I absolutely adored Meryl Streep's Julia Child in Julie & Julia... and that adoration has honestly probably colored my feelings on the book. Powell comes off as a little self-absorbed and maudlin, it's true, but what else can you expect from a memoir detailing the development of a self-declared crazy person's blog? The blog itself is still out there somewhere in blog-land, and even though it's rather outdated as websites go it's definitely worth a look. I happen to like Powell's self-deprecating brand of humor and honest nuttiness-- she reminds me a bit of Jen Lancaster, except Democrat. And as a budding "foodie", how can I not like a book involving homemade mayonnaise and live lobsters and Pate de Canard en Croute (Boned Stuffed Duck Baked in a Pastry Crust)? My main complaint is with the structure-- Powell interrupts herself over and over again and it was difficult to figure out where exactly her stories were going. Overall I'm glad I took the time to read it, and I may want to again someday, but it isn't one I'll ever own.