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Recipe for Life: The Autobiography
by
Mary Berry
Mary Berry has shared her skills, experience and tips through a varied and fascinating career, yet few people know the professional and personal story behind her success. Now, in her inspiring, charming and life-affirming memoir, Mary tells us about her life - a life in some ways reassuringly ordinary, yet at the same time completely extraordinary.
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Community Reviews
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478)
I first 'met' Mary Berry when Pamela, my wife, give me a copy of her Complete Cookbook as a Christmas present in 2011. I had been advised by both my GP and my employers' medical advisor to take up a hobby, and I chose cooking! Since then I have purchased 2 further Mary Berry cookbooks and 2 cookbooks where she has collaborated with Lucy Young.
Now why do I tell you this? Simply because the Mary Berry I 'met' professionally in her cookbooks, is the self-same Mary Berry I have now 'met' personally ...more
Now why do I tell you this? Simply because the Mary Berry I 'met' professionally in her cookbooks, is the self-same Mary Berry I have now 'met' personally ...more
How can anyone give Mary Berry a bad book review? Having watched many a series of “Bake Off”, I’ve come to love her pithy comments and excitement when she’s digging in to a piece of cake – a trait I can certainly relate to! So it’s with much curiosity that I picked up Mary Berry’s biography to find out more about her chosen food path.
Mary is self deprecating and humble throughout, and with every chapter to read, a more whole, charming picture is created of what a human dynamo Mary is. From contr ...more
I loved this book because her positive mental attitude suffuses every page. A book to chase away the gremlins, it is a perfect 'Mum knows best' sort of read. Faced with difficulties and tribulations Mary picks herself up, keeps calm and carries on. If you are in need of a pick me up then read this. Shedding light on the '60s from her point of view, allowing us into her beautiful homes, and clearly outlining her moral codes of conduct, she has an unashamed way of celebrating her talent and those
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This was just like having Mary sitting in my kitchen telling me about her life and sharing some photos, and it's a fascinating story.
I was absolutely blown away to find that Mary was a working mum in the 60s and 70s (when it really wasn't as common as it is now). She experienced exactly the same guilt and stresses as I have about this - which in a way is slightly depressing (have we really not travelled at all in forty years?) - although she was able to afford nannies and top boarding schools s ...more
I was absolutely blown away to find that Mary was a working mum in the 60s and 70s (when it really wasn't as common as it is now). She experienced exactly the same guilt and stresses as I have about this - which in a way is slightly depressing (have we really not travelled at all in forty years?) - although she was able to afford nannies and top boarding schools s ...more
This was our book clubs February read, and, to be honest I was a little disappointed when they were handed out. I’m not a fan of the Great British Bake off, or any cooking programme for that matter so this book would not have made it onto my reading list through my own choice.
To me it felt like it was written by her because I could hear her voice as I was reading, she does say that when she started out in magazines that she was told to write how she speaks, and I did get that sense throughout t ...more
To me it felt like it was written by her because I could hear her voice as I was reading, she does say that when she started out in magazines that she was told to write how she speaks, and I did get that sense throughout t ...more
Being an Aussie, I really had no idea who Mary Berry was until discovering the Great British Bake Off. (That show is addictive as chocolate cake). So when I saw this on the shelf at the local library, I snatched it up quickly.
Mary does not hold back especially when it comes to personal tragedy or how hard it has been to balance family and career, particularly in an era where you were expected to be the 'good little woman'. Sure there are moments where she lost me but then she gets back on track ...more
Mary does not hold back especially when it comes to personal tragedy or how hard it has been to balance family and career, particularly in an era where you were expected to be the 'good little woman'. Sure there are moments where she lost me but then she gets back on track ...more
Great book. I thought it would be similar to the tv programme about her life, but it was much more, very enjoyable, at times I laughed and at times I could have cried. An amazing woman!
I am glad I read this book and enjoyed learning more about Mary and her life. Being afan of hers and bake off I expected to enjoy it. I was surprized at some of her attutides but it's important to remember she is a product of her generation and I appreciate her honesty! This one stand out as an example of her attitude "I find it incredible that people will go to their GP's surgery for the most minor things; they seem to think it is part of their rights, but it's a waste of everyone's time" (Oh M
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An excellent autobiography, up there with Clare Balding's "My Animals and Other Family."
The writing is honest and down-to-earth, and feels as if it is written by her personally, not a ghostwriter. She's frank about her ambition and occasional ruthlessness, modest about her many achievements, and generous in her acknowledgement of those who helped her, both professionally and in her personal life.
Her energy is astounding. How hard she worked to juggle career and motherhood, never compromising eit ...more
The writing is honest and down-to-earth, and feels as if it is written by her personally, not a ghostwriter. She's frank about her ambition and occasional ruthlessness, modest about her many achievements, and generous in her acknowledgement of those who helped her, both professionally and in her personal life.
Her energy is astounding. How hard she worked to juggle career and motherhood, never compromising eit ...more
I can't believe it but I do have Hamlyns All Colour cookbook.
An amazing and thoroughly enjoyable book by Mary Berry. Mary has had a beautiful and graceful life of home cook extraordinaire, which continues today.
Her love of good home cooking has led her through a rich tapestry of careers which she has coupled with a varied laid back lifestyle at home.
