her muffets, about making her business succeed when all around the world companies and businesses are failing exponentially.
The characters, particularly Marta, Julia’s partner in Julia’s Child who was awesome; the writing; the plot… It was all just one big, happy, warm novel. It has its ups and downs, of course it does – Julia’s Child isn’t a perfect business and a lot of time is spect as Julia tries to drum up business, but overall it’s warm and happy. I loved reading it, I loved racing to the finish and wondering how it would all pan out. Sarah Pinneo has written a very engaging debut novel, one that will resonate with mothers everywhere who struggle every day to make sure their kids eat the right foods, but it’s also one single people can enjoy, people who don’t have kids, because it’s not all about being a mother, and I was able to understand Julia’s issues, understand why Julia was so passionate about Julia’s Child. I totally recommend the novel, and I can’t wait for Sarah Pinneo’s second novel, because Julia’s Child is a triumph!
March 17, 2012
REVIEW JULIA’S CHILD
From the Publisher:
“A delectable comedy for every woman who has ever wondered if buying that $6 box of organic crackers makes her a hero or a sucker.
Julia Bailey is a mompreneur with too many principles and too little time. Her fledgling company, Julia’s Child, makes organic toddler meals with names like Gentle Lentil and Give Peas a Chance. But before she realizes her dream of seeing them on the shelves of Whole Foods, she will have to make peace between her professional aspirations and her toughest food critics: the two little boys waiting at home. Is it possible to save the world while turning a profit?
JULIA’S CHILD is a warmhearted, laugh-out-loud story about motherhood’s choices: organic vs. local, paper vs. plastic, staying at home vs. risking it all.”
Though my kids are out of their toddler years (they’re now ages 9 & 12), Sarah Pinneo is preaching to the choir with me. I am of the generation of moms concerned about the damage that chemical/hormone/antibiotic- filled foods might be doing to our children. I’m in Los Angeles, not Manhattan, but West-side moms are the same in both cities. So I know Sarah knows of whom and what she speaks when she writes of the high-powered, wealthy, educated and very neurotic mom species.
Julia of JULIA’S CHILD is a prickly woman. It took me awhile to warm pulling a real woman out of a stereotype. Just when I’d think, “God she’s one of those women who is such a perfect mom you can’t stand her,” her kids will say, “Mommy’s always in a rush” or she’s caught talking on the cell phone while her toddler climbs the fence of the animal enclosure in the petting zoo. Although it’s hard to feel anything but envy for a woman who has a great husband and adorable kids as well as owns a nice apartment in Manhattan AND a home in Vermont, I did grow to appreciate her risk-taking and passion to spread the word about the value of feeding real food to kids. I also thought Pinneo dealt well with the inherent conflicts of the organic food business start-up. It starts with an impulse to help busy people serve their families whole and healthy foods – but with success comes the temptation to compromise.
The other main characters in the tale are warm and lovable: the aforementioned long suffering husband, the quirky live-in nanny, the employee pulling herself up by the bootstraps. Like Julia, they and smaller characters are often given surprising traits that make them well-rounded. Julia’s relationship with Marta, her intuitively PR-saavy employee cum business partner, is especially complex, as they negotiate the bounds of friendship and work relationship.
JULIA’S CHILD is an interesting combo of a light, entertaining story of a woman finding her voice by pursuing a career she is passionate about, with a book that seeks to get out real information about our country’s industrial food production and eating habits. There are even recipes, which I look forward to trying out. It’s obvious that Sarah Pinneo shares Julia’s passion to wake us all up to the facts about what it is we are choosing to eat. It’s a passion I share, and am relatively knowledgable about. I’m going to try and give it to friends who might not know so much about this subject, as I’m curious to hear what they’ll think. How about you?
From the Publisher:
“A delectable comedy for every woman who has ever wondered if buying that $6 box of organic crackers makes her a hero or a sucker.
