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slouchingtowards's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
xtina005's review against another edition
5.0
My first exposure to Anthony Bourdain came in a college class circa 2009 where we read Kitchen Confidential. I don't recall if I was familiar with No Reservations at the time, but needless to say I immediately sought it out after finishing the book for class. I followed Tony to CNN and Parts Unknown where it was clear he was able to make the show he really wanted to but couldn't while he was at the Food Network. What drew me to him was his ability to see beyond the surface of a place and how he made every location he visited come alive. He didn't sugar-coat things. He was brazen. He was direct. He was sarcastic and darkly funny. He taught me about a world outside my door that I wanted to explore. He seemed effortlessly cool. Reading this book after his death brought me both joy and sadness. He has such a unique writing voice that I felt as though he were speaking to me directly from the page just as if I was watching one of his episodes on TV. There are moments in the book where he confronts his deeper emotions. You get a glimpse into his inner psyche and with the benefit of hindsight try to make these moments fit into the larger narrative of his life. I sorely miss his presence in the world, and I never even knew him. If you like food, travel, adventure, culture, examinations of the human condition - read this book. Then go somewhere you've never been, eat something you've always thought was "weird" spend time with people who are different than you, learn from them, respect them. Do it for Tony.
jonbrammer's review against another edition
3.0
Apparently Bourdain is a pompous ass in person, and this comes out a bit in his writing. Reading this book made me want to drink wine, smoke cigarettes and consume lots of French provincial cooking. Oh, and go to Vietnam. Alas, living vicariously through Anthony Bourdain does not necessarily make for a pleasant reading experience.
rubyted's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
anthony bourdain is undeniably sexy, and his writing is fast and clumsy and accessible and i love it- this book got boring because it’s basically “i went to this place, i got drunk, i ate food, it was good/bad, nothing matters, let’s drink more, i hate being on tv” over and over so i was over it like 2/3 through
andydonev's review against another edition
5.0
He is mad, but purely amazing. This book changes lifes and you will make a mistake if you die without reading it.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip, check the best places to eat there and don't forget to always be open minded.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip, check the best places to eat there and don't forget to always be open minded.
thebreez's review against another edition
4.0
Of je houdt niet van lezen, of je houdt niet van koken of eten. Of je bent op een streng dieet, of je moet nuchter zijn/blijven. Meer redenen zijn er niet te bedenken om dit smakelijke en vaak grappige eet-reisverhaal niet te lezen.
barkylee15's review against another edition
4.0
4.5. Loved this! Anthony Bourdain is just so good and waxing poetic about food and I just ate it right up...pun intended. Added two more travel bucket list items from this book as well :)