Rottenkid: A Succulent Story of Survival

by Brigit Binns

Prolific cookbook author Brigit Binns’ coming-of-age memoir―co-starring her alcoholic actor father Edward Binns and glamorous but viciously smart narcissistic mother―reveals how simultaneous privilege and profound neglect led Brigit to seek comfort in the kitchen, eventually allowing her to find some sense of self-worth. A memoir sauteed in Hollywood stories, world travel, and always, the need to belong. Binns takes the reader through Hollywood dysfunction against the backdrop of old California, as viewed by her small, insecure self through coke-bottle glasses. When her parents eventually divorce, her father flees and her mother sends Brigit off to boarding school so that she can more easily conduct her decades-long romance with a married California Governor. Brigit is thrilled to escape her mother’s critical eye, racking up seven schools and a host of bad decisions before the age of 16 and finally decamping to college out of state. Beginning with her mom’s “life-altering” cheese souffle, food was the only catalyst for rare moments of détente in what would become a lifelong destructive―and often incendiary―relationship (in one chilling instance, her mother briefly shoves a .22 rifle into 15-year-old Binns’ belly). Brigit was exposed early on to infidelity; her mother told 11-year-old Brigit that Eddie Binns was impotent, and thus she had taken a lover, a “Mr. X.” Shortly afterwards, Mr. X was revealed as Brigit’s own Godfather, the ex-Governor. In Brigit’s late twenties, marriage to an Englishman took her across the pond―blessedly far from her emotionally abusive mother―and to professional cooking school. Later on in Spain, she catered expatriate yacht parties while said husband nursed his emotional wounds, then betrayed her. Heartbroken, she returned to Los Angeles eighteen years after vowing never to return. Her father dead and her mother fragile, Brigit cultivated some hope for their relationship, but it continued to implode. Against all glittering odds, Brigit thrived in Los Angeles, cold pitching herself to top chefs as co-author for their cookbooks and launching a successful career. Peppered with humor and unsinkable optimism, Brigit’s story is a tribute to female resilience and an inspiration for all who must deal with the catastrophic damage that a narcissistic parent can inflict.

Genres: Memoir

320 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

Brigit Legere Binns

Reviews

[Tammy Buchli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not generally fond of memoirs. But this one, a poor-little-rich-girl variation, coming on the heels of Rob Henderson’s actual poor-boy memoir, Troubled, seemed too ideal of a bookend to that book for me to ignore. Binns had every possible privilege except that of loving and involved parents and it turns out, unsurprisingly, that no amount of privilege can really make up for that vital lack. Somewhat fluffy, but well written and interesting, with a happy ending and lots of name-dropping to add to the fun, Binns avoided the navel-gazing that makes me dislike memoirs so much.

[Poppy Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
*******************************************************
A memoir sauteed in Hollywood stories, world travel, and always, the need to belong
Prolific cookbook author Brigit Binns’ coming-of-age memoir—co-starring her alcoholic actor father Edward Binns and glamorous but viciously smart narcissistic mother—reveals how simultaneous privilege and profound neglect lead Brigit to seek comfort in the kitchen, eventually allowing her to find some sense of self-worth.

In the old Hollywood of her childhood, Brigit seems to live in an elite world. But when her parents eventually divorce—her father flees and her mother sends her off to boarding school so she can more easily conduct her decades-long romance with a married California governor—Brigit racks up seven schools and a host of bad decisions before the age of 16.

Marriage to an Englishman takes her across the pond and to professional cooking school. But when that life comes crashing down, she returns heartbroken and alone to Los Angeles eighteen years after vowing never to return. Here she thrives, cold pitching herself to top chefs as co-author for their cookbooks. Peppered with humour and seasoned with optimism, Brigit’s story is an entertaining tribute to female resilience.

Brigit has certainly lived an interesting life … and to be honest, I am amazed that she survived her parents. I thoroughly enjoyed her story and by looking her up I can see that I have read most of her cookbooks but never dreamt what her back story would be.

Utterly delicious book – highly recommended to lovers of food, biographies and resilient women.

