2 posts tagged “newyork”
Girl Cook by Hannah McCouch
Obtained: Library
Finished: 27-November 2007
Story Synopsis:
Layla Mitchner is a twenty-eight-year-old Cordon Bleu graduate trying to carve out a space for herself in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of Manhattan’s top restaurant kitchens. She knows she’s got the talent to be a great chef, but there she is slaving for a misogynistic boss who’d sooner promote the dishwasher than give a woman the chance to prove her sous-chef mettle. And while Layla knows that the dwindling balance in her bank account won’t begin to cover what she owes her roommate, she’s desperate not to seek help from her self-absorbed, serially divorced, soap-opera-actress mother.
Her romantic prospects seem no brighter. She gets set up with a nice enough guy, but his tassel loafers and corporate demeanor reek of the WASP aristocracy she’s determined to leave behind. After continuously striking out, she meets a musician who appears to be the bohemian Mr. Right of her dreams, only to find he may be more deadbeat than heartthrob. But Layla refuses to settle for anything short of true love and success, and she ultimately finds both where she least expects them.
Hannah McCouch’s fresh and animated voice leaps off the pages of Girl Cook, a deliciously modern Cinderella story of love, sex, chefs, and the city.
Commentary:
Book started off great -- Layla's a no-nonsense cook who's stuck working for misogynistic chef who doesn't think women have what it takes to make it in the kitchen. This book felt like it was the spiritual chick lit sibling of Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential -- complete with the drugs, illegal immigrants, and booze.
Then, somewhere along the way, the author remembered that she was actually writing a novel directed at women... so if she didn't get to the requisite relationship angst soon, then there would be no way that chicks would read this stuff.
Truthfully, it's the relationship-y parts of the story that I liked the least.
Though, I have to say, I do appreciate the fact that this is the first chick lit that I've read where the girl is actually suffering for money. She's a cook in NY -- so yes to the roommate, the credit card anxiety, the drinking of cheap booze. I never understood how other chick lit novels could have heroines working as temps are able to afford one-bedroom apartments of their own in Manhattan. That's why I liked this novel -- I could tell that the author actually lived here and know what exactly is going on. Bonus points for references to actual restaurants and locations too.
Obtained: Library
Finished: 27-November 2007
Story Synopsis:
Layla Mitchner is a twenty-eight-year-old Cordon Bleu graduate trying to carve out a space for herself in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of Manhattan’s top restaurant kitchens. She knows she’s got the talent to be a great chef, but there she is slaving for a misogynistic boss who’d sooner promote the dishwasher than give a woman the chance to prove her sous-chef mettle. And while Layla knows that the dwindling balance in her bank account won’t begin to cover what she owes her roommate, she’s desperate not to seek help from her self-absorbed, serially divorced, soap-opera-actress mother.
Her romantic prospects seem no brighter. She gets set up with a nice enough guy, but his tassel loafers and corporate demeanor reek of the WASP aristocracy she’s determined to leave behind. After continuously striking out, she meets a musician who appears to be the bohemian Mr. Right of her dreams, only to find he may be more deadbeat than heartthrob. But Layla refuses to settle for anything short of true love and success, and she ultimately finds both where she least expects them.
Hannah McCouch’s fresh and animated voice leaps off the pages of Girl Cook, a deliciously modern Cinderella story of love, sex, chefs, and the city.
Commentary:
Book started off great -- Layla's a no-nonsense cook who's stuck working for misogynistic chef who doesn't think women have what it takes to make it in the kitchen. This book felt like it was the spiritual chick lit sibling of Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential -- complete with the drugs, illegal immigrants, and booze.
Then, somewhere along the way, the author remembered that she was actually writing a novel directed at women... so if she didn't get to the requisite relationship angst soon, then there would be no way that chicks would read this stuff.
Truthfully, it's the relationship-y parts of the story that I liked the least.
Though, I have to say, I do appreciate the fact that this is the first chick lit that I've read where the girl is actually suffering for money. She's a cook in NY -- so yes to the roommate, the credit card anxiety, the drinking of cheap booze. I never understood how other chick lit novels could have heroines working as temps are able to afford one-bedroom apartments of their own in Manhattan. That's why I liked this novel -- I could tell that the author actually lived here and know what exactly is going on. Bonus points for references to actual restaurants and locations too.
Twenty-year old Maria leaves Idaho and moves to NYC, to study (play)writing at NYU. After a few months of dead-end jobs and boyfriends, she tries a new thing: to say 'yes.' No matter who asks her out, she will say yes, be it the apartment handyman, her annoying downstairs neighbor, or a homeless guy on the street who thinks he's Hendrix.
Random tidbit: I actually bought this book at the Astor Place B&N, just before I left for Germany a couple of weeks ago. I still find it weird when I read things that reference places that I actually know & frequent. Maria Headley is funny and smart, and her writing reflects it. I made the stupid mistake of reading the author bio, and for this book, that kinda spoiled the ending... Nonetheless, her journey of accepting love (be it from the wrong men at all the wrong times) is pretty inspiring for this NY'er. This city does have a lot to offer, and it's always best to keep an open mind lest you miss your chance for happiness.
This is also it for my chick-lit selections for a while. Chick-lit somehow makes me really frustrated (for numerous reasons) so I need a short break.
Random tidbit: I actually bought this book at the Astor Place B&N, just before I left for Germany a couple of weeks ago. I still find it weird when I read things that reference places that I actually know & frequent. Maria Headley is funny and smart, and her writing reflects it. I made the stupid mistake of reading the author bio, and for this book, that kinda spoiled the ending... Nonetheless, her journey of accepting love (be it from the wrong men at all the wrong times) is pretty inspiring for this NY'er. This city does have a lot to offer, and it's always best to keep an open mind lest you miss your chance for happiness.
This is also it for my chick-lit selections for a while. Chick-lit somehow makes me really frustrated (for numerous reasons) so I need a short break.
