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August 17, 2009
DEAR JULIA by Amy Bronwen Zemser
As a long time fan of Julia Child I was excited when I saw a trailer for the new film, JULIE/JULIA. I was even more excited, when I was browsing the fiction shelves and found a book entitled DEAR JULIA by Amy Bronwen Zemser. This story is the tale of two loners.
There is Elaine Hamilton who knew at age six she wanted to be a chef and began her correspondence with her favorite chef, Julia Child, but being a loner was afraid to mail the letters. When she was eight Elaine's Dad gave her the boxed set of the MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING, Volumes one and two by Julia Child, so she the Cook for the family which included four brothers. Her father would encourage her and say, "Delicious, Elaine. Just delicious.' (page 5) Her mother was a Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives and was usually busy. This was Elaine's dream and she tried to keep it to herself.
The other was Isadora Wilhelminetta Fischburger. She hated that name, so she called herself, Lucinda Sans. If that sounds familiar, it is the name of a font on the computer. Lucinda wanted to be famous. It did not matter what; Lucinda just wanted to be famous. She tried baton twirling, ballet, singing, modern dance and always tried out for school plays. Lucinda had a style all her own, which may have been the reason for a lack of friends, but had Moms who adored her.
When the girls entered their junior year of high school, they meet at the annual New Platz (N,Y.) Festival on the Green. Elaine was representing her Mom at the Congresswoman's booth. Lucinda was preparing to do a few scenes from Romeo and Juliet with the object of her affection, the handsome Croton Harmon. Lucinda accidently sets the Festival on fire; and the girls speak to each other. Out-going Lucinda takes on shy Elaine and the adventure begins.
If you looking for two new friends, pick up DEAR JULIA. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOKS FOR GIRLS IN GRADE 7 THROUGH 10 AND FOR JULIA CHILD FANS.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
East Meadow Public Library
Posted by fjacksonem at August 17, 2009 1:49 PM