As someone who has never watched even a single episode of Masterchef, I am clearly not the target reader for this book. But I loved it.
After seeing Julie Goodwin’s live show in Wagga earlier in the year, I wanted to know more of her story. And what a story it is.
As an ordinary mum catapulted into fame, Julie’s life changed in a matter of months. Winning the first ever season of Masterchef launched her new career as a cooking personality, but also added layers of complexity to her life. There is no doubt in my mind that the tough emotional conditions imposed on the contestants during that first season, such as not being able to see their families, were designed to increase tension and drama in the show but also paved the way for Julie’s later difficulties with anxiety, depression and alcohol. Running on adrenaline only gets you so far for so long, until eventually, you crash. And crash she does. Spectacularly.
Post-Masterchef, Julie works herself into the ground, trying to make the most of every opportunity and using alcohol to cope. You don’t need to be famous to relate to Julie’s struggles with perfectionism. As a mum of three, Julie is often torn between her family’s needs and the perfectionist traits that drive her into burnout, and eventually, deep depression. She is her own toughest critic, and learning to love and accept herself, has been the journey of a lifetime.
A beautiful part of this story is the constant support and love she receives from her partner Mick. Even during her lowest period, in a mental health facility, he is always by her side and always loving her.
Julie tells her story well, with raw honesty, warmth and humour. I finished this book with a great sense of admiration for this plucky, multi-talented woman who has achieved so much in life, but whose greatest achievement might be giving up alcohol and learning to care for, and accept, herself.
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”
– Katrina Roe, RRL Reads
*If you decide to listen to the audiobook like I did, I recommend borrowing the physical book as well to enjoy the photos and recipes that accompany the story.
