Reviews

World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Laurie Woolever, Anthony Bourdain

olsenc's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.0

annietaber's review against another edition

funny informative fast-paced

1.0

Honestly, this book was a flop. But, it’s okay for me to say that bc Anthony didn’t write it — his assistant did. For what was meant to be a list of some of his fav places, somehow it seemed like every city he ever visited made the cut, which is frankly, suspicious. Also, sometimes the blurbs were like 30 sec long. What’s the point. I wanted more essays, more reflections on the food, and less damn repetition of websites and airport info. 

lorireads3's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny informative slow-paced

3.0

callmeash's review against another edition

adventurous funny informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

I will read just about anything food related. This book did not disappoint. What an incredible collection of food, stories and travel. I love that at the top of the audiobook, it gives you a link to a PDF of all of the restaurants and spots mentioned. It’s listed in alphabetical order by country, which is how the book is set up. This book made me want to travel and try everything that I can get my hands on.  Food makes me emotional which is strange to say, but many times during this book I found myself brought to tears. I love making food for people, it’s a strangely intimate and expressive way to show your love for the people that surround you. Anthony Bourdain’s love for food and the people that make it, shines through in this book. The only reason why my rating isn’t higher, is because of how it ended. I felt like it needed a solid conclusion or wrap up. The ending truly felt like a disservice to all of the hard work that was put into it. You just took us all across the globe! Give me an aperitif! 

megabooks's review against another edition

funny informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.25

daumari's review against another edition

4.0

3.5, rounded up to 4. Part travel guide (that's already outdated, alas as I checked a couple URLs that no longer work, though the restaurant still seems open... then again that's kind of the nature of guides), part collection of Tony's quotes from his various shows and interviews of the years.

My main takeaway is that Bourdain enjoyed fine hotels that I've never dreamed of staying at (but hey, maybe future goals?) and he had a lyrical way with words. I think I would've appreciated something more akin to the Last Chance to See revival where places that changed/moved are noted (and they are, to a degree).

jess_mango's review against another edition

4.0

In recent years, the world was rocked by the death of Anthony Bourdain. His passion for food and travel sparked an interest in many to explore the foods of the world. In this guide, which he started working on before he died, but was unable to finish, gives tips for eating your way around the world. Country by Country, the guide has tips from Anthony along with notes from his family, friends, and colleagues. The book was unfinished when Anthony died so Laurie Woolever used notes, conversations and more to finish the book.

There are lots of great tips in the book and it really gave me the travel bug. After being cooped up at home for over a year (THANKS COVID!), I am really ready to get out and explore. Thanks to this book, I have lots of inspiration on where to go, both close to home and across the globe.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

m_yinger's review against another edition

There is an indescribable pain listening to the difference between young AB and AB before his suicide. Genuinely could not listen to him because of how worn out and sad he sounds 

lareinadehades's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

ccunliffe's review against another edition

5.0

Written in Bourdain's classic style. World Travel is informative, beautiful, and makes you want to go everywhere. It would be a great gift!