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A review by kristenm
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
(Audiobook) (Warning I will discuss contents, not marking for spoilers since its Non-Fic, but if you dont want details dont read)
This book rivals Wolf of Wall Street with it's insane amount of drug use and curse words strung together in ways I didn't know possible. It's captivating, heartbreaking, eye-opening and absolutely hilarious, but not for the prude or faint of heart. Anthony is a one of a kind man, a treasure to listen to and full of life, hope and love. Unfortunately, he is a man also filled with hatred, loneliness and that big question of "why?"
It was clear from the start that this book was going to change my life and God, did I cry and laugh and cry some more. Every chapter was a treat, especially those in Anthony's early years. Given the way history turned out, its impossible to ignore Anthony's references to his depression, anxiety and his use of cocaine and heroin to cope. They jumped out at me, and hit me hard. Any mention of Keller had me gasping for air as the sobs broke free. I felt so helpless at times listening to Anthony describe his own self destruction. This is the first memoir I've read posthumously, which I will admit was difficult for me. Regardless of how much I cried, and how much I wished we had better mental health services, this book is so inspired and raw. It is a beautiful love story to food, to Tokyo, and to living life.
So clearly, it is a reminder that immigrants feed America. That the best food is usually simple. To never order fish on Mondays and risking your digestive system on street food is totally worth it.
"Your body is not a temple; it is an amusement park"
This book rivals Wolf of Wall Street with it's insane amount of drug use and curse words strung together in ways I didn't know possible. It's captivating, heartbreaking, eye-opening and absolutely hilarious, but not for the prude or faint of heart. Anthony is a one of a kind man, a treasure to listen to and full of life, hope and love. Unfortunately, he is a man also filled with hatred, loneliness and that big question of "why?"
It was clear from the start that this book was going to change my life and God, did I cry and laugh and cry some more. Every chapter was a treat, especially those in Anthony's early years. Given the way history turned out, its impossible to ignore Anthony's references to his depression, anxiety and his use of cocaine and heroin to cope. They jumped out at me, and hit me hard. Any mention of Keller had me gasping for air as the sobs broke free. I felt so helpless at times listening to Anthony describe his own self destruction. This is the first memoir I've read posthumously, which I will admit was difficult for me. Regardless of how much I cried, and how much I wished we had better mental health services, this book is so inspired and raw. It is a beautiful love story to food, to Tokyo, and to living life.
So clearly, it is a reminder that immigrants feed America. That the best food is usually simple. To never order fish on Mondays and risking your digestive system on street food is totally worth it.
"Your body is not a temple; it is an amusement park"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Drug use
Moderate: Sexual content