At the end of each chapter there is a fairly simple recipe that could be used as a families dinner or for entertaining friends and family.
I really admire hardworking women such as Mary Berry and I find her rea ...more
Her love of good home cooking has led her through a rich tapestry of careers which she has coupled with a varied laid back lifestyle at home.
At the end of each chapter there is a fairly simple recipe that could be used as a families dinner or for entertaining friends and family.
I really admire hardworking women such as Mary Berry and I find her rea ...more
I do not read a lot of autobiographies but I do like to read about people I like. I had heard briefly bits about Mary Berrys so decided as The Great British Bake Off was starting another series it would be the pefect companion. It was as though Mary was simply sat next to me recalling her story over a pot of tea and a Victoria sandwich. Yes she may be posh and jolly hockey sticks and her background is apparent but she seems a lovely down to earth lady. It was lovely to folllow her life through t
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Oct 17, 2013
TwoDrinks
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
borrowed-from-the-library
,
read-in-2013
I'm not a regular reader of autobiographies (having only read Clare Balding's and Cybill Shepherd's) but chose this as Mary Berry seemed like an interesting person, the book is broken up with recipes and includes LOTS of photos (in an interview she said she purposely included loads of photos as this is what she likes to see in autobiographies). But, I wasn't that fussed on the book and feel a bit disloyal saying that as Mary seems like such a kind person. There's usually a rush to prepare autobi
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Mary Berry, the queen of baking recounts her life, albeit with the help of an author who pieces the narrative together. On our screens she is as wholesome as a load of granary bread and it seems that Mary Berry has lived an equally healthy life.
Although she came from an eminent family it is clear from her story that she has worked very hard to get where she is today. Brave decisions to move away from home to embark on her career, taking up every opportunity to gain experience whether through pai ...more
Although she came from an eminent family it is clear from her story that she has worked very hard to get where she is today. Brave decisions to move away from home to embark on her career, taking up every opportunity to gain experience whether through pai ...more
I have always thought that Mary Berry seems like a lovely lady and reading this book has confirmed that first impression. Mary is a warm, amusing raconteur but I hadn't realised the family sadness she has experienced and I greatly admire the stoical 'get on with it' attitude that has helped her to get through something that I can't imagine coping with. Brave, modest, sometimes strict but caring too, I shall enjoy watching her TV appearances all the more now.
I do watch the Bake off occasionally but would not say I'm an absolute fan. But I loved this book. It was like listening to Mary speaking to you and explaining how she became so well known. A kind woman who was driven by her own determination to bring good tasty food to the nation which is easy to prepare.
I enjoyed this as it went along because it details the interesting things around Mary's life and the things that happened to her. As it progressed towards the end, though, it seemed to lose direction a bit - or moreover, that it seems to be holding off one topic to keep readers going: The Great British Bake Off. I got the impression that most people would be reading because of the Bake Off and subsequent love for Mary instead of the other way around, which meant that it kind of dropped out a bit
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A nice and interesting read. Not a literary masterpiece but enjoyable from start to finish. Mary confirms to me what a nice person she really is. Her reactions to the loss of her son was very moving and quite inspirational.
What a lovely read, you can almost hear Mary's voice when you read the book. And what an interesting life to read about... I found myself grinning a lot, but it's not all sunshine and roses.
I really enjoyed this autobiography of Mary Berry. What an incredible genuine and authentic lady, who is so appreciative of life. We could all learn a thing or two out of her book!
A very readable book, which I read on holiday in a few days. It provides an interesting insight into Mary Berry's life and how she has got where she is today.
I found this book really inspirational, when we were first told to read this book I thought Mary berry because I knew she had an interesting life and I love baking but this book really shows what a wonderful woman she is!
I really enjoyed this book, very inspiring.
She has had a very interesting life, good to read about it.
I also have the Hamlyn All Colour Colour Cook Book!
She has had a very interesting life, good to read about it.
I also have the Hamlyn All Colour Colour Cook Book!
I always like watching Mary Berry on TV & knowing more about how she has got where she is now makes for an interesting read. This book was read in two days.
Jan 06, 2015
Kerry
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
owned-books
,
read-in-2015
Yay, first book of 2015 finished!
It's been lovely reading Mary's autpbiography, she's had such an interesting life and remained so modest throughout.
The addition of a handful of her recipes is a lovely touch.
It's been lovely reading Mary's autpbiography, she's had such an interesting life and remained so modest throughout.
The addition of a handful of her recipes is a lovely touch.
Loved this book, as it allowed me to 'get to know' Mary Berry so much better! An easy yet interesting read and I loved the recipes dotted throughout. I am now motivated all the more to bake at home!
Love the recipe interludes :o) I hope I'm this cool in my seventies!
I think I love Mary Berry just a little bit more now. She's wonderful :)
This is a good account of an interesting life that shows the versatility of this blithe spirit. Her determination helps her succeed when others might have thought her to not have a hope. With some good and bad fortune thrown into her life story what shines through is that she is a matriarch to be admired for her positivity and adaptability as well as the culinary ability she has nurtured and maintained. All in all it is a pleasure to have opportunity to get to know this cheery lady a little bett
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There is not much to say about this other than it's very nice. No juicy gossip or bitching in here I'm afraid.
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Jan 23, 2015 12:53PM