Wow my new favorite!

I love all things Anthony Bourdain but this book beyond exceeded all my expectations!!!! SOOOOO INTERESTING and funny and well written and performed. Tom Vitale is incredibly hard working and extremely talented. I’m soooooo glad he shared these incredible stories and memories!!!

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Great way to remember Tony

Even though I didn’t know Tony personally, his death was something that really hurt my heart. This book was a great way to remember Tony for the person he was, and the impact he made on the people around him. Thank you Tom for sharing your wonderful stories and memories and giving his audience a chance to remember and celebrate Tony.

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Wonderfully detailed, reflective and heartfelt

Through this memoir, Tom takes us through a unique coming of age in television - a story of the misadeventures of a band of pirates told through the eyes of a former naval officer turned into an unsettling natural yet reluctant first mate. From drunkenly uncovering the diabolical schemes of Bond villains in Jamaica to a decent into bloody madness in the heart of Congo, this book is full of suprsises.

The behind the scenes view of years making of television with Tony is well told through Tom's eyes. Tom's unique voice comes through his writing in this book but it is so comfortablely familiar to anyone who also enjoys Anthony's writing, as if Tom was a long suppressed part Tony's psyche given life — Cautious, self-depricating and yet seemily hungry to live a life bathed in chaos.

I am a fan of Anthony's. His perspectives on our place in the world, on food and the time he gave to appreciate and present cultures played a role in my development and maturity as a somewhat functioning human being. I have been filled with swirl of emotions with every posthumous project that has been released or speculative article online rehashing something or other from his life. I typically shy away from these things. They've all been weird or controversial or too ready to provide their own conclusions. I bought this book out of curiosity hoping for a sincere telling of Anthony's stories. I have only just finished it and I am impressed with the perspectives offered. I am impressed by how much the writing moved me by not only Anthony's experiences but the perspectives of Tom and the crew who worked so closely with him for years. I am impressed by how careful, analytical and considerate the writing can be and yet leave things so equivocally. The book raises wonderfully ponderous questions, explores them in exquisite emotional detail and does the reader the service of leaving them there for personal contemplation.

I found more in this book than I was expecting.

For a fan of Anthony's, of his books and especially his television shows dating back to the first, this book is a welcome experience.

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Worthwhile for Bourdain fans.

I was skeptical going in, but truly enjoyed the book. The author did a tremendous job in his storytelling. As a bourdain fan (I’ve watched all his shows and read all his books) I loved hearing the behind the scenes stuff. I also lost a very close friend suddenly in a similar way in 2015 and shared a lot of the sentiments that the author did from a grief and trying to put my feelings into focus. Thanks Tom.

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A new perspective

Fascinating emotional and logistical insights from behind the scenes of life on the road with Tony. Reveals the challenges of collaborating with a complicated boss, friend, mentor and deep observer/thinker. Captured in an honest voice that helped provide a 360 degree view of their personal and professional explorations.

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interesting perspective.

Took a chapter or two for me to get onboard. After that I really enjoyed the perspective and insight.

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Great inside look

Loved Anthony Bourdains shows & books. This is a great inside look at what he was actually like. Loved it.

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Special features/DVD extras for any Anthony Bourdain Fan

Looking over some of the reviews on Audible about this book, an individual would be forgiven for thinking that this is an alcohol-fueled “Animal House” memoir of Anthony Bourdain‘s various television shows. While there is an element of debauchery present in the pages/hours of this book, I have also come to appreciate the great humour, detail and reflection that is also present. Reading this book has made me want to revisit many episodes and enjoy them On a different level. Also, I appreciate how this book approaches one person struggle with grief over a friend/boss/mentor that has impacted a significant portion of his life.

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Excellent Insight Into TV Industry and Bourdain

Great book. Only issue I have is that Tom reads way too fast. Slow it down to .85 or .90 speed and its much more listenable.

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Fantastic

Loved this book. Tom did a fantastic job grappling with the meaning of life while providing an inside look at someone who I consider to be one of the most interesting individuals on television.

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