
Yes, Chef
A Memoir
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Narrated by:
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Marcus Samuelsson
About this listen
JAMES BEARD AWARD NOMINEE • NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY VOGUE • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“One of the great culinary stories of our time.”—Dwight Garner, The New York Times
It begins with a simple ritual: Every Saturday afternoon, a boy who loves to cook walks to his grandmother’s house and helps her prepare a roast chicken for dinner. The grandmother is Swedish, a retired domestic. The boy is Ethiopian and adopted, and he will grow up to become the world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson. This book is his love letter to food and family in all its manifestations.
Marcus Samuelsson was only three years old when he, his mother, and his sister—all battling tuberculosis—walked seventy-five miles to a hospital in the Ethiopian capital city of Addis Adaba. Tragically, his mother succumbed to the disease shortly after she arrived, but Marcus and his sister recovered, and one year later they were welcomed into a loving middle-class white family in Göteborg, Sweden. It was there that Marcus’s new grandmother, Helga, sparked in him a lifelong passion for food and cooking with her pan-fried herring, her freshly baked bread, and her signature roast chicken. From a very early age, there was little question what Marcus was going to be when he grew up.
Yes, Chef chronicles Marcus Samuelsson’s remarkable journey from Helga’s humble kitchen to some of the most demanding and cutthroat restaurants in Switzerland and France, from his grueling stints on cruise ships to his arrival in New York City, where his outsize talent and ambition finally come together at Aquavit, earning him a coveted New York Times three-star rating at the age of twenty-four. But Samuelsson’s career of “chasing flavors,” as he calls it, had only just begun—in the intervening years, there have been White House state dinners, career crises, reality show triumphs and, most important, the opening of the beloved Red Rooster in Harlem. At Red Rooster, Samuelsson has fufilled his dream of creating a truly diverse, multiracial dining room—a place where presidents and prime ministers rub elbows with jazz musicians, aspiring artists, bus drivers, and nurses. It is a place where an orphan from Ethiopia, raised in Sweden, living in America, can feel at home.
With disarming honesty and intimacy, Samuelsson also opens up about his failures—the price of ambition, in human terms—and recounts his emotional journey, as a grown man, to meet the father he never knew. Yes, Chef is a tale of personal discovery, unshakable determination, and the passionate, playful pursuit of flavors—one man’s struggle to find a place for himself in the kitchen, and in the world.
Praise for Yes, Chef
“Such an interesting life, told with touching modesty and remarkable candor.”—Ruth Reichl
“Marcus Samuelsson has an incomparable story, a quiet bravery, and a lyrical and discreetly glittering style—in the kitchen and on the page. I liked this book so very, very much.”—Gabrielle Hamilton
“Plenty of celebrity chefs have a compelling story to tell, but none of them can top [this] one.”—The Wall Street Journal
“Red Rooster’s arrival in Harlem brought with it a chef who has reinvigorated and reimagined what it means to be American. In his famed dishes, and now in this memoir, Marcus Samuelsson tells a story that reaches past racial and national divides to the foundations of family, hope, and downright good food.”—President Bill Clinton
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Critic reviews
"I've read a lot of chefs' books, but never anything like this one. Marcus Samuelsson has had such an interesting life, and he talks about it with touching modesty and remarkable candor. I couldn't put this book down." (Ruth Reichl, best-selling author of Tender at the Bone)
"Marcus Samuelsson has an incomparable story, a quiet bravery, and a lyrical and discreetly glittering style - in the kitchen and on the page. I liked this book so very, very much." (Gabrielle Hamilton, best-selling author of Blood, Bones, & Butter)
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Performance
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This is Gordon Ramsay’s autobiography – the first time he has told the full story of how he became the world’s most famous and infamous chef: his difficult childhood, his brother’s heroin addiction and his failed first career as a footballer: all of these things have made him the celebrated culinary talent and media powerhouse that he is today.
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Do wish it was unabridged though. . .
- By Tiffini on 04-16-10
By: Gordon Ramsay
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Culinary Reactions
- The Everyday Chemistry of Cooking
- By: Simon Quellen Field
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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When you're cooking, you're a chemist! Every time you follow or modify a recipe you are experimenting with acids and bases, emulsions and suspensions, gels and foams. In your kitchen you denature proteins, crystallize compounds, react enzymes with substrates, and nurture desired microbial life while suppressing harmful microbes. And unlike in a laboratory, you can eat your experiments to verify your hypotheses.
