My first book of the year was Olive, Mabel and Me by Andrew Cotter. Reading wise this was the perfect start of the year as I like books about dogs. The adventures Mr. Cotter described with his two labradors, especially the mountain climbing, was so well written.
During the pandemic when everyone was on lockdown Mr. Cotter, a sports broadcaster, found himself out of work as all events were cancelled. So he posted a YouTube video of Olive and Mabel. The first video had many hits but the second one called Game of Bones was an overwhelming success. I think I read it is still getting views and is over the 2 million mark on hits now.
There are so many observations about his time with Olive and Mabel and the quirks which any dog owner/pet parent can relate. He delivers with humor and an excellent writing. Very down to earth, relatable narrative.
📚📚📚
Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina Garten
I had been hearing good things about Ina Gartens's memoir and was pleased when the library had my copy available.
If I'd had that childhood and such awful parents I don't think I would have succeeded in much of anything. They were demeaning, cruel and honestly should never have had children. That said, she rose above the negativity despite the lack of support from her parents, obviously succeeding with most ventures she tackled.
The more negative reviews point out what a privileged upbringing she had with well-to-do parents in a Connecticut suburb. Money never being an issue doesn't mean you have a happy childhood nor does it mean you glide through life without strife.
There were many things I never knew about the famous cookbook author and the narrative moves smoothly through childhood to present day. The fateful day she impulsively made an offer on the food shop Barefoot Contessa was interesting.
Ina was in a fairly impressive position working on nuclear energy policy at the White House yet walked away to pursue something which made her happy - cooking. Who would think someone with that gig would abandon it to work long exhausting hours preparing large quantities of baked goods and casseroles in a little shop? That isn't saying she didn't burn the candle at both ends working for the government. High stress there and all nighters for sure.
Ina is a type A personality and had the drive to make all of her endeavours succeed. Cooking, gardening, business ventures.....I got tired just reading about all the work she put in. Overall I found this to be an interesting memoir. The parts about her husband were quite interesting to me as well. 4 stars
These book is shared with:
Shelleyrae at Book'd Out for the 2025 Nonfiction Reader Challenge. Category: Memoirs
Joy's Book Blog for British Isles Friday
