My reading of this book was mostly inspired by me finally watching the movie and the fact that I had found the book at a thrift store last summer. The deal with this thrift store was that I could take home a paper grocery bag full of books for 2 dollars. Needless to say I grabbed any classics I found and some titles I recognized, like this one. If it hadn't been for this situation I don't think I would have bought the book. While Julie Powell's style is entertaining and I found myself wanting to read the book and finish it (and also look up David Strathairn), at the end I felt like I could have spent my free time reading something else. Entertaining for a minute, causing me to leaf through a vintage copy of Julia Child's book I found at a separate thrifting occasion; ultimately not worth it. Kind of like watching reality TV. Although I identify with her ennui and seemingly lack of direction and purpose in life, I just couldn't relate to this book as much as I wanted to. The movie was much better (I rarely ever say this).