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Culinary Reactions - The Chemical Formulas to Cook
- By Vicente Gard on 06-06-19
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The Apprentice
- My Life in the Kitchen
- By: Jacques Pépin
- Narrated by: Jacques Pépin, Michel Chevalier
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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In this captivating memoir, the man whom Julia Child has called "the best chef in America" tells the story of his rise from a frightened apprentice in an exacting Old World kitchen to an Emmy Award-winning superstar who taught millions of Americans how to cook and shaped the nation's tastes in the bargain. The Apprentice is the poignant and sometimes funny tale of a boy's coming of age. Beyond that, it is the story of America's culinary awakening and the transformation of food from an afterthought to a national preoccupation.
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Jacques Pépin never has disappointed
- By Peter on 10-03-20
By: Jacques Pépin
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The Devil in the Kitchen
- Sex, Pain, Madness, and the Making of a Great Chef
- By: Marco Pierre White, James Steen
- Narrated by: Timothy Bentinck
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
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In The Devil in the Kitchen, White tells the story behind his ascent from working-class roots to culinary greatness, leaving no dish unserved as he relays raucous and revealing tales featuring some of the biggest names in the food world and beyond, including: Mario Batali, Gordon Ramsay, Albert Roux, Raymond Blanc, Michael Caine, Damien Hirst, and even Prince Charles.
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A chef / restaurateur must.
- By Brandon on 07-18-16
By: Marco Pierre White, and others
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Sous Chef
- 24 Hours on the Line
- By: Michael Gibney
- Narrated by: Fred Berman
- Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
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In this urgent and unique book, chef Michael Gibney uses 24 hours to animate the intricate camaraderie and culinary choreography in an upscale New York restaurant kitchen. Here listeners will find all the details, in rapid-fire succession, of what it takes to deliver an exceptional plate of food - the journey to excellence by way of exhaustion. Told in second-person narrative, Sous Chef is an immersive, adrenaline-fueled run that offers a fly-on-the-wall perspective on the food service industry, allowing listeners to briefly inhabit the hidden world behind the kitchen doors, in real time.
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Only as good as your last plate.
- By Norma Miles on 02-21-19
By: Michael Gibney
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Eat a Peach
- A Memoir
- By: David Chang, Gabe Ulla
- Narrated by: David Chang
- Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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From the chef behind Momofuku and star of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious—an intimate account of the making of a chef, the story of the modern restaurant world that he helped shape, and how he discovered that success can be much harder to understand than failure. Full of grace, candor, grit, and humor, Eat a Peach chronicles David Chang’s switchback path. Along the way, Chang gives us a penetrating look at restaurant life, in which he balances his deep love for the kitchen with unflinching honesty about the industry’s history of brutishness and its uncertain future.
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So many threads coming into a wonderful tapstery.
- By Suzie on 09-12-20
By: David Chang, and others
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Life, on the Line
- A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat
- By: Grant Achatz, Nick Kokonas
- Narrated by: Johnny Heller
- Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
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In 2007 chef Grant Achatz seemingly had it made. He had been named one of the best new chefs in America by Food & Wine in 2002, received the James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year Award in 2003, and in 2005 he and Nick Kokonas opened the conceptually radical restaurant Alinea, which was named Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet magazine. Then, Achatz was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma - tongue cancer.
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A Tasteless World?
- By Exec. Chef 'Special K' on 03-18-14
By: Grant Achatz, and others
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Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll
- How Food Lovers, Free Spirits, Misfits and Wanderers Created a New American Profession
- By: Andrew Friedman
- Narrated by: Roger Wayne
- Length: 14 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
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Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll transports listeners back in time to witness the remarkable evolution of the American restaurant chef in the 1970s and 1980s. Andrew Friedman goes inside Chez Panisse and other Bay Area restaurants to show how the politically charged backdrop of Berkeley helped spark this new profession; into the historically underrated community of Los Angeles chefs, including a young Wolfgang Puck; and into the clash of cultures between established French chefs in New York City and the American game changers.
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the reader makes the audiobook - unfortunately
- By Lawrie Thicke on 04-20-19
By: Andrew Friedman
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Medium Raw
- A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook
- By: Anthony Bourdain
- Narrated by: Anthony Bourdain
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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In the 10 years since his classic Kitchen Confidential first alerted us to the idiosyncrasies and lurking perils of eating out, much has changed for the subculture of chefs and cooks, for the restaurant business and for Anthony Bourdain. Medium Raw explores those changes, tracking Bourdain's strange and unexpected voyage from journeyman cook to globe-traveling professional eater and drinker, and even to fatherhood. Bourdain takes no prisoners as he dissects what he's seen.
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Surprisingly tender.
