The Anthony Bourdain Reader review – undiscovered gems from the charismatic chef turned writer

A Savoring of Truth: Uncovering Anthony Bourdain's Hidden Gems

The late Anthony Bourdain was more than just a charismatic chef turned writer – he was a wordsmith who could capture the essence of a place in a single sentence. From his earliest days as a beatnik-obsessed young man to his later years as a bestselling author, Bourdain's writing was marked by its unflinching honesty and razor-sharp wit.

Through a collection of essays, stories, and fragments compiled by Bourdain's agent Kimberly Witherspoon, "The Anthony Bourdain Reader" offers a glimpse into the mind of a man who was equal parts journalist, novelist, and provocateur. The book is a head-to-tail editorial approach that spans decades of Bourdain's writing career, from his early days at arty publications to his later work as a prominent food writer.

While some of Bourdain's writing may seem dated or even crass by today's standards – particularly in his critiques of veganism and PETA – there is still much to admire about his bold prose and unapologetic candor. His love affair with blood, organs, cruelty, and decay is a potent one, and some of the most memorable passages in "The Reader" showcase his ability to transform even the most gruesome subjects into works of art.

Bourdain's writing is also marked by its deep affection for those on the margins of society – cooks, bartenders, restaurateurs, and other kitchen workers who toil behind the scenes to create the meals we enjoy. His defense of Mary Mallon, the infamous "Typhoid Mary," is a particularly moving passage that highlights his commitment to storytelling as a way of humanizing even the most unlikely characters.

If there's one aspect of Bourdain's writing that stands out, it's his remarkable ability to capture the nuances of place and culture. Whether he's exploring the streets of Beirut, sampling street food in Hanoi, or sipping whiskey with Barack Obama in a Bangkok bar, Bourdain has a knack for transporting readers to new and exotic worlds.

In "The Anthony Bourdain Reader," we get a glimpse into that world – one of flavors, textures, and sensations that are as much about people and places as they are about food. It's a world that may be unapologetically messy, but also strangely beautiful.

.. reading through this stuff on Anthony Bourdain always hits me in the feels . it's like, he wasn't just writing about food or travel, he was capturing the soul of humanity, you know? the way he wrote about people on the margins, struggling to make a living, it's just so relatable... and at the same time, it's like, he's also critiquing our society's flaws, like how we treat animals or the environment. it's all so intertwined.

and i love how his writing can be both dark and beautiful, you know? he's not afraid to tackle the hard stuff, but at the same time, he's got this sense of wonder and curiosity that makes you wanna keep reading. like, who is this guy, right?

but what really gets me is how his writing still feels relevant today . we're still talking about the same issues he was writing about back in the day – inequality, injustice... it's all still here. and yet, at the same time, there's a sense of hope, i guess, that we can learn from his example and try to do better. anyway, just reading this stuff always makes me think .

I just finished reading this book about Anthony Bourdain and I'm blown away by his writing style ! He has this crazy ability to make you feel like you're right there with him, sipping whiskey in a Bangkok bar or eating street food in Hanoi . His stories are so vivid and full of life, it's like he's trying to make us experience the world through his words. And I love how he never shies away from talking about the darker side of things - it's like he's saying, "Hey, let's get real here, okay?" Plus, his love for people on the margins of society is so inspiring . I mean, the way he writes about Mary Mallon, this "Typhoid Mary" lady who got a raw deal... it gives me chills every time . Anyway, if you haven't checked out Bourdain's writing yet, trust me and give it a shot! You won't regret it

idk wut i did 2 b mad bout this new book on anthony bourdain its actually pretty cool! he was def a unique writer wit a bold style - some ppl might say his views r outdated or harsh, but i think thats part of what made him so interesting. the way he writes about food & culture is like nothin uve ever read b4 - its all abt experiencin life 2 the fullest & embracin the messy bits. plus, hes got a lot of heart 4 the people on the margins, like cooks n bartenders who r often overlooked. i loved how he tells Mary Mallons story - its so moving!

I think the real treasure in this collection is how it humanizes those we often overlook in our culinary journeys ️. Bourdain's words have a way of stripping away the pretension and showcasing the unsung heroes behind the scenes – from cooks to bartenders, these individuals are the backbone of the food industry, yet so often lost in the spotlight ️. What I love about his writing is how it blends the raw with the beautiful, and that's what makes "The Anthony Bourdain Reader" such a compelling read .

