This audiobook was good, but not great, for the first one-third or so. But, then it dissolved into a repetitive mess about her addictions, including graphic drug, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity.
Since this book was presented as a candid and funny memoir, there is a big disconnect between the marketing and the actual audiobook itself. It was a horrifying and scary descent into the darkness of the restaurant world.
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
Laurie writes well, but this book did not showcase her skills well. This book was circular and repetitive in its storytelling. It was the same drug, alcohol, and sex filled stories over and over. It really became tiresome and boring.
Narration: 3.0 stars
The narration was done by Laurie, but it was so slow and lifeless. It really didn't have the emotion that I would expect in a memoir.
Character development: 3.0 stars
The main characters are Laurie and her poor life choices.
The secondary characters are Mario Batali and Tony Bourdain.
The tertiary characters are Alex (her husband) and Eli (her son). Notice that her work came before her family.
There are many characters throughout the memoir, from culinary school, the literary/publishing scene, and her friends and family.
The character development was okay for Laurie. But we never got into why she abused herself with drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Memorable: 3.0 stars
I could have been happy not reading this memoir except for two things. It confirmed that Mario Batali was a tool like I expected. Tony Bourdain was a wonderful human, and someone I would have enjoyed eating Los Angeles street food with.
Entertaining/Educational: 3.0 stars
This memoir made me look at restaurants in a totally different way, and not necessarily a good way.
Book cover: 3.5 stars
Okay.
Book title: 2.0 stars
This was not about Care and Feeding at all.
Lukewarm recommend
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook
Care and Feeding by Laurie Woolever
12 hours, 45 minutes
HarperAudio
Release date: 3/11/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Graphic alcohol use, drug use, sexual content, and cursing; death of an animal, death of a parent, suicide, mental illness, alcoholism, pregnancy, abortion, infidelity, eating disorder
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
No comments:
Post a Comment