It took a couple powerful women in the media to point out to Ina Garten what my mother told me long ago. In her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, Garten said she gave a speech in which she said she had always been lucky. Oprah and Lesley Stahl both shot her down, saying women always say they were lucky, while men say their talent got them to where they were. My aunt once said, “Lesa has always been so lucky.” My mother answered, and she’s worked hard to get where she’s at. (Thanks, Mom!)
Actually, in reading the memoir by the Barefoot Contessa, successful shop owner, cookbook author, and TV star, I did feel she was lucky in one way. Her greatest luck was in marrying Jeffrey Garten. Even through their tough years when she was not sure what she wanted to do with her life, and not sure if she wanted to be married, Jeffrey encouraged her, and was there for her emotionally. Garten himself had a successful career as an investment broker, undersecretary of commerce in the Clinton administration, and dean of the Yale business school. He was there to listen to Ina’s dreams, and provide advice, if she wanted it.
This memoir is a story of a woman who came from an abusive household, but grew to have her own empire. She was often bored after a year or two of success, and was ready to move on to something else. Ina Garten enjoyed the challenges of building something new, but, once it was built, she was ready to go on, whether it was remodeling a house, an apartment in Paris, or building her brand as the Barefoot Contessa.
Fans will enjoy the book, although some of the stories have been out in the world on 60 Minutes or other articles. This isn’t a cookbook. There are only seven classic recipes scattered throughout. It’s the story of one woman who built a successful life with enthusiasm, hard work, and the man she loves.
Ina Garten’s website is https://barefootcontessa.com/
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten. Crown, 2024. ISBN 9780593799895 (hardcover), 308p.
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