Julia Reed (1) (1960–2020)

This is a collection of essays written by the late Julia Reed edited by Everett Bexley. Ms Reed wrote on many topics for many outlets during her career and Mr. Bexley groups his selections by theme, beginning with Fashion and Beauty and ending with The South by way of Food, People and Adventures. I started reading at the beginning and then, when I got bored I skipped around the various departments. I still didn't find anything I liked. Ms Reed's background and interests are different from mine and I struggled to find a point of connection. I didn't finish the book and don't recommend it.

One truly strange thing is the intro by the Southern humorist Roy Blount Jr. Mr. Blount tries to use one side of a phone conversation he overheard while visiting Ms Reed. I don't know if it is a failure of ARC punctuation or what, but I could not make hide nor hair of the episode.

I received a review copy of "Dispatches from the Gilded Age" from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.com.… (mais)

Julia Reed's New Orleans is a treat for the senses. Like Jason's Mom's Christmas Potatoes. Imagine the lowly potato accompanied with such heavy hitters as heavy cream, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Boursin cheese. Never mind waiting for Christmas. Just reading the recipe and viewing the photo is enough to make a body drool. And then turn around and put Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs on the shopping list. And this is just one example.

Packed with mouth-watering recipes and drool-inducing photos, this is a book that has you anxious to head to the kitchen and try out some of these recipes for yourself. And, the sooner, the better.
As the title of the book says "Food, Fun...Letting the Good Times Roll."… (mais)

A semi entertaining and humorous mismatch of essays portraying the many idiosyncracies to be found in the South. The authors love for the home of her birth, the Mississippi Delta does shine through. Essays touching on food, family, school, though her viewpoint is often viewed through her priviledged background. A church where guns are welcome but they are offended if one brings alcohol onto their grounds. Politness hiding much of a person's thoughts, generally thoughts not favorable.

Enjoyed some of these essays thst point out the lowest and highest points of being Southern. Had to laugh when she classified Honey Boo Boo as being one of the lowest. Never watched that show but knew who she was from reading the Enquirer when standing in line at the grocers. Can't understand the appeal, but then again can't understand the fascination many have for anything Kardashian.

So a mixed bag, but a nice diversion, easy to pick out an essay here and there, though this collection seems to lack cohesion. Just my opinion, some I probably just didn't get, not being Southern myself.… (mais)