Memoir spotlight: Finding Freedom by Erin French

One of my favorite genres to read are memoirs, and I've read some amazing ones in the past few years. I first got into this genre when I was still in college and being required to read some (men) chef memoirs, like Anthony Bourdain and Jacques Pépin, and even though these are amazing books, most professional kitchen memoirs are focus on men's stories. I was very lucky to have had an amazing professor who told me about Gabrielle Hamilton's memoir "Blood, Bones and Butter", to this day one of the only books I've re-read (Portuguese and English); book I've owned in both languages as well. So, in 2022, when I was recommended the memoir from Chef Erin French "Finding Freedom: A Cook's Story: Remarking a Life from Scratch", I was very happy to discover a new powerful memoir written by an amazing woman.

Much more than just her connection with food and cooking, Erin encountered so many obstacles in her upbringing and teenage years. Her story is powerful, and her book is incredibly well-written and involving. I had previously listened to the audiobook, which she narrates herself, but since then have purchased a physical copy of the book and re-read it. If you like audiobooks, I recommend listening to it. 

One of her quotes from the book is currently on the left part of the blog main page, under my 'author' short introduction. This quote has been there for a while now, and I cannot recall when did I decide to even put it there, but most likely sometime between 2022 and 2024 when my wish to return to the blog sparkled. If you are reading from a mobile, here is it: 

“Left alone in the kitchen without my dad to answer my many questions, I was learning how to use my intuition, to rely on it. To taste and test and figure out what seemed just right. All those years of experimenting—out of necessity—had started shaping me as a cook.” ― Erin French, Finding Freedom: A Cook's Story: Remaking a Life from Scratch 

Erin has a newsletter list and shares amazing recipes and news from The Lost Kitchen, which is also the name of her cookbook, and her TV Show (I have not watched yet, but it has three seasons to date). 

One of my goals for the upcoming years is to visit her restaurant and mill, The Lost Kitchen, located in Freedom, Maine. A great excuse to go back to Maine!

Special thank you for my mother-in-law for recommending Erin's book to me in 2022. 

I am also updating my book recommendations for the week, which I realize I did not do last week - oops! Here you go: 

1. Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash 

Novel/Historical Novel. Second World War setting. This one made me deeply think of my privileges of being born in the late 90s. 

2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 

Novel/Historical Novel. If you haven't read this one already, please do! It is worth all of the success it gained. The TV Show based in the book is also amazing. Highly recommend. 

3. Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up by Selma Blair 

Non-fiction/Memoir. I love reading memoirs of artists and this one is so well written. Selma Blair is incredible!