Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 starsRemembering Anthony Bourdain
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2021
Received the book on release day, April 20, 2021. Readers should note the book was created based off of a 1-hour planning conversation between Anthony Bourdain and his assistant writer, Laurie Woolever. Unfortunately, Bourdain died before the book could get underway so the contents are an amalgamation of quotes from his prior work (e.g., No Reservations, Parts Unknown) as well as input from family and friends who knew him. Therefore, much of the book feels like a re-tread rather than new/unreleased insights by Bourdain himself. Text is split between quotes from Bourdain (written in the blue font like on the dustcover) as well as black text to represent Woolever's contribution, which is a thoughtful touch on Woolever's part. The book also has a detailed list of quote sources so you can go find when and where Bourdain said something if you want to peruse his other work. If you want to relive some of Bourdain's greatest travel spots, then you should enjoy the book. I gave four stars as I really was hoping for more new/not formerly released info, but the book still is a nice nod to Bourdain's prolific career as a chef, traveler, and cultural icon.
