Appetite for Life: The Biography of Julia Child

by Noël Riley Fitch
Appetite for Life: The Biography of Julia Child cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 168
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-09-03
  • Publisher: Doubleday Books
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Amazon UK · 2025-09-03
positive 4.50

The biography is well-regarded with a high customer rating, suggesting readers find it a compelling and authoritative account of Julia Child's life.

Amazon UK customer reviews collectively give the book a strong rating, reflecting satisfaction with the book’s thoroughness and engaging narrative. Readers appreciate the detailed exploration of Julia Child’s biography, often noting how the book enriches their understanding of her personality and achievements. The book is viewed as an essential read for fans and food lovers wanting a comprehensive look at Child's life.

Quick quotes

    Customer Reviews, 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    A compelling and authoritative account of Julia Child's life.

    Thorough and engaging narrative capturing her personality and achievements.

Tasting Table · 2025-09-03
insightful 4.00

The book is recognized among the best Julia Child biographies that offer deep insight into her life, career, and cultural impact.

This biography is highlighted as a key resource for anyone wanting to understand Julia Child's journey from a California girl to a culinary icon. It is part of a curated list praised for its thorough exploration of her influence on American food culture and the legacy she left behind. Readers appreciate how the biography captures the multifaceted nature of Child's life and her role in shaping modern cooking and television food programming.

Quick quotes

    Dive deep into the life of the beloved chef.

    You’re sure to discover even more surprising tidbits about her work, life and love of food.

    It parallels Child’s rise to stardom with the evolution of American food.

Goodreads · 2025-09-03
inspiring 4.50

The biography reveals Julia Child as an earthy and complex role model, focusing on her private life and culinary journey with rich detail and warmth.

This biography provides a vivid portrait of Julia Child beyond her public persona, highlighting her spirited youth, her wartime service, and her passionate marriage. The most captivating parts describe her late start in cooking and the diligent research behind Mastering the Art of French Cooking, revealing her determination and dedication. The narrative balances admiration with insight into her complexity, making her relatable and inspiring as a pioneering woman and teacher.

Quick quotes

    In this biography we meet the earthy and outrageous Julia, who, at age eighty-five, remains a complex role model.

    The bits about her learning to cook and researching the recipes for Mastering the Art of French Cooking to be the most interesting part of the book.

    Julia is the quintessential teacher. The perfect gift for food lovers and a romantic biography of a woman modern before her time.

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