for me: What Would Mary Berry Do? by Claire Sandy
I picked this book after binge watching The Great British Baking Show on Netflix, a baking competition show hosted by the queen of British baked goods, Mary Berry. This book isn't something to write your Creative Writing PhD dissertation about, but who wants to read a book like that poolside this summer? What Would Mary Berry Do? is light-hearted and hilarious! The main character Marie is trying to make her modern life of work, kids, and marriage work all through the lens of baking her way through Mary Berry's Baking Bible. Claire Sandy has a great way with prose, and her character Marie's voice is so relatable, funny, and entertaining. I'm really enjoying this one.
for you: Bon Appetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child by Jessie Hartland
Did you know Julia Child wore size 12 shoes? Did you know she was a spy for the USA during World War Two? Did you know her now legendary cookbook, The Art of French Cooking, was rejected by publishers many times before it was finally printed? Julia Child is well known for her cooking prowess and signature cheerful voice, but there is so much more to the chef than her writing and television career. This book does a wonderful job of presenting the life of a colorful woman in a way that is fun, easy to digest for young audiences, and inspirational.