Julia Bailey is a mompreneur with too many principles and too little time. Her fledgling company, Julia’s Child, makes organic toddler meals with names like Gentle Lentil and Give Peas a Chance. But before she realizes her dream of seeing them on the shelves of Whole Foods, she will have to make peace between her professional aspirations and her toughest food critics: the two little boys waiting at home. Is it possible to save the world while turning a profit?
JULIA’S CHILD is a warmhearted, laugh-out-loud story about motherhood’s choices: organic vs. local, paper vs. plastic, staying at home vs. risking it all.”
Though my kids are out of their toddler years (they’re now ages 9 & 12), Sarah Pinneo is preaching to the choir with me. I am of the generation of moms concerned about the damage that chemical/hormone/antibiotic- filled foods might be doing to our children. I’m in Los Angeles, not Manhattan, but West-side moms are the same in both cities. So I know Sarah knows of whom and what she speaks when she writes of the high-powered, wealthy, educated and very neurotic mom species.
Julia of JULIA’S CHILD is a prickly woman. It took me awhile to warm pulling a real woman out of a stereotype. Just when I’d think, “God she’s one of those women who is such a perfect mom you can’t stand her,” her kids will say, “Mommy’s always in a rush” or she’s caught talking on the cell phone while her toddler climbs the fence of the animal enclosure in the petting zoo. Although it’s hard to feel anything but envy for a woman who has a great husband and adorable kids as well as owns a nice apartment in Manhattan AND a home in Vermont, I did grow to appreciate her risk-taking and passion to spread the word about the value of feeding real food to kids. I also thought Pinneo dealt well with the inherent conflicts of the organic food business start-up. It starts with an impulse to help busy people serve their families whole and healthy foods – but with success comes the temptation to compromise.
The other main characters in the tale are warm and lovable: the aforementioned long suffering husband, the quirky live-in nanny, the employee pulling herself up by the bootstraps. Like Julia, they and smaller characters are often given surprising traits that make them well-rounded. Julia’s relationship with Marta, her intuitively PR-saavy employee cum business partner, is especially complex, as they negotiate the bounds of friendship and work relationship.
JULIA’S CHILD is an interesting combo of a light, entertaining story of a woman finding her voice by pursuing a career she is passionate about, with a book that seeks to get out real information about our country’s industrial food production and eating habits. There are even recipes, which I look forward to trying out. It’s obvious that Sarah Pinneo shares Julia’s passion to wake us all up to the facts about what it is we are choosing to eat. It’s a passion I share, and am relatively knowledgable about. I’m going to try and give it to friends who might not know so much about this subject, as I’m curious to hear what they’ll think. How about you?
September 18, 2012
I don't remember where I heard about this book exactly. All I can remember is that I read about it on a blog somewhere and marked it as to-read; something about it must have caught my attention. I've recently started going through my to-read list to check if our library carries the books. Its mostly been a frustrating process, lots of dead ends. Then lo and behold, the library actually had a book!
Julia's Child is a first person narrative of a mother and struggling organic entrepreneur. Its an easy and light read, nothing heavy. Unlike many of the other books I seem to read, she's an ordinary privileged New Yorker trying to break even with her business and while trying to stay committed to her ecological values. I didn't break down into tears and I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat. I was drawn in by a familiar character. She's kind of like me and most of the other moms I know, her day to day struggles were the same struggles I talk about with friends. So sometimes there was a part of me that was wondering why I was reading it in the first place, I like to read to take me to another place or experience. This was like touring my own backyard.
The main character, Julia, makes and sells healthy toddler foods. One thing I really liked about the book was that it included some recipes. I haven't tried any yet but I am very curious to try out the muffets the book primarily talks about. Also, the mac and cheese recipe looks interesting. The book did inspire me to get creative about how to include vegetables in my picky toddler's meals. Lately, he's been picking out anything that is green from his plate. So, I shredded carrots and zucchini into the Mexican rice I made the other day and he ate it without hesitation!
