Laurie Colwin is an author with a bit of a cult following, at least among cooks. Laurie wrote two books about cooking which I recently read called Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen (1988) and More Home Cooking: A Writer Returns to the Kitchen (1993). She also wrote several fiction books including Happy All the Time which I also read. Unfortunately, Laurie died unexpectedly in her sleep at the age of 48 in 1992.
This is a woman who enjoyed cooking for herself and her family and friends. Both her cooking books (mostly essays from her Gourmet Magazine column) are a lovely read. Her material doesn't feel as dated as you would think. She writes about organic foods and trying to buy from local farmers. As I mentioned in a previous post, the Whole Wheat Baguette was Laurie's recipe and it was as easy and good as she said.
Reading about her jam anxiety, her search for the perfect chocolate cake, or describing the worst meal at someone's home is great fun. It is a bit sad to know that she isn't around anymore to provide comfort through her cooking and her writing. I borrowed these two books from the library but there is enough good stuff that I'm going to order them from Abe.
The one fiction book I read, Happy All the Time, is a delightful little story about two guys and the two girls they are crazy about. Good story, well-developed characters, it is a quick read--I own a copy if anyone wants to borrow.
"Happy All The Time" sounds like my kind of book. How did the author die in her sleep? So sad. I will borrow it sometime.
ReplyDeleteThis woman sounds very talented. I love that people are so inspired so many times! I would like to check out all of her books. Also, you read Glen Becks book? Do you listen to him too? He has some interesting insights. jill
ReplyDeleteLeslie: Laurie Colwin died from heart failure. It's not clear whether she had previous symptoms.
ReplyDeleteJill: I'm glad Beck is now on Fox News--much better exposure for him!