Scan barcode
susannekennedy's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
wrentheblurry's review
4.0
This one was between 3.5-4 stars for me. Since it was easy to read, kept me interested, and it helped me feel connected to the author, I'm giving it four stars here.
I watch a lot of food television, so I have seen lots of Marcus Samuelsson on Chopped, and especially the Top Chef Masters show. I was glad he won, for I'm kinda sorta a fan, and his book only helped (kinda, sorta) cement that feeling.
He tells his story plainly, simply, and with lots of love and heart. I could envision him easily as I read it (all that food TV helped for something). I learned that he initially wanted to be a professional soccer player. I liked reading why he was adopted, and how, and learning about both his biological family and his adoptive parents. There was some information on his relationships, though not enough for me--I like that sort of detail.
The most important aspect of a chef's memoir is, naturally, about the food and the cooking. Samuelsson does this well, providing a complete picture of what got him started cooking (loved the part about his grandmother), his early jobs, and the career path that led him to opening the Red Rooster in Harlem.
I watch a lot of food television, so I have seen lots of Marcus Samuelsson on Chopped, and especially the Top Chef Masters show. I was glad he won, for I'm kinda sorta a fan, and his book only helped (kinda, sorta) cement that feeling.
He tells his story plainly, simply, and with lots of love and heart. I could envision him easily as I read it (all that food TV helped for something). I learned that he initially wanted to be a professional soccer player. I liked reading why he was adopted, and how, and learning about both his biological family and his adoptive parents. There was some information on his relationships, though not enough for me--I like that sort of detail.
The most important aspect of a chef's memoir is, naturally, about the food and the cooking. Samuelsson does this well, providing a complete picture of what got him started cooking (loved the part about his grandmother), his early jobs, and the career path that led him to opening the Red Rooster in Harlem.
micklesreads's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
There were a few moments here that interested me, but he doesn't really reflect much. This is a string of and then's, which is surprising because it felt like it went on forever.
I am begging celebrities to not read their own audiobooks. His random pauses were so jarring.
I am begging celebrities to not read their own audiobooks. His random pauses were so jarring.
mg_in_md_'s review
5.0
I first heard of Marcus Samuelsson in 2005 when he appeared on the Chef on a Shoestring segment on the CBS Saturday Early Show. I was equally intrigued by the meal he prepared (the chicken dish he made is one of my favorite go-to recipes...simple, spicy, and flavorful) and his background. I remember thinking he must have an interesting life story, so I excited to see the memoir and have had it on my "to read" list since I first saw it. It did not disappoint! I found it to be a fascinating and honest read...and it made me want to go cook something :) I had a hard time putting the book down. If I had to pick out my favorite part, I think it would be the story of cooking the state dinner for the neighborhood kids. I thought that captured his philosophy so perfectly. All in all, an enjoyable read. I hope to get a chance to try his food one day...and I'll be first in line if he opens a restaurant in the DC area!
courtz531's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75
An excellent book. Samuelsson gives us all of himself!