Reviews

Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson

jcoryv's review against another edition

4.0

An Ethiopian child adopted by a Swedish family becomes a world-class chef. The story is compelling, but the writing only fair. Definitely worth reading though. And it certainly makes one wonder how incredible the world could be if everyone was afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential.

heidilreads's review against another edition

4.0

Just an enjoyable story... Of a chef who runs a restaurant that I cannot wait to revisit.

hanaspages's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.0

whatmayisha's review against another edition

4.0

All right, y'all, I really really enjoyed this memoir. It was superbly written and it definitely helps that Marcus Samuelsson has had one of the most fascinating lives. From Ethiopia to Sweden, to continental Europe, and then finally to America, this journey takes him to a variety of restaurants where he meets individuals from all walks of life, all interested in food as much as he is. Of course, being a foodie, I loved reading about the restaurants and the kitchens and the meals, but his personal life is also immensely fascinating. Obviously, there are some decisions and choices he made I really, really cannot condone.

Spoiler

His relationship with Christina being one of them. He failed to be straightforward and honest with her and basically led her on. Second of all, ABANDONING HIS CHILD? His only concern ever was making sure he was making child support payments and literally does not visit or even try to communicate with her until she is 14. Holy shit, the fact she even spoke to him is SHEER LUCK and goodness from her part. Yeah, those are the two big things.

But, I think one thing was written well was that these events weren't painted in a way to make him look good, they were painted honestly and fairly.

Overall, I really enjoyed this memoir and definitely learned a lot more about the chef in question.

bhotte's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

michfiske5's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

danaisreading's review against another edition

4.0

Rating a memoir/autobiography feels weird because it's as if I'm passing judgment on someone else's life. "Your life is fascinating, 5 stars..." "Yours is kind of boring, you only get 1 star."

I enjoyed reading this and it was well written, so 4 stars it is.

clak5686's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

Marcus Samuelsson has led a very interesting life.  I found his story compelling in many ways.   When he decided to become a chef, he gave up almost everything in his life to achieve success.  He made decisions that made me cringe but you understand his single mindedness.  The book also does a great job of explaining the restaurant industry.  I found that fascinating as well.  A good read. 

tcerafice's review against another edition

3.0

like yes i liked jt but the man is lowkey a jerk if u stop and think about it. also the book feels like a shameless self promo. he’s kind of buttering his own roll about his relentless ambition the whole time instead of it being an actual story. but his story is interesting and different and he makes important points about race. 

queenbethie's review against another edition

4.0

Marcus' story of being born one continent, raised in another and finding himself in a third is interesting and inspiring. His background has given him a good grasp on what is important in life and he lives to pursue those things. Yes, Chef, is more of a look at his life, than the restaurant industry, so if you are looking for an "industry insider" story, you won't find much of one here.

I listened to this book, narrated by the author. Occasionally the narration was hard for me to understand because of Marcus' accent, but it was well worth it to hear him tell his own tale.