Small Strokes Big Oaks

Hey Chifems! Remember, we are meeting on 4/1 to talk about As Always, Julia! Hope to see you there!

1. These women are both pioneers in a feminist sense. Are they considered feminist icons? Why/not?

2. In the introduction, we find out that these letters are somewhat edited and some are omitted completely. How do you feel about this?

3. In her second letter to Avis, Julia bashes McCarthy outright. Is she bold to discuss such controversial topics so early in her correspondence?

4. Can a good cookbook really make you a better cook? Why/not?

5. Avis and Julia struck up such a strong female friendship solely through letters. In many ways, this is much the same way we strike up close relationships with other women online – through blogs, books, emails, twitter, etc. How are we similar/different to Avis and Julia?

6. This cookbook could not have happened without Avis. Have you ever helped or been helped by a female friend in this way?

7. There is a point in the book when Julia and Avis discuss how exhausting it is to continually compliment a hostess as she downplays her food. Is there something we can learn from this?

8. Let’s discuss the importance of female friendships no matter your place in life (housewife, professional, etc.), shall we?

9. Let us not forget the female friendship founded between Julia, Simca, and Louisette! How is their relationship similar/different to that of Julia and Avis?

10. How do we use letters (or “letters” – email, twitter, facebook, etc.) to keep our female friendships alive? Share a personal story!