alyssajhuntley's review against another edition

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adventurous funny informative tense fast-paced

4.0

I listened to this audiobook which I think is where most of the 4 stars comes from. Hearing this in Anthony Bourdain’s voice was impactful, even as someone who didn’t follow his career closely. It’s certainly not a book for anyone with a weak stomach or timid disposition. At times it’s unbelievable, but it’s always entertaining. 

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kutreen's review against another edition

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funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

For someone with no experience working in the food service industry, this was quite eye-opening, though I understand many things might have changed since Bourdain's career as a chef from the 70s to the 00s and also in different kinds of restaurants than the ones he worked in, and outside of NYC. Bourdain's audience is mostly other cooks, so there was a lot about different dishes, tools, and techniques that I didn't understand, but I liked that nothing seemed sugar-coated or dumbed down for us civilians. Bourdain is a great writer, which honestly I did not expect for a career chef, and is fantastic at conveying the chaotic atmosphere of a kitchen and the mind of a cook; most of all this is what kept me hooked.

There is a lot of alarming behavior by cooks in and out of kitchens that Bourdain mostly meets with an "oh well" which isn't acceptable by today's standards, but I see why that was his response at the time based on the kitchen culture he had spent ~30 years in.

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mari_books's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

4.75

RIP! So amazing to hear Anthony’s story in his own words and some of his naive unjaded comments, especially knowing how he struggled. Missing points bc of some just really gross, excessive behavior and creepy language.

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samchase112's review against another edition

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funny informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

I’ll be right here. Until they drag me off the line, I’m not going anywhere. I hope.

Hell yeah, this book was freaking fantastic. Narrated by Anthony Bourdain himself, it's an utterly engrossing (and gross) recount of his restaurant and kitchen experiences, complete with more blood, sex, drugs, and alcohol than you could ever imagine. A truly fascinating glimpse into a world I've never been interested in — food is… let's say, not my thing — and isn't that truly Bourdain's gift? One reviewer said reading this memoir was like meeting a ghost, and I wholeheartedly agree. I'll be recommending this (now decades old) book to anyone who will listen.

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emotionalsupportsandwiches's review against another edition

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funny informative reflective medium-paced

5.0


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abbyslittelife's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny informative medium-paced

4.0

such a lovely read. bourdain has such a funny, snarky writing style that makes the story jump off the page. I’m ready for the next season of the bear.

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taracloudclark's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

I noticed a friend of mine posting about Bourdain often. I knew almost nothing about him, so I decided to take in a book by him. First, Bourdain is sexy as hell. How did I never know this?! He also gives great voice to his own words. Makes me want to be in the NY restaurant culture. Second, this is such a fun read. A bit vulgar for milder tastes, but such a great insight into the biz. 

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ladelgado13's review against another edition

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dark funny medium-paced

3.5


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jrtiger's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0


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elledanie's review against another edition

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Might finish later just not in the mood for such a negative or aggressive take rn 

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