I think a more interesting story would have been that of Marta, Julia's welfare to work assistant. In fact, it seems its Marta who has all the ideas and gets them their big break. Its Marta who keeps the show running and in the end, I think its Marta who gets the short end of the deal when it comes to salary. I won't give away the ending, but I will say that it all wraps up a little bit too nice and neat. I don't know, I guess the story felt very safe so it left me feeling the same. It isn't a bad novel, its a nice, light read, but it didn't particularly inspire or move me either.
Julia's Child is a first person narrative of a mother and struggling organic entrepreneur. Its an easy and light read, nothing heavy. Unlike many of the other books I seem to read, she's an ordinary privileged New Yorker trying to break even with her business and while trying to stay committed to her ecological values. I didn't break down into tears and I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat. I was drawn in by a familiar character. She's kind of like me and most of the other moms I know, her day to day struggles were the same struggles I talk about with friends. So sometimes there was a part of me that was wondering why I was reading it in the first place, I like to read to take me to another place or experience. This was like touring my own backyard.
The main character, Julia, makes and sells healthy toddler foods. One thing I really liked about the book was that it included some recipes. I haven't tried any yet but I am very curious to try out the muffets the book primarily talks about. Also, the mac and cheese recipe looks interesting. The book did inspire me to get creative about how to include vegetables in my picky toddler's meals. Lately, he's been picking out anything that is green from his plate. So, I shredded carrots and zucchini into the Mexican rice I made the other day and he ate it without hesitation!
I think a more interesting story would have been that of Marta, Julia's welfare to work assistant. In fact, it seems its Marta who has all the ideas and gets them their big break. Its Marta who keeps the show running and in the end, I think its Marta who gets the short end of the deal when it comes to salary. I won't give away the ending, but I will say that it all wraps up a little bit too nice and neat. I don't know, I guess the story felt very safe so it left me feeling the same. It isn't a bad novel, its a nice, light read, but it didn't particularly inspire or move me either.
September 12, 2015
3.5/5
Julia Bailey has a whole lot on her plate. Not only is she a New York City mom and wife, she is also running a floundering business, Julia’s Child, an organic food line for toddlers. She works long days concocting healthy, but appealing meals for children, while attempting to get her line into some big time stores such as Whole Foods, but can’t seem to catch a break, or make a profit. Then, by chance, she gets to appear on a popular talk show, and things start looking up for her struggling business. Can she juggle all of her responsibilities and keep her head? Can she finally succeed enough in business to stop draining the savings account? This debut novel takes us into the mind and heart of an every day mother just trying to make her place in the world.
First off, I’m incredibly impressed that this is Pinneo’s debut novel. The writing is really great and the author seems like a seasoned pro. Additionally, I thought this was a pretty unique story. It takes the typical “busy mom living in the city” story and turns it on its head. I can’t say I’ve ever read anything else that features an organic toddler food line and I think it was so cool that she added this element in to make for something unique. So, I liked that a lot… and now I want some muffets.
I also really liked Julia herself. She was a really sympathetic character and I found myself rooting for her the whole way. I felt terrible knowing that her business wasn’t doing well, and I felt elated when she got several “big breaks.” I admired her spirit and tenacity, most of all.
My one complaint with the novel was the pacing for me. At times, I felt it was a little bit slow and not very exciting. I do understand why that is, though. This is the story of a hardworking mom trying to succeed at being a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur. I think that Pinneo wanted to show the day to day life and the struggles that come along with all of those responsibilities, so even though it isn’t always thrilling, it is true to life, and I get that. I think one day I’ll be able to relate better to these kinds of stories when I have kids of my own.
Anyways, a cute read about a hectic momma and her start-up business that I would recommend to fans of foodie type fiction, and especially to moms!
Julia Bailey has a whole lot on her plate. Not only is she a New York City mom and wife, she is also running a floundering business, Julia’s Child, an organic food line for toddlers. She works long days concocting healthy, but appealing meals for children, while attempting to get her line into some big time stores such as Whole Foods, but can’t seem to catch a break, or make a profit. Then, by chance, she gets to appear on a popular talk show, and things start looking up for her struggling business. Can she juggle all of her responsibilities and keep her head? Can she finally succeed enough in business to stop draining the savings account? This debut novel takes us into the mind and heart of an every day mother just trying to make her place in the world.