I'm so down for anyone who's gonna dig into the real Anthony Bourdain vibe This guy was no joke, you know? His writing is like a wild ride of flavors and stories that'll leave you hungry for more The way he captures the essence of places and people is honestly mesmerizing

I mean, sure some of his rants might seem dated or even kinda harsh but that's part of what made him so compelling, right? His passion for life and all its complexities is infectious And let's not forget those underrated characters he brought to light – cooks, bartenders, and the like The way he humanizes even the most unlikely folks is pure magic

I'm loving this new collection of essays and stories from his archives It's like getting a crash course in Bourdain's world – all its beauty, grit, and messiness Who else is ready to join me on this culinary journey?

OMG, just read the most amazing article about Anthony Bourdain!!! I'm literally dying to dive into "The Anthony Bourdain Reader" ASAP! His writing is like a punch in the gut - it's raw, honest and makes you feel all the feels! I love how he celebrates those on the fringes of society who keep our lives rich with their culinary expertise. Mary Mallon is giving me life And can we talk about his descriptions of food?! Food coma imminent

I just finished reading this collection of essays and I'm still reeling from the experience . Bourdain was always known for his bold writing style, but this book takes it to a whole new level. The way he weaves together stories about food, culture, and people is just genius. And can we talk about how he humanizes even the most unlikely characters? Like Mary Mallon, the "Typhoid Mary" - I never knew she was so fascinating! But what really gets me is how Bourdain's writing captures the essence of a place. It's like you're right there with him, sipping whiskey in that Bangkok bar or sampling street food in Hanoi. The way he writes about blood and organs, though... it can be a bit much . I mean, I get why he was drawn to those subjects, but some of it feels kinda dated. Still, overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves good writing and exploring new cultures

man I feel like some ppl r being too harsh on anthony bourdain his writing might not b for everyone but that's what makes him so great - he wasnt afraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo he had a way of makin us see things from a different perspective, whether it was about food or people. and yeah some of his old stuff might be cringeworthy now but thats just part of his evolution as a writer & thinker. i think what ppl need to remember is that bourdain wasnt just a chef or a writer - he was a storyteller, a traveler, a seeker of truth he had this incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life and share their stories in a way that felt real & raw.

I think what's really interesting about Bourdain's writing is how he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and explore the darker side of things - like his take on veganism and PETA. He was all about challenging our assumptions and pushing boundaries, which I think is part of why his writing still holds up today. The way he wrote about people who often get overlooked in society, like cooks and bartenders, really speaks to me too. It's like he was trying to give a voice to the unsung heroes of the food world. And can we talk about how his travel experiences are just so vivid and immersive? I feel like I'm right there with him, exploring new cities and cultures through his words

I'm reading this collection of Bourdain's essays and stories and I gotta say it's like taking a trip down memory lane for me . Reminds me of his old TV shows like "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown", you know how he'd just show up in these random places and cook with locals, share their food and drinks... that was the real magic . Now, some of the writing might seem a bit rough around the edges, but I think that's part of what made him so raw and honest, you feel me? And man, he had this way of finding the beauty in the weird and wild stuff – like that passage about Mary Mallon, gives me chills . The way he writes about food, places, people... it's all just so vivid and alive . I'm gonna miss reading his words, but at least we've got this collection to hold onto .

I'm really loving this book "The Anthony Bourdain Reader" ! He was more than just a chef, he was a true wordsmith and his writing is still so raw and honest today . I mean, who else could make you laugh and cry in the same passage? And his love for stories about people on the margins of society really resonates with me . I'm all about humanizing those who are often overlooked or underappreciated .

But what I think is most beautiful about Bourdain's writing is his ability to capture the essence of a place and culture . He has this incredible knack for transporting you to new and exotic worlds, even if they're just a plate of food away . His love affair with blood and decay might sound dark, but it's actually really beautiful in its own way .

And can we talk about his writing style? It's like he's speaking directly to you, telling you secrets that only the most adventurous souls would want to hear . I'm not gonna lie, some of his writing may seem dated or crass by today's standards , but that's part of what makes him so lovable and real.

Anyway, if you haven't checked out "The Anthony Bourdain Reader" yet, do yourself a favor and get reading . It's a wild ride, but trust me, it's worth it!

Bourdain was the real deal . His writing still holds up today, even if some of his opinions are a bit cringeworthy . But honestly, who cares? The guy was a wordsmith and a storyteller like no other . This collection is a must-read for anyone who loves food, travel, or just great writing .