Preview
  • Be Ready When the Luck Happens

  • A Memoir
  • By: Ina Garten
  • Narrated by: Ina Garten
  • Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (1,474 ratings)

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Be Ready When the Luck Happens

By: Ina Garten
Narrated by: Ina Garten
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Publisher's summary

In her long-awaited memoir, Ina Garten—aka the Barefoot Contessa, author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, beloved Food Network personality, Instagram sensation, and cultural icon—shares her personal story with those hungry for a seat at her table.

Here, for the first time, Ina Garten presents an intimate, entertaining, and inspiring account of her remarkable journey. Ina’s gift is to make everything look easy, yet all her accomplishments have been the result of hard work, audacious choices, and exquisite attention to detail. In her unmistakable voice (no one tells a story like Ina), she brings her past and her process to life in a high-spirited and no-holds-barred memoir that chronicles decades of personal challenges, adventures (and misadventures) and unexpected career twists, all delivered with her signature combination of playfulness and purpose.

From a difficult childhood to meeting the love of her life, Jeffrey, and marrying him while still in college, from a boring bureaucratic job in Washington, D.C., to answering an ad for a specialty food store in the Hamptons, from the owner of one Barefoot Contessa shop to author of bestselling cookbooks and celebrated television host, Ina has blazed her own trail and, in the meantime, taught millions of people how to cook and entertain. Now, she invites them to come closer to experience her story in vivid detail and to share the important life lessons she learned along the way: do what you love because if you love it you’ll be really good at it, swing for the fences, and always Be Ready When the Luck Happens.

* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of recipes and images from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Ina Garten (P)2024 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

Be Ready When the Luck Happens is a wildly entertaining and compulsively readable story about curiosity and courage, challenges and coconut cupcakes. It’s also a love story for the ages. Smart and funny, warm and engaging, Ina Garten proves just how lucky a person can be if she’s willing to work hard, get over her past, and be fully and fearlessly engaged with life.”—Ann Patchett, author of Tom Lake

Editorial Review

From nuclear policies to pastries
Ina Garten's memoir is a treat for fans and foodies alike. Narrated by Garten herself, the audiobook brings an intimate charm to her life story. As she recounts her unlikely journey from nuclear policy writer to culinary icon, listeners are treated to personal revelations with her signature warmth and wit. From her early struggles in the food world to an enduring love story with her husband, Jeffrey, Ina doesn’t hold back. Garten's narration adds an extra layer of authenticity, making it feel as if you're having a chat with her. Whether you're swooning over Jeffrey and Ina’s romance or savoring her career milestones, this audiobook is a delightful and inspiring listen that includes a PDF of Ina's cherished photographs and recipes. — Patty R., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Be Ready When the Luck Happens

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Life Happens, Roll With It

A self made woman who breaks molds because she listens to her inner knowing. Growing up watching Ina and Jeffrey this gem takes you down memory lane with all its twists and turns. The art of living through cooking in Ina’s kitchen leaves you full of experiences that enrich your mind, body and soul. Pure love.

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Vulnerable and engaging story of a idol I thought I already knew.

Ina’s memoir is a dive into all of the things you know and enjoy about Barefoot Contessa and much more depth about how she got to be the person she is today (and my favorite go to cookbook author forever). Inspiring cover to cover.

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Inside Ina’s mind

Fell in love with Ina (& Jeffrey) all over again. Was disappointed to hear it end.

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So much more impressed!

I’ve always loved Ina Garten and knew she was a bad ass, but until I listened to this book, I had no idea about much of a bad ass she is! I appreciate her candor with this book and her praise of others in her life who got her to where she is today. I love her even more now! So grateful she wrote this for her fans.

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Absolute Must Read!

Ina has been my inspiration since I was a child; racing home from school to catch her afternoon run of Barefoot Contessa. Some of the first meals I cooked my family were from her books. I am so happy to have been able to listen to Ina tell her story. After almost 20 years she is still one of my biggest inspirations in this life. Ina, thank you for being you 🥰❤️

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Surprising life!

There's more to Ina than just cooking up a storm. First, she's got a terrific voice. Second, her life hasn't been a bed of roses. Third, she appreciates the life and love she has made.

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Fabulous

Such a great memoir! It was great to hear about her life story and what led to her great career!

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I love her even more now

Such a wonderful woman. Strong, independent, and still connected with the people in her life. Great storyteller.

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Ina’s story makes me feel like a friend who is very lucky

Ina’s story is so real. I’ve been a fan for 20+ years. This memoir has solidified in my soul the beautiful, intelligent , courageous and vulnerable woman with more talents than cooking. Her story is inspiring and enriching. I have all of her cookbooks and use them every day. After reading this memoir I feel like a friend. Thank you Ina.

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Ina does not disappoint!

I didn’t know what to expect as I thought I knew everything about Ina. Thank you for opening up to reveal more of the behind the scenes into your life. It was so enjoyable to understand how you handled your obstacles. Thank you Ina!

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