First off, I’m incredibly impressed that this is Pinneo’s debut novel. The writing is really great and the author seems like a seasoned pro. Additionally, I thought this was a pretty unique story. It takes the typical “busy mom living in the city” story and turns it on its head. I can’t say I’ve ever read anything else that features an organic toddler food line and I think it was so cool that she added this element in to make for something unique. So, I liked that a lot… and now I want some muffets.
I also really liked Julia herself. She was a really sympathetic character and I found myself rooting for her the whole way. I felt terrible knowing that her business wasn’t doing well, and I felt elated when she got several “big breaks.” I admired her spirit and tenacity, most of all.
My one complaint with the novel was the pacing for me. At times, I felt it was a little bit slow and not very exciting. I do understand why that is, though. This is the story of a hardworking mom trying to succeed at being a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur. I think that Pinneo wanted to show the day to day life and the struggles that come along with all of those responsibilities, so even though it isn’t always thrilling, it is true to life, and I get that. I think one day I’ll be able to relate better to these kinds of stories when I have kids of my own.
Anyways, a cute read about a hectic momma and her start-up business that I would recommend to fans of foodie type fiction, and especially to moms!
February 23, 2012
Julia Bailey is a true mompreneur, a wife and mother of two boys who is desperately trying to get her business off the ground. After having her first son and actually thinking about what food and fillers she was putting into his system, she knew she wanted to do better. And Julia’s Child was born – a company that makes organic toddler meals, showing young kids that vegetables deserve a chance. But how much will Julia sacrifice to see her products on Whole Foods shelves? Her husband is missing her, her kids are spending more time with the nanny, and someone is now trying to sabotage Julia’s vegetable fields. Can Julia do it all?
I had a lot of fun reading this debut from Sarah Pinneo. Julia was such a great character, sometimes a little uptight and one-minded, but all for good reason. I sometimes feel like her – being twisted in so many directions and trying to be an entrepreneur and keep my head above water – and I don’t have a husband or kids! I give her many kudos for what she was trying to achieve. I have to say, I think my favorite character was actually Julia’s husband, Luke. It’s so common now to read books where the husband eventually leaves or is caught with the nanny. Luke was a true man, a loving husband, and a wonderful father. The little boys made a great addition to the book as well.
The ending had me a bit befuddled. The last few chapters felt a bit rushed to me, and I kept having to Google terms so I could understand what was happening to Julia and her business. It would have been nice if some of the corporate terms were explained a bit so I knew more of what was going on, but that was really my only issue with the book. This is a strong debut from Pinneo, and I’ll be sure to read more from her. Even if you are not a mom, I think this book should go on your to-read list – it’s a good one!
I had a lot of fun reading this debut from Sarah Pinneo. Julia was such a great character, sometimes a little uptight and one-minded, but all for good reason. I sometimes feel like her – being twisted in so many directions and trying to be an entrepreneur and keep my head above water – and I don’t have a husband or kids! I give her many kudos for what she was trying to achieve. I have to say, I think my favorite character was actually Julia’s husband, Luke. It’s so common now to read books where the husband eventually leaves or is caught with the nanny. Luke was a true man, a loving husband, and a wonderful father. The little boys made a great addition to the book as well.
The ending had me a bit befuddled. The last few chapters felt a bit rushed to me, and I kept having to Google terms so I could understand what was happening to Julia and her business. It would have been nice if some of the corporate terms were explained a bit so I knew more of what was going on, but that was really my only issue with the book. This is a strong debut from Pinneo, and I’ll be sure to read more from her. Even if you are not a mom, I think this book should go on your to-read list – it’s a good one!
