Several years ago, I heard that Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa) was writing her memoir. Ina is the author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, a beloved Food Network personality and a cultural icon. To say I’ve been anxiously awaiting its release would be an understatement. Ina is my idol. I have adored her for twenty years. Her philosophies about work, life, love and cooking all resonate with me on a very deep level.
Back in April it was announced that Ina would be doing a small book tour in a few gorgeous theaters around the country. The day the tickets went on sale, I hopped online and scooped up a pair. I somehow managed to snag front row seats at her event in Costa Mesa! My impulsive move paid off tremendously. I felt like I won the lottery.
I didn’t think the night could get better, but when it was announced that Julia Louis-Dreyfus would be interviewing Ina at the Costa Mesa event, I thought my head might explode. Seinfeld is my all-time favorite show and Julia brilliantly played the iconic character Elaine Benes. Talk about worlds colliding!
I sat mere feet away from two smart, funny and extremely talented women that I admire. I was present, yet mesmerized. During this evening conversation at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Ina discussed and elaborated upon the themes from her memoir: from overcoming her childhood to meeting the love of her life, Jeffrey, to escaping a stable, but boring job that she dreaded working in the White House, to taking a chance on herself and opening a specialty food store in the Hamptons.
Ina’s memoir, Be Ready When The Luck Happens, provides an intimate account of her life that is inspiring and entertaining. Ina doesn’t hold back. She discusses her difficult childhood and a time when her marriage was not in a great place. She is open about how much she didn’t know in the early days of running her food business. Ina also details what she learned from these experiences and how she went from unhappiness to a life of joy and satisfaction.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Be Ready When The Luck Happens. I wouldn’t say that Ina’s life has been miraculous or simply lucky. She worked incredibly hard. She didn’t allow fear or doubt to hold her back in life. Ina took chances on herself and figured things out as she went along. She lives in the moment and stays present. Ina is high-spirited and she tells the no-holds-barred story of her life in this memoir. Be Ready When The Luck Happens chronicles Ina’s adventures (and misadventures), personal challenges and unexpected career twists, all delivered with her signature style of playfulness and purpose.
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