The Good American

Julia Child

Appetite for Life by Noel Riley Fitch is a thoroughly absorbing biography portraying the professional home chef and educator Julia Child. Fitch captures this woman's essence, bringing forth a vivid picture of her tremendous life drive. Julia had energy to burn and a deep desire to leave an imprint. She felt she had something special to give the world but needed a little time and space to figure out exactly what that would be. Two areas really struck a cord while reading about her life; destiny and capacity for joy.

Julia Child grew up in a conservative Brahmin household. She was expected to marry well, make a good wife, and uphold the conservative traditions inherited from her class and family. Julia was all for it, but obstacles lay in her way, for starters she was over 6' feet tall and finding a suitable man at the time proved daunting. She remained single long past what was considered a marriageable age. This allowed her to travel, explore life and eventually meet Paul Child. Without Paul there would be no Julia Child. He introduced her to passion and encouraged her brilliance and creativity. Julia was educated at Smith and worked at a variety of jobs before entering the secret service. The OSS offered her the opportunity to travel the world. As you read this biography you begin to see how all these experience wove together and were essential components. A strong message that even though we do not always know why we are where we are, or why what we want has not occurred, there is a reason for it. Julia Child needed the skills she acquired along the way to do what she eventually would. Even though these activities seemed unrelated, in the end we see they were essential to her eventual success. If she had married early in life, which was her desire, we would not know her, as she would have never found her passion and - to quote Maslow- self actualized. It really brings the point home, everything happens for a reason.

Julia had an insatiable capacity for joy. She was a social animal by nature, loving people, groups, and community. She loved living life and found great pleasure in whatever was happening. This woman saw the cup half full to overflowing at all times. She was quintessentially American and embodied the American spirit and what is really good about us as a people. A powerful reminder to have confidence in your individuality and shine on.

Bravo Julia and thank you