December 19, 2012
This book was just ok. As a non-earthy/crunchy type, I was glad the main character wasn't too preachy about being green and all that. But seriously, she's all against "processed foods" but that's what she's doing. Making food for other people to buy. Duh.
Julia was just so scatter brained it was amazing that she ever got anything done in the book. And truly, she rarely does without tons of help from her nanny, her employee, her husband. She's not self-reliant, independent or entrepreneurial. I thought it was ridiculous that she had a phone that was so unreliable for so long just to move along the plot in a few spots. Seriously, get yourself to the AT&T store and get a new phone. Get over yourself with the "oh but it will hurt the planet to make another phone."
It is hard to sympathize with the main character's struggles to launch a business after leaving her job when 1.) she can just up and buy a farm and ask them to try organic farming in Vermont - WHERE THEY HAVE A SECOND HOME!! 2.) she still has a nanny What?
This woman apparently just has a lot of luck because she didn't even think to have a website until she got the faux Whole Foods order. But don't worry - she was lucky enough to get a web designer to drop everything and create a website overnight for her.
She wasn't very gracious when her hard working partner, Marta, was interviewed by the local paper either. It's Marta who does all the heavy lifting, figures out the new recipes and busts her butt to make sure they meet all these deliveries that Julia promises. I would have liked to learn more about Marta than Julia.
Julia was just so scatter brained it was amazing that she ever got anything done in the book. And truly, she rarely does without tons of help from her nanny, her employee, her husband. She's not self-reliant, independent or entrepreneurial. I thought it was ridiculous that she had a phone that was so unreliable for so long just to move along the plot in a few spots. Seriously, get yourself to the AT&T store and get a new phone. Get over yourself with the "oh but it will hurt the planet to make another phone."
It is hard to sympathize with the main character's struggles to launch a business after leaving her job when 1.) she can just up and buy a farm and ask them to try organic farming in Vermont - WHERE THEY HAVE A SECOND HOME!! 2.) she still has a nanny What?
This woman apparently just has a lot of luck because she didn't even think to have a website until she got the faux Whole Foods order. But don't worry - she was lucky enough to get a web designer to drop everything and create a website overnight for her.
She wasn't very gracious when her hard working partner, Marta, was interviewed by the local paper either. It's Marta who does all the heavy lifting, figures out the new recipes and busts her butt to make sure they meet all these deliveries that Julia promises. I would have liked to learn more about Marta than Julia.
September 21, 2014
I love stories like this one, stories about a strong woman that tries so hard to hold everything together. A woman who tries to and does an amazing job of juggling her own business and her family at the same time, even with its really tough not seeing her family all the time.
Julia's Child is a book that will surprise you though. Inside its pages you will not only find an incrediable story, but also some great recipe's.
Julia is a very inspiring character. Like I said above she stands up for what she believes in, which is feeding kids nutritious food with making it taste good. She not only does that but she also goes full throttle to get to her goals. I loved reading about her time with her kids and her husband. My favorite play time with her kids would have to be her time in the homemade tent. (not going to give it away, so you will have to read the book and find out why I love that part.)
Julia's husband is another great character in this story, he's strong for her and lets her go for her dreams. Now that is a real man!!! I also love her kids in this book. They are so smart. They can tell mommy is working really hard to get what they need.
I loved all the characters in this book, they were well developed and very personable. I love reading characters that I can see something of myself in.
All in all Julia's Child is a great read and a very inspiring story for people to read when they feel like giving up. This book could give them some hope.
Julia's Child is a book that will surprise you though. Inside its pages you will not only find an incrediable story, but also some great recipe's.
Julia is a very inspiring character. Like I said above she stands up for what she believes in, which is feeding kids nutritious food with making it taste good. She not only does that but she also goes full throttle to get to her goals. I loved reading about her time with her kids and her husband. My favorite play time with her kids would have to be her time in the homemade tent. (not going to give it away, so you will have to read the book and find out why I love that part.)
Julia's husband is another great character in this story, he's strong for her and lets her go for her dreams. Now that is a real man!!! I also love her kids in this book. They are so smart. They can tell mommy is working really hard to get what they need.