#shortbutsweetreviews
 

[Simi Monheit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a good stew, this book just kept getting better and our heroine just kept stronger. She's inspiring and courageous, with a lot of moxie, chutzpah and just the right amount of spice! Great read!

[Katya Cengel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rottenkid is a wild ride. From author Brigit Binns almost feral childhood to the wilds of mid-20th century California, this memoir encapsulates not just one woman’s story of childhood hurt and heartache but a time when California still seemed within reach for a generation of dreamers.

Each chapter begins with a photo from a bygone era helping set the scene for the fame, fun and glamour that populates Binns’ early life. The daughter of an actor father and a self-absorbed mother, Binns was largely left on her own. At 14 she is riding on motorcycles with older boys, at 16 she is hitchhiking home from the airport. Binns’ life is one of boarding schools and beach parties in which celebrities and their children make regular cameos.

The tone is flippant at first, but there is an undertone of pain and loneliness. The heartache can be felt in the words written by Binns’ mother that are included in the text. In an estate planning file, Binns’ mother notes that she does not like her daughter very much. The revelation stings even more because of the matter in fact way it is written.

That Binns managed to not only survive the neglect of her father and the hostility of her mother, but to carve a successful place for herself in the world is rather amazing. An engrossing read about a very troubled and entertaining childhood that in the end turns out OK, leaving the reader with hope on top of heartache.

[BethFishReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cookbook author Brigit Binns's memoir covers her life up to the time when her career began to take off.

I love a good a culinary memoir, and I'm avid cookbook reader and collector, so I had high hopes when I was given the chance to read Binns's book.

As the daughter of actor Edward Binns and his second wife, Marcia, Brigit should have had a fairy tale upbringing. Unfortunately, her father was a heavy drinker and her mother cared only about herself. Brigit spent most of her life alone and had only distance relationships with her parents, step-parents and step-sisters. She discovered her love for cooking after her marriage took her to England and then to Spain. After her marriage failed, she returned to California and at last found a career as a co-author, author, and ghost writer of cookbooks.

Though this memoir has garnered plenty of praise, it was not a hit with me. I felt bad for her mommy-dearest like childhood, but I didn't relate to or connect with most of her experiences. I think I was hoping for more food and less name dropping. Binns is a good writer, but her book didn't resonate with me, and I struggled to finish it.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

We often think that "the grass is greener on the other side", but Brigit Binns' memoir definitely shows us that this isn't always true.

The daughter of actor Edward Binns and his wife, Marcia, Brigit is referred to by her mother as "the rotten kid," and Brigit's life with her parents was troubling to say the least. She describes her mother as her "lifelong antagonist," which is a terribly sad description of the relationship between Brigit and her narcissistic mother.

I found the first part of this book to be a little disjointed as Brigit relates stories about her growing up years, but as she writes about her early adulthood and marriage, I felt that the writing was stronger and that Brigit as an author, and a survivor of a troubling childhood and marriage, really came into her own.

A well-written memoir about one woman's ability to overcome the obstacles put before her and come out stronger and more resilient. Thank you to #NetGalley and Sibylline Press for this electronic ARC of #Rottenkid.

[Suzy Vitello · Rating 5 out of 5]

To an observer, Brigit Binns grew up in the lap of luxury. A house in Brentwood. The children of A-List Hollywood types as playmates. A charismatic movie star father, Ed Binns. But the reality was a lot less glamorous, and a lot more hard knocks. Raised by a narcissistic mother who showered Brigit with indifference at best, and abject emotional abuse at worst, Brigit learned early on that survival depended upon honing her plucky spirit and culinary curiosity. Through an adolescence fueled by the drug-and-alcohol-colored 70’s, an early marriage marked by betrayal, and a fractured family life, Brigit turned to the art of creating memorable meals, which led to a career as a successful cookbook author, proving a slightly altered version of that old chestnut that revenge is a dish best served… piping hot.

[Ella Tansley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my first taste of culinary memoir. Despite not knowing who Brigit (or Edward) Binns is, I enjoyed this memoir/cookbook/travel log.

