The Google ebookstore is officially open. An earlier news report mentioned that Google ebooks could be read on Amazon’s Kindle. I thought that was odd, and turns out, it was. Kindle is not mentioned in the list of supported devices. But the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, the Sonny e-reader, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, and Android devices are. There’s even a web reader so you can read “on the cloud.” (Reading on a cloud sounds like a great kids fantasy, but, of course, we’re talking about a computer cloud.) Google says it has the largest selection of books, now. Plus, they’re partnering with independent booksellers, which could be a very good thing. Now it’s time to sit back and watch the e-book war among Google, Amazon and a few other players.

Another site launches today, one that’s geared for the literary teen set: Figment.com.This New York Times article describes it as a social network for young-adult fiction. It’s a place for teens to read, write and discover new content. (It’s also a place for publishers to see what teens want to read.) Wonder what S.E. Hinton would have made of this if Figment had exsisted back when she was a teenager?

‘Tis the Season for Cookbooks! OK, I don’t even cook, but I have a sister who loves to try out new recipies. So, in searching for some possible gift ideas, I discovered hese top ten cookbook lists!

The Washington Post’s Top Cookbooks of 2010

bon appetit’s Favorite Cookbooks of 2010

2010′s Best Cookbooks, courtesy of NPR.

Finally, will Barnes & Noble buy Borders? If the big box bookstores start closing, it’s another reason to make sure your Independent Bookseller survives.

Hope everyone has a very happy week of December 6!

 I agree with my boss and thought Amy Adams (as Julie Powell) was a little too whiney. In real life she had to be more awesome.  I was so envious though that her blog took off.  Food is a great comment motivator. Everyone has an opinion about it.  

I thought I’d point out some references to the cookbooks and people. (I’m a librarian it’s what I do.)

First, Julia’s famous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Covers have changed throughout the years. To the right is the First edition cover .       

Did Simone Beck peak your interest, in that you’ve never heard her name before? Read the interesting article in gourmet.com by David Tamarkin. 

For another discussion on the collaboration between the three and a taste testing of the recipes, go to  Slashfood.

So how about Julia herself. Here’s a great summary of her books from Eat me Daily. This site is worth a second or third look in the Yum department.

Nora Ephron wrote the screenplay for Julie & Julia.

Almost forgot the Joy of Cooking, not complemented by the characters but  remember it was the competition. I think it’s another must have for your cookbook collection along with Julia, of course.

Julie Powell wrote Julie & Julia. Here’s the Julie/Julia project, http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/2002/08/25.html

Visit Julie at her blog, http://juliepowell.blogspot.com/

And support this innovative writer and blogger by buying a copy of her book, (don’t just see the movie) , you can do both.

Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen