Blue Plate Special: A Novel of Love, Loss, and Food

By Frances Norris

Book Overview

Thirty-three-year-old Julia Daniel doesn't really feel at home anywhere. Her life in L.A. is lonely, and her career as a food stylist for a struggling gourmet magazine falls well short of her desire to be a photographer. Although she liked growing up in Kentucky, ever since her mother's death and her father's remarriage, her birthplace hasn't felt like the right fit either. After the tragic deaths of her father and stepmother in a plane crash, Julia's true odyssey begins. Orphaned and adrift, she tries to find her way in the world while fending off a crazy boss, a pilfering stepsister, and a looming depression. Though shored up by two good friends and an excellent psychologist who helps her work through her grief, it is an unexpected-and comically disastrous-trip to Sedona for the magazine that finally enables Julia to move forward. Returning to L.A., she searches for the strength to strike out on her own, take a chance on love, and seek a tentative peace with her wayward stepsister. Both humorous and heartbreaking, "Blue Plate Special" serves up an uplifting exploration of the courage it takes to embrace life after loss.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312322321
• ISBN13: 9780312322328
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 1.1" x 5.2"

Customer Reviews

candy for the reader's soul

Dear Francie: I just finished your book. What a wonderful story, full of feeling, wisdom, beauty and hope. I really enjoyed the characters, not to mention that you are an incredibly gifted writer style-wise. I lived the whole trip to Sedona as if I was there. And the end is so sexy, yummy, I love it!! All I can say is, keep writing, girl! And like I said, some day we may see the movie "Blue Plate Special", very attractive title to my ears. Thank you for your gift to the world of readers,

a wonderful little novel

The only reason that I got this book was because the author went to my high school - so I have to admit that my expectations were not that high. But I really, really enjoyed this book, for the reasons stated so eloquently by other reviewers. It was gripping though sad.

Excellent , insightful portrait of the growing of a soul

I loved Julia's story. She finds her inner spark by overcoming her pain, loss, and depression and finding love and forgiveness in unusual ways. The characters are well portrayed and do not lack depth, even the obviously obnoxious figures are seen with irony and compassion at the same time. Highly recommended.

A Terrific Read!

Frances Norris' talent is in creating characters with such strong voices that they stay with you long after the novel has ended. You'll want to read this book twice- once for its compelling story, and once for its deeply moving and humorous language.

Literary page turner

The main character is a food stylist, which is what intrigued my about this book from the beginning. The world of magazines and food photo shoots is hilariously observed, and the book is a comic wonder because of this inspired choice. But what I hadn't expected were the deeply felt and haunting passages on greif and loss - the main character has suffered a recent tragedy and the story is about her struggle to regain emotional level ground. I loved this first novel.