- By Sparkly on 10-09-12
By: Anthony Bourdain
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Notes from a Young Black Chef
- A Memoir
- By: Kwame Onwuachi, Joshua David Stein
- Narrated by: Kwame Onwuachi
- Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
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By the time he was 27 years old, Kwame Onwuachi had opened - and closed - one of the most talked-about restaurants in America. He had launched his own catering company with $20,000 that he made from selling candy on the subway, yet he’d been told he would never make it on television because his cooking wasn’t “Southern” enough. In this inspiring memoir about the intersection of race, fame, and food, he shares the remarkable story of his culinary coming-of-age.
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DC should be proud to have Chef Kwame
- By Jesse Wetzel on 04-26-19
By: Kwame Onwuachi, and others
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The Chef
- By: James Patterson, Max DiLallo
- Narrated by: Micheal Ziants
- Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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In the Carnival days leading up Mardi Gras, Detective Caleb Rooney comes under investigation for a murder he is accused of committing in the line of duty - as a major crimes detective for the New Orleans Police Department. Has his sideline at the Killer Chef food truck given him a taste for murder? While fighting the charges against him, Rooney makes a pair of unthinkable discoveries. His beloved city is under threat of attack. And these would-be terrorists may be local.
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Chef
- By Kindle Customer on 03-02-19
By: James Patterson, and others
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Bourdain
- The Definitive Oral Biography
- By: Laurie Woolever
- Narrated by: Laurie Woolever, Christopher Bourdain, José Andrés, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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When Anthony Bourdain died in June 2018, fans around the globe came together to celebrate the life of an inimitable man who had dedicated his life to traveling nearly everywhere (and eating nearly everything), shedding light on the lives and stories of others. His impact was outsized and his legacy has only grown since his death.
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After listening to the bio of AB…
- By GwP on 09-30-21
By: Laurie Woolever
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Cooked
- A Natural History of Transformation
- By: Michael Pollan
- Narrated by: Michael Pollan
- Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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In Cooked, Pollan discovers the enduring power of the four classical elements - fire, water, air, and earth - to transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink. Apprenticing himself to a succession of culinary masters, Pollan learns how to grill with fire, cook with liquid, bake bread, and ferment everything from cheese to beer. Each section of Cooked tracks Pollan’s effort to master a single classic recipe using one of the four elements.
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A bit bland
- By Mark on 12-12-14
By: Michael Pollan
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Letters to a Young Chef
- By: Daniel Boulud
- Narrated by: Mario Brassard
- Length: 3 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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From the reinvention of French food through the fine dining revolution in America, Daniel Boulud has been a witness to and a creator of today's food culture. A modern improviser with a classical foundation (a little rock 'n' roll and a lot of Mozart, he'd say), he speaks with the authority that comes from a lifetime of preparing, presenting, and thinking about food - an ancient calling with universal resonance. In Letters to a Young Chef, Boulud speaks not only of how to make a career as a chef in today's world, but also of why one should want to do so in the first place.
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It is a easy reading book.
- By Pechika on 05-18-21
By: Daniel Boulud
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My Life in France
- By: Julia Child, Alex Prud'Homme
- Narrated by: Kimberly Farr
- Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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This memoir is laced with wonderful stories about the French character, particularly in the world of food, and the way of life that Julia Child embraced so wholeheartedly. Above all, she reveals the kind of spirit and determination, the sheer love of cooking, and the drive to share that with her fellow Americans that made her the extraordinary success she became.
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What a pleasure!
- By Sara on 07-03-08
By: Julia Child, and others
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Your Table Is Ready
- Tales of a New York City Maître D'
- By: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina
- Narrated by: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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From the glamorous to the entitled, from royalty to the financially ruined, everyone who wanted to be seen—or just to gawk—at the hottest restaurants in New York City came to places Michael Cecchi-Azzolina helped run. His phone number was passed around among those who wanted to curry favor, during the decades when restaurants replaced clubs and theater as, well, theater in the most visible, vibrant city in the world. Besides dropping us back into a vanished time, Your Table Is Ready takes us places we’d never be able to get into on our own.
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Accurately crass and heart felt
- By Amazon Customer on 01-10-23
What listeners say about Yes, Chef
Highly rated for:
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- Fred
- 01-07-13
Solid Audio Book
Would you consider the audio edition of Yes, Chef to be better than the print version?
N/A
Who was your favorite character and why?
Marcus as the whole story revolved around him.
Have you listened to any of Marcus Samuelsson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
His return to his homeland Ethopia.
Any additional comments?
Very good book and narration.
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- Javachips
- 01-10-14
Such An Inspriing and Delicious Read!
I enjoyed listening to Marcus Samuelsson's recount his journey to becoming a top chef and his joys and heartbreaks along the way. I found his enormous drive and ambition and courage inspiring, despite unfortunate setbacks, heartbreaking events, and blatant discrimination he encountered.