Brigit's early life is full of privilege, wealth and opportunities that few of us could understand, as the child of aHollywood actor. But writing is relatable and warm, and her story is told with such genuine humour that you cannot help but root for her. Brigit’s story is a reminder that money and status aren't a replacement for stability and parental care. Her descriptions of her difficult relationship with her parents are upsetting but tinged with dark humour. So it’s by no means a “sob story” but there are some parts when I felt quite heartbroken for her. You really will Brigit to make it through every obstacle she faces and she never disappoints. As a Brit, I adored her accounts of tackling the UK culture, its food and quirks. All of her kitchen tales made me feel extremely hungry and nostalgic for an era of food I never experienced. I also enjoyed her honest admissions of experiencing different cultures as an American white woman. Overall, it’s a book about resilience and finding contentment within yourself when it has never been modelled to you.

With thanks to NetGalley and Sibylline Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lora Chilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening line of Brigit Binn’s memoir, Rottenkid, “I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and a knife in my back”, foretells the extreme privilege and the utter horror of her Hollywood childhood.
She is straightforward as she recounts the glitter of movie star friends and photo shoots for magazines. In the same way, she details the neglect and abuse without sensationalizing the story.
In spite of this childhood, Brigit finds her way through cooking, nurturing herself and others with beautiful meals and writing cookbooks. Her story is one of resilience and courage. Brigit has risen above the trauma to thrive and refuses to feel sorry for herself, recounting her journey with humor and forgiveness.

[Divya Pai · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise for this book was very interesting, and it started well. I am sure Brigit Binns is a lovely person, and being an only child to a narcissistic writer and a Hollywood/ Broadway actor in the 60s and 70s must have been very tough. She found maturity at a very young age, and no child should have to go through that.
But the book just didn't interest me. Her travels have a stereotypical 'Eat Pray Love' vibe, and she just goes on and on, name-dropping Hollywood stars and politicians so casually. There was no depth to how she discovered herself.
Being an immigrant POC, it didn't appeal to me. Maybe I'm not the target audience for this book.

Thank you for the ARC.

[Opal Edgar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The autobiography of a food guru born to actor parents and all that entails in neglected childhood trauma.
The book is sad, and funny, real and also so very representative of the era of rising stardom culture.
Narcissism, manipulative and borderline personalities damage the fibre of families and children so badly. It's good Brigit managed to pull herself out of a downward spiral, and look back with a bitter-sweet smile despite all the hurt.
I think many forget how brutal the 60s were.
Can't say I enjoyed this, probably hit too close to home, but it's good that it exists.

[CM Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of memoirs; I only got this one because it was part of a retreat I attended. That said, its a fascinating combination of a life of privilege meeting a near-universal interior journey, seasoned with notes of psychology, Golden-Age Hollywood, and of course, food. It's a great story about how having a life most people dream about rarely turns out.

[Debbie Jeske · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was more of a foodie book than it was. It shared about the really rough childhood of the author along with some difficult relationships as an adult as well. Thankfully her later adult years seem to have been better.

[Kara Thurmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, filled with humor and heartache. I didn't want it to end!

[Teresa Dellaganna · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible story of resilience

Congratulations Brigit! I’ve always said you’ve lived many lives but reading them showed me many more. Your resilience through it all is amazing.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!

This was a fun memoir (as much fun as memoirs can be because they are never about happy childhoods!) and I loved the culinary aspect of it.

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not interesting.

[Anesa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of this truly “succulent” memoir makes for a deceptively light-hearted read. Essentially a story of finding oneself through the fits and starts of seeking independence and mature love, episodes of international travel and Hollywood parties unfold in often humorous, even breezy, style. But the underlying truth of neglect by narcissistic parents, however endearing they appear at times, bleeds through. I would have welcomed more remembrance from before the time when the narrator’s youthful rebellion earned her the moniker “rottenkid” from a mother adept at withholding love and support. Perhaps the pain of such memories is hard to bring in focus amid the success story of a brilliant career and happy personal life — hard-won achievements for the child who basically raised herself.

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

really well done memoir about food, stage moms, intense families, and existence. thanks so much for teh arc.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to have more adventures in my life! Inspiring.