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wechellsee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
taylorcali's review against another edition
4.0
Docked a star because I had two problems while listening to this one:
1. The names were not always read before each speaker and some of the voices were hard to identify when listening. I had to guess who was who sometimes.
2. I know this is a book about him, his biography, but the way he is portrayed sometimes, especially toward the end, seemed a little idol-worshippy for me.
1. The names were not always read before each speaker and some of the voices were hard to identify when listening. I had to guess who was who sometimes.
2. I know this is a book about him, his biography, but the way he is portrayed sometimes, especially toward the end, seemed a little idol-worshippy for me.
darbymattinson's review against another edition
3.0
3.75- I think I do admire Anthony Bourdain more now and maybe understand him too. But the last 30 minutes of the book were hard to listen to about the moments of his suicide. I think this oral biography was more of a way for all of his close friends, colleagues, and family could verbally grieve and have their own interpersonal moments of remembering him. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during his travels for parts unknown and no reservations. The stories about filming the show was my favorite part. A long and tragic book, and life too of “Tony”. This one is a must listen, I don’t think it would be the same read as there are many different people who are quite literally telling their stories.
glennmiller5309's review against another edition
3.0
Woolever gets key interviews (with the exception, notably, of Asia Argento) of friends and family members of Bourdain's to deliver a, seemingly, well-rounded description of his life. As would be expected from an oral biography, the material is comprised of long quotes or transcripts of the interviews. The book is highly repetitive, with the author including several people saying the exact same thing about the subject. This bloat was, presumably, intentional so as to indicate how many people saw that he was driven, that he was obsessed with jiu jitsu, or that he was, tragically, depressed. But the style does not necessarily make for an entertaining read.
indiethereader's review against another edition
4.0
I purchased this book rather impulsively. I never knew much of Anthony Bourdain prior to his passing away despite his work being right up my alley.
This book is a story of Bourdain's life written as a collection of intertwining interviews of people with whom he was close. I've come away from this novel with such a vivid picture of who Bourdain was, what he represented and what he meant to others.
The style of the book with the intertwining excerpts from interviews was something which worked surprisingly well and it was not difficult to follow at all.
This book makes a point of not only highlighting the positive aspects of Bourdain's personality but the negative ones as well. It shows that he was human and could make mistakes.
Despite his flaws, Bourdain was clearly a personality loved by so many. The tragedy of his demise seems almost appropriate given the passion with which he approached everything in life.
This book is a story of Bourdain's life written as a collection of intertwining interviews of people with whom he was close. I've come away from this novel with such a vivid picture of who Bourdain was, what he represented and what he meant to others.
The style of the book with the intertwining excerpts from interviews was something which worked surprisingly well and it was not difficult to follow at all.
This book makes a point of not only highlighting the positive aspects of Bourdain's personality but the negative ones as well. It shows that he was human and could make mistakes.
Despite his flaws, Bourdain was clearly a personality loved by so many. The tragedy of his demise seems almost appropriate given the passion with which he approached everything in life.
ciarajones101317's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful collection of stories about Tony that ultimately painted a larger photo of his life, mental state, and final months.
brandia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Suicide
bericson13's review against another edition
4.0
oh, Tony. thankful for the people keeping his legacy alive, because the world is a hard place and depression will eat at you.
mishmashreads's review against another edition
4.0
I am not sure why I picked up this book. It was on the new shelf of the library. I never really watched any Bourdain shows but I know many of my friends loved him. Without having much of a frame of reference, it was a good book. The chapters were short and the dialogue was so engaging. I really felt like I got to know the man. It prompted a lot of reflection for me on what makes a life worth living, changes and seasons we have in our lives, creativity, addiction, mental health, celebrity and fame, and a lot more. Thanks to all the people who opened up and shared their experiences for us to enjoy. I do feel like it was a piece that really captures one man’s humanity and talent.