I loved all the characters in this book, they were well developed and very personable. I love reading characters that I can see something of myself in.
All in all Julia's Child is a great read and a very inspiring story for people to read when they feel like giving up. This book could give them some hope.
July 23, 2012
Julia, a "can I have it all" mom, leaves her job on Wall Street to start an small business in Brooklyn, marketing organic, toddler-friendly foods. At a small business incubator, she meets Marta, and together they try to keep the business afloat. Can they achieve solvency, get the product onto the shelves of Whole Foods Market, while managing their multiple family responsibilities?
This book is a light frothy read with a lot of humor---and some delicious-looking recipes---but the dilemmas Julia and Marta face ring true. One set of value conflicts come around Julia's participation in the organic food industry, both as a consumer and a supplier. Another set arises as Julia has to decide how draconian she will be in her choices about feeding her own toddlers and protecting them from the "processed" world around them.
Most importantly, there's the various attempts to balance home and work that women in our society deal with constantly. I read this book just a few weeks after Anne-Marie Slaughter's article "Why Women Still Can't Have It All" went viral. Julia faces Slaughter's end of the dilemma---she has financial resources, a supportive spouse, and a nanny to take over some of the family responsibilities. Marta, a single mom previously on food stamps, is at the other extreme end of the career-mom's dilemma. This contrast between them influences their values, the decisions they both make, and ultimately, the outcome of the novel.
This book is a light frothy read with a lot of humor---and some delicious-looking recipes---but the dilemmas Julia and Marta face ring true. One set of value conflicts come around Julia's participation in the organic food industry, both as a consumer and a supplier. Another set arises as Julia has to decide how draconian she will be in her choices about feeding her own toddlers and protecting them from the "processed" world around them.
Most importantly, there's the various attempts to balance home and work that women in our society deal with constantly. I read this book just a few weeks after Anne-Marie Slaughter's article "Why Women Still Can't Have It All" went viral. Julia faces Slaughter's end of the dilemma---she has financial resources, a supportive spouse, and a nanny to take over some of the family responsibilities. Marta, a single mom previously on food stamps, is at the other extreme end of the career-mom's dilemma. This contrast between them influences their values, the decisions they both make, and ultimately, the outcome of the novel.
October 29, 2012
I received Julia's Child in a Goodreads Giveaway. I was really looking forward to reading it and it did not disappoint me. I am a mother of 3 young children and although I am not struggling to start my own business as well as raise my children, I was able to relate to Julia. This is a very "green" book, but I did not feel that it was overdone. It was very informative and contains quite a few healthy recipes. Julia had the same concerns for her children and for their health as I do for my children. I am always wondering if I should splurge to buy the organic product or if I should save some money and go for the "Natural" product. Julia's child is about a mother that wanted her children and other children to have access to the healthiest foods. She started her own company to make organic toddler foods and it becomes much more then she bargained for. The book also gets into the working vs. stay at home mother debate as Julia's business starts to take over her life and she is unable to spend quality time with her family. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to mothers with young children who are facing these same issues.
January 4, 2013
When Julia Bailey launches a line of organic Muffet snacks for children, she has a whole new world to deal with. Like product presentations to rooms full of mothers and screaming infants, trade shows that exclude her because her company's too small, and offers from corporations she's not sure she can trust. Plus she's got all the problems of a working mother, with a vanishing nanny, angry notes about kiddie snacks from fellow tenants, kids who barge in to interrupt when she's cooking, and a cell phone that keeps breaking down. Will she ever turn Muffets into a nation-wide enterprise--and does she want to?
I really enjoyed this mother's adventures into big business, and could relate to some of her mishaps. As a writer and presenter of candy experiments, I myself have felt overwhelmed doing presentations at enormous festivals, and was properly horrified when Julia's whole display was carted away for fire safety purposes, so that she had to pull together something entirely new overnight. I've also had to try to figure out where my future was leading, so I could understand both her excitement and her misgivings.
