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Reviews
We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time by José Andrés
marie_adina's review against another edition
4.0
Love José Andrés and the change he led, and learning about how truly ineffective FEMA was. Found the prose to be a bit repetitive.
kbarenthaler's review
3.0
The facts and figures on the meals that Central World Kitchen was able to make so quickly after the Puerto Rico hurricanes are truly mind blowing. The writing focused a bit too much on tearing down other responders than on telling the incredible story of José Andrés’ nonprofit work (in my opinion). But I still learned so much about how to help feed a struggling nation. Overall, I enjoyed learning about this aspect of first response that I’d never really known much about.
tidoublegarrr's review
3.0
I have great admiration and respect for José Andrés, World Central Kitchen, and all the incredible disaster relief work they have done around the world and beginning in Puerto Rico. It's miraculous how fast they got off the ground there, made so many meals, and were able to distribute them without having a set-up plan or infrastructure. They are true heroes making it happen on the ground in the toughest disasters.
But....The first part of the book was really interesting, then sadly got repetitive so it took me a long time to get through. It's a damning look at FEMA and the Red Cross, and at times it felt like the infighting and José's focus on them got away from the truth of the book and his work there. He's a big personality and clashed with a lot of people (admittedly for the right reason of trying to feed the island). The book could have used heavier editing and cut out maybe 50-100 pages. I would have liked to hear more from the actual volunteers and people on Puerto Rico too.
But....The first part of the book was really interesting, then sadly got repetitive so it took me a long time to get through. It's a damning look at FEMA and the Red Cross, and at times it felt like the infighting and José's focus on them got away from the truth of the book and his work there. He's a big personality and clashed with a lot of people (admittedly for the right reason of trying to feed the island). The book could have used heavier editing and cut out maybe 50-100 pages. I would have liked to hear more from the actual volunteers and people on Puerto Rico too.
bellawoo's review against another edition
2.0
This book was one long thank you speech. And a shame at that because José Andrés had a ghost writer/co-author, too. Inspiring story, below mediocre on writing.
Merged review:
This book was one long thank you speech. And a shame at that because José Andrés had a ghost writer/co-author, too. Inspiring story, below mediocre on writing.
Merged review:
This book was one long thank you speech. And a shame at that because José Andrés had a ghost writer/co-author, too. Inspiring story, below mediocre on writing.
becky1207's review against another edition
4.0
A solid 5 stars for his story and his efforts in helping to feed the people of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Only 3 stars for the delivery of the story. I felt there was too much focus on the many ways the government failed to intervene and too little time spent on the actual foods he prepared and coordinated. I would like to have learned more about the people themselves throughout their rebuilding and recovery process. Overall, an inspiring story that encourages others to use their skills to help where possible and make a difference.
andeedevore's review
4.0
Aside from being an amazing story about how one person can make a huge impact, this is, at its core, a case study of how bureaucratic red tape often gets in the way of saving lives. It is tragic and shameful how personal interests and politics negatively influence efficiency and effectiveness in humanitarian aid. The disaster response system is broken, and FEMA's inability to feed Puerto Ricans in the wake of Hurricane Maria is a stunning example of that fact. It is infuriating how much reliance is placed on private citizens to step in and do the work. Ultimately, I am inspired by Chef Andrés hard work, perseverance, humanity, and courage. He saw a problem, made the decision to do what he could to help, and didn't stop when obstacles came into his path.
aerialcataloger's review against another edition
Very interesting topic and very timely (natural disaster food relief), but the author and co-writer badly need an editor. I found the audiobook difficult to get through and stopped at the halfway point.
raindrops333's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I knew the response to Hurricane Maria disaster in Puerto Rico had been mismanaged, I just didn't know how bad it had been. Chef Andres was the sole provider along with his friends and collaborators for most of the food donated after the hurricane. Must read if you are into what good looks like.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Abandonment, and Classism