History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout our history they've answered the call in bravery and sacrifice.

There are necessary evils. Money is an important thing in terms of representing freedom in our world. And now I have a daughter to think about. It's really the first time I've thought about the future and what it could be.

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led like sheep to the slaughter.

'Caught' is a novel of forgiveness and the past and the present - who should be and who shouldn't be forgiven. None of my books are ever just about thrills or it won't work.

I was raised by a lady that was crippled all her life but she did everything for me and she raised me. She washed our clothes cooked our food she did everything for us. I don't think I ever heard her complain a day in her life. She taught me responsibility towards my brother and sisters and the community.

I do eat well. I try to love my body. That is what I tell my daughter. I say 'Love every bite of food. Love your body. We're all going to be dead soon.' Actually I don't say that last thing to her.

Many people in the world today are not starving because there is an inherent inability to produce food they are starving because they are caught in the middle of political fights and blockades that have been used as weapons.

This June I'll travel once again to the Food and Wine Magazine Classic in Aspen Colorado. For many years my dear friend Julia Child and I have teamed up to teach classes together at the event for the past seven years my daughter Claudine has been my cooking partner on stage.

My mom who's been in the restaurant business for 40 years is the number-one influence in my life. But I look up to a lot of people in the industry. Tops on my list is Mario Batali. My mom and Mario taught me the same lesson: Food is love.

If my daughter wants to get into this business I would support that decision. She's going to have a hard time not being in it. She loves food and she's around it all the time.