I did think his behavior was absolutely despicable at times, especially in his early treatment of Zoe. However, one could chalk this up to youth and immaturity, since when he was somewhat older and wiser he tried to make things right. It also helped that he had an outstanding mother to instill good character. He seemed very passionate in his dedication, work ethic and humility on the job as he learned the ropes and put in his dues. On the other hand, I couldn't help but notice a constant and persistent undertone of self-importance and ego. Perhaps this is a necessary trait to be a successful chef and leader, though.
Samuelsson's thick Swedish accent was a bit distracting at times, as well as his creative pronunciation of many English words. At key points in the story, I thought it was a big plus having him as the reader, since he really displayed the genuine feelings of heartbreak, anger, confusion or joy he had experienced.
Overall this book was really enjoyable, and absolutely delicious!
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- Carolyn Donovan
- 01-29-16
An amazing & enchanting tale
What made the experience of listening to Yes, Chef the most enjoyable?
I love that it was narrated by Marcus himself. It made it so much more real to me.
What did you like best about this story?
Marcus talked about many aspects of his life. I loved all of them, from when he was a child (cooking with Helga) to teenage years (Kiss), to more resent years as a chef. I admire his trip to Ethiopia and the good he is doing there. All of it is superb.
Have you listened to any of Marcus Samuelsson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I have seen him on "Chopped." I've been a fan of Food Network before; for some reason, I remember him in the early days (1997-ish?) of Food Network. Perhaps when he was at Aqua Vie? He is a fascinating both as a chef and a true person. As always, Marcus is admirable.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The trip to Ethiopia and the gratitude he has for his Swedish parents.
Any additional comments?
Enjoy!!
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- L. Tagrin
- 02-15-15
A compelling story that doesn't spare the author
I became interested in Marcus Samuelsson after seeing him as a judge on the Food Network show Chopped. I have since seen him in several other venues, including his recent victory as a mentor on The Taste. I purchased this book because as a dedicated home cook always learning about new cuisines I wanted to know more about him and his background.
His story is compelling, from the death of his mother taking him and his sister to a hospital, to his adoption by a Swedish couple, to his entry into the culinary world and his triumphs and failures, one gets a tremendous respect for this man. I recently purchased his cookbook "Soul of a new Cuisine" in hard-copy and am plowing my way through it for new ideas.
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- Douglas
- 01-28-15
Not that interesting
I have given the book 4 stars because it's a well written book, good narrator (author) and a lot of other people seemed to like it. I did not want to discourage anyone from checking it out but for me I got nothing out of book. Yes it's a rags to riches story and the author became a great chef. I am just not interested in this subject and the rags to riches part seems common to me. I was not inspired and took nothing away for myself in terms of motivation. I did finish the whole book. I can see where some other people would like it. Stay with what you love and what you were born to do and you will be a success. Also going off to see the world and leave your daughter and her mother without a father while you pursue your own dream maybe the type of sacrifice one simply has to make to succeed.
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- Emerson
- 07-17-15
It wanders
The first half is especially great. The second half wanders a bit. I did love hearing Samuelsson himself reading it. Very enjoyable.
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- vlSchlegel
- 04-16-15
A real treat!
I can't really say what I enjoyed more, Marcus' personal story, the food story or his philosophy regarding both! I don't consider myself a foodie, and so was quite surprised at how appealing I found this book. The author's voice, though sometimes a tad difficult to understand, (not often or much) added a delightful flavor.
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- Jodie Vee
- 04-15-15
Eye opening story of a man and a passion
Eye opening story of the ranks of professional kitchen work and a man with a passionate dream that in the end humility and hard work won for him. A unique journey that after listening you feel part of on a deeper level. Food gives us roots and memories. I love too that this book was narrated by the author. It adds so much dimension for the listener. Highly recommend this listen, an absorbing life story. I hope to visit his restaurant one day!
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- patricia
- 05-20-15
Must for Marcus fans
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I really enjoyed this book. I connected with it on many levels. My Dad's Mom died from TB
When he was eight. He and his 3 brothers wee not as lucky and were shipped to Canada
And ended up being laborers on a farm in harsh conditions. I was raised with the same work ethic. Also I associate with his love of diversity in NY.
What other book might you compare Yes, Chef to and why?
None
Which scene was your favorite?
Many
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Both. Laugh at the screw up and cry due to kindness, esp of his birth Mom and adoptive parents.
Any additional comments?
Marcus thanks for sharing!
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- Jonathan
- 09-02-16
inspirational
I loved his story, and all the things he went through to get to were he is now. great story hard work pays off.
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