I really enjoyed this mother's adventures into big business, and could relate to some of her mishaps. As a writer and presenter of candy experiments, I myself have felt overwhelmed doing presentations at enormous festivals, and was properly horrified when Julia's whole display was carted away for fire safety purposes, so that she had to pull together something entirely new overnight. I've also had to try to figure out where my future was leading, so I could understand both her excitement and her misgivings.
July 14, 2012
Many bloggers had raved about this book, and I was lucky enough to win a copy from The Chick Lit Bee (thanks!), but it just didn't wow me like I'd hoped. It is well written and I could totally relate to Julia's struggle to manage her small business (I own a small press and often wonder what the hell I got myself into), but I felt the story lacked real drama. I also found it fairly preachy at times and rather self-indulgent, and I was regularly really irritated with Julia's obsessiveness about organic living. I'm a yogi and a vegetarian, and I could very easily become one of those annoying new age-y types constantly extolling the virtues of yoga and a plant-based diet. But I don't. Why? Because it really turns people off. I prefer to teach by example, rather than condemning those who don't fall in line with my beliefs. As they say, "you catch more flies with honey..." But, if you're a mom struggling to find a work-life balance while pursuing your passion for organic living, you might really love this story. It just wasn't my cup of fair trade organic tea.
March 6, 2012
Julia's Child is a pretty good book, I generally don't like stories about families or ladies with kids but this one was quite enjoyable.
The recipes add a personal touch though I really do wish there were a lot more - but the author wrote them in a way that made you feel like she was speaking to you.
A few of the parts dragged a bit but for the most part the book was well paced and very entertaining - especially the hispanic lady and the people of Brooklyn you see in passing through the book.
All in all - I'd say this book gets four stars - just because at times the author went on slight tangents but she would always come back in a decent amount of time so it wasn't so bad you couldn't read it.
The recipes add a personal touch though I really do wish there were a lot more - but the author wrote them in a way that made you feel like she was speaking to you.
A few of the parts dragged a bit but for the most part the book was well paced and very entertaining - especially the hispanic lady and the people of Brooklyn you see in passing through the book.
All in all - I'd say this book gets four stars - just because at times the author went on slight tangents but she would always come back in a decent amount of time so it wasn't so bad you couldn't read it.
February 18, 2012
Julia is a New York City mom with two young boys who is running a fledgling business creating healthy meals for toddlers. She is desperately trying to balance it all and make good on the investment her husband made in her business but despite long hours and some great ideas (Give Peas a Chance), Julia is just barely holding it all together. When an appearance on a morning television show brings unexpected attention and opportunities to Julia and her business, success is within striking distance. But . . . the challenge of balance has arguably gotten worse and there are tradeoffs (think selling out) that Julia must consider. Despite all this talk of hard work and struggling for balance, Julia's Child is laugh out loud funny with a main character you really want to see make it.
May 25, 2012
Pro:
- clever title
- easy to sympathize with the protagonist and want her to "win", and liked it that in the end, she recognized that moms are generally all just trying to do their best at a difficult job, and there is no need for us to be judgmental with each other
- easily recognizable frustrations/urban landscape for many readers
Con:
- felt like this couldn't quite decide what it wanted to be: novel? how-to-feed-your-child instruction manual? cookbook? healthy eating manifesto? As a result it sometimes felt a bit muddled and heavy-handed in the moralizing department, like the author had a Message! she wished to impart and shaped the characters and plot around it
The big question: Will I take look at the author's next book? Yes!
- clever title
- easy to sympathize with the protagonist and want her to "win", and liked it that in the end, she recognized that moms are generally all just trying to do their best at a difficult job, and there is no need for us to be judgmental with each other
- easily recognizable frustrations/urban landscape for many readers
Con:
- felt like this couldn't quite decide what it wanted to be: novel? how-to-feed-your-child instruction manual? cookbook? healthy eating manifesto? As a result it sometimes felt a bit muddled and heavy-handed in the moralizing department, like the author had a Message! she wished to impart and shaped the characters and plot around it
The big question: Will I take look at the author's next book? Yes!
