Be Ready When the Luck Happens

I recently devoured Ina Garten's memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. Prior to picking up her book, I didn't know anything about Garten. I don't cook, so the famous chef was barely on my radar. I'd heard of her, of course, but that's about it. I only bought Garten's book because I was visiting my local bookshop and browsing the bestsellers; when I absentmindedly picked up Be Ready When the Luck Happens, the lovely bookseller gave a ringing endorsement. (Reminder to go into bookshops! You might just stumble upon your new favorite thing...)

After getting to know Garten through her memoir, I'm now a mega fan. First of all, I love her vibe. Her tone reminds me of my beloved Zibby Owens. Second, I feel a kinship with Garten, a fellow Jewish gal from Connecticut, who overcame a tough childhood. Garten and I have many differences, of course (I'm technically from NJ, for one), but we have enough in common for me to feel instantly bonded. And more important, I admire and aspire to Garten's mindset. She is adventurous, brave, a trailblazer of her time; a total feminist and risk-taker with a huge heart. Garten likes to have fun. She does it right in many areas, even geographically, splitting her time between the Hamptons and Paris. Garten fell in love with Europe while traveling there as a newlywed, with her husband Jeffrey.

Her husband! Their love story is swoony, their partnership exemplary. Weirdly, they have the same meet-cute story as my parents: they met while Garten was visiting her brother at college, at the library. My parents met when my mom was visiting her brother at med school, at the library. That's where the relationship similarities end, unfortunately.

So thank goodness for books, amirite? I can find "relationship goals" in Garten's story. Her memoir is life-affirming, brimming with sage advice. She doesn't use this word, but she is an expert manifester. Garten is also so lovable, and her book is such a delight. It's filled with delicious details about everything from Garten's courtship with Jeffrey, her extensive travels, her first bakery, business ups and downs, friendships, and, of course, food. The book made me hungry for her recipes as well as her joie de vivre. Having finished the memoir, I'm suffering withdrawal. I might even have to purchase one of Garten's cookbooks…

Bon appétit!
AES