Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir

Ina Garten’s new memoir, BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS, could be subtitled “Trust in Your Own Judgment”. It is easily the best I have read. She writes a timeline of experience, but with questions asked and lessons learned. Her voice is intelligent, eloquent, humorous, and a dream to read. Her writing is part travelogue, part business advice, but most of all a love story…with food, Paris, opportunities, recipes (!), and most of all— Jeffrey.Thank you, Ina Garten, for a beautiful, honest story, and for continuing to share all that you are with us.

I preordered and started reading the moment it arrived, the on the plane and final 3:00 am in my hotel room. The first part of the book, maybe 90 pages or so covers Ina’s early life. This part of the book felt a little like the editors made her tell this part of her story. While it certainly provided some context for her life, it didn’t feel like it was Ina’s typical warm, engaging style. That all changed when we entered the “Barefoot” years. From here the book revealed her passion, tenacity, style and was easily relatable. Ina writes with warmth and humor; she makes you feel what she feels. The book draws you in and somehow makes you reflect on your own “luck” and readiness. This is a wonderful book on so many levels and I can see myself going back and rereading portions whenever I need a reminder to live my life with a little more grace, style and humor.

Wow, after reading her story, I wish with all my might that i could be her friend. She is wise,caring,sincere,talented and humble. Her story is more than events and experiences. She stands very tall in this world and has touched many. I regret that I have finished.....this fine, true story.

I love to read autobiographies. Ina not only tells a great story, but has truly led a fascinating life despite a difficult and heart wrenching childhood of emotional neglect. I was 100% on board for the ride until the last 10% of the book when there was much celebrity name dropping. So many of us are tired of the celebrity culture. I love Ina’s cookbooks. I haven’t watched her show, but I might try the original series. Not interested in watching fake cooking with superstar celebrities. Excellent personal stories about Ina and her husband. She shares many joyful and insightful life nuggets, that if you can stop around 90% you’ll have a very enjoyable read. Thank you, Ina!

I have all of Ina’s cookbooks and I eagerly awaited the arrival of this book. Once it arrived I devoured it (pun intended) in two days. It is wonderful-just as warm and relatable as Ina is on her shows. If you are an Ina fan you will definitely want to read this! There are even a few recipes included. There are plenty of celebrity chefs these days but I find that Ina is one of the few whose recipes I can actually use as written because they are healthy, made with simple and easy to find ingredients and with foolproof, easy to follow directions. This book is another triumph for Ina and delight for her fans!

I've been a loyal fan and follower of Ina thru the years. I found her memoir interesting and enjoyable. Now that I am 86 I can appreciate all the small and big accomplishments I've experienced. Ina is easy to relate to. She's so open and makes you feel like you're one of her friends she's cooking for or having a fun conversation with. I am, also, a lucky lady who was married to a special man for 65 years plus knowing him for 70 years. Sadly, he passed this last April. He is forever in my heart.Thank you Ina for sharing your personal story with your fans. Keep sharing all of your wonderful books and food!

This was such an honest, vulnerable, encouraging, entertaining, informative memoir! Ina writes just as she speaks…you feel like you’re in her gorgeous barn (or her gorgeous apartment in Paris), sitting at her table and just talking. Sometimes when I read about the lifestyles of celebrities, it can leave you feeling a little jealous. But when you read about all of the work that went into Ina’s success, you can’t help but be happy for her!

There are no disappointments in this wonderful autobiography! You know when someone whose work you love writes a blah-blah book - and you’re heartbroken? This is not that! Ina Garten fans (like me!!) can rest assured that this book delivers on all levels - and she shares some classic recipes to boot. I also love Mrs. Garten’s attention to telling the uncomfortable truths of her real life - and with so much wisdom. This book was a wonderful read but also super helpful. You just want to go hang out with her!! Thank you.

I really enjoyed this memoir and am glad I bought the book.

It’s what I was interested in. Ina Garten biography.

I absolutely love how Ina, in a vulnerable and loving way, opens her heart and shares her life story with all of us. I relate to many moments and feelings. Thank you 🙏🏻

This book is a pure joy with Ina sharing her life story in a most entertaining way. So well written. Ina has been such a teacher to me with her accurate amounts, concise instructions and the happiest of attitudes; a real inspiration. I used to think that her and Jeffrey would make the best parents (hell I would be their kid),yet Ina reveals how that was not meant to be in her journey; thank you for sharing. I can honestly say that I love Ina Garten for bringing so much to my life and helping me in turn to always give my best to others.This book is a must read for all of us who love Ina, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. XO

While loving Ina over the years, I didn’t think this book was that special. Seemed to be a lot of sugary thank yous to the people in her circle. I was a very fast read with not much depth. But if you want to relish in her accomplishments, this is the book for you.