May 17, 2012
I didn't realize we'd be jumping right into the story, Julia Bailey is already set up with her organic food for toddlers business, selling to small local markets in Brooklyn. Now, she's trying to decide if she should take the next step and grow her business even more. Without her co-worker, Marta, I don't think Julia would have succeeded as well. When a chance to be interviewed on a morning tv show arises, it's Marta that preps Julia to face the audience. There were some great characters in this debut novel, and I loved the title, but have to say the story meandered a bit, with the end having some twists that were worth the journey.
August 19, 2013
Julia is een eigen bedrijf begonnen en maakt gezonde maaltijden voor peuters. Eigenlijk is het een uit de kluiten gegroeide hobby. Het bedrijf komt in de problemen als er te veel werk is voor de drie werknemers die het bedrijf telt. Gelukkig komt er net op tijd de ideale oplossing waar iedereen blij mee is.
Dit is echt een boek wat lekker weg leest. Hierdoor is het ideaal voor op vakantie. De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt het is dus echt een boek wat klopt. Wel moet het onderwerp van het boek je aanspreken anders denk ik dat het boek je niet trekt.
Het is niet een boek wat mij onwijs bij blijft maar wel een lekker boek om tussen door te lezen.
Dit is echt een boek wat lekker weg leest. Hierdoor is het ideaal voor op vakantie. De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt het is dus echt een boek wat klopt. Wel moet het onderwerp van het boek je aanspreken anders denk ik dat het boek je niet trekt.
Het is niet een boek wat mij onwijs bij blijft maar wel een lekker boek om tussen door te lezen.
February 20, 2012
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy from Goodreads. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I had heard that it was a good light and quick read and also that it was too "green" for some. I enjoyed the book. It was a quick and light read. It does have a lot of green in it. But it is well written and does make the reader think about the environment and what we are eating as well as what we feed our kids. I think young moms will enjoy this book as well as the included recipes.
Want to read
February 6, 2012Recommended by Alice Bradley of finslippy:
"Julia's Child is, simply, a delightful romp. In fact I used the phrase "delightful romp" in the blurb I was asked to write for it, but then the author was all maybe you should read it first? And I was like, what? I haven't blurbed before, I mean, shut up, fine. And guess what I WAS RIGHT it was. DELIGHTFUL. ROMPY. I didn't put that in the blurb, though, because really. I did add that I missed my subway stop because I was so absorbed in reading the book, because I DID. Truth in blurbing!"
"Julia's Child is, simply, a delightful romp. In fact I used the phrase "delightful romp" in the blurb I was asked to write for it, but then the author was all maybe you should read it first? And I was like, what? I haven't blurbed before, I mean, shut up, fine. And guess what I WAS RIGHT it was. DELIGHTFUL. ROMPY. I didn't put that in the blurb, though, because really. I did add that I missed my subway stop because I was so absorbed in reading the book, because I DID. Truth in blurbing!"
June 8, 2012
I really enjoyed this book.... It made me constantly think of "Comfy Bummy Diapers" days :). But I didn't have the luxury of a nanny, so I probably have even more laughable stories to share :). Love the granola moms vs. "Emily" type of moms. And in the end, I liked how she showed that every mom has their "ick" factor in parenting, whether that be food, nannies, etc. I also ended up selling my business after six years, and I loved the part about Julia negotiating the sale!! Just a very real book about parenting in general. Oh, and I was hoping that in the end they would "retire" to the farm!!
March 28, 2012
Cute book about a Brooklyn mother (Julia) who owns a company that makes healthy convenience food for kids. The books central conflict is that she is overworked and can't make the business profitable, so the reasons for having a company (flexibility, more time with her two young kids) do not apply as she tries to grow the company. The book was interesting in terms of watching her business struggles, but it was pretty light overall. Enjoyable, but not particularly realistic.
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