Anthony Bourdain was an American chef, author, travel documentarian, and television personality who starred in programs focusing on the exploration of international culture, cuisine, and the human condition. He was considered one of the most influential chefs in the world.
Bourdain was born June 25, 1956, in New York City to Pierre Bourdain, a classical music industry executive for Columbia Records, and Gladys Bourdain (née Sacksman), an editor at The New York Times. He graduated from The Dwight School in 1973 before attending Vassar College and graduating with a degree in philosophy in 1978.
Bourdain began his culinary career as a dishwasher at New York’s Supper Club. He then worked his way up through various kitchens, including holding positions at Brasserie Les Halles and Sullivan’s dining room at the Drake Hotel.
Here are some books that Bourdain recommended to others.
A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
Marlon James’ A Brief History of Seven Killings is a sweeping and kaleidoscopic novel, the winner of the 2015 Man Booker Prize. The book tells the story of the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976 from multiple perspectives and is set against the backdrop of Jamaica’s tumultuous political history.
James draws on his own experiences growing up in Kingston, Jamaica to create a richly textured and nuanced portrait of a city and a country grappling with violence, poverty, and corruption. The result is an ambitious and masterful work of fiction that is both timely and timeless.
Agents of Innocence by David Ignatius
In his debut novel, “Agents of Innocence,” David Ignatius weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and suspense. The novel follows CIA agent Tom Rogers as he is drawn into a web of an international conspiracy.
With the help of his contact, Nawal al-Hasan, Rogers uncovers a plot to sell arms to the highest bidder. But as he gets closer to the truth, Rogers realizes that Hasan may be more involved than she appears. “Agents of Innocence” is a gripping look at the world of international espionage and the cost of betrayal.
American Dream Machine by Matthew Spektor
In “American Dream Machine,” Matthew Spektor tells the story of Hollywood in the 1970s through the lens of power, politics, and money.
With a cast of characters that includes everyone from Jodie Foster to Warren Beatty to Robert Altman, Spektor brings readers behind the scenes of some of the most iconic films of the decade, including “The Godfather,” “Chinatown,” and “Taxi Driver.”
Through interviews with those who were there, Spektor captures not only the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age but also the dark side of an industry where dreams can quickly turn into nightmares.
Ashenden by Somerset Maugham
Ashenden by Somerset Maugham was first published in 1928 and is set in the years during and after World War I. The novel follows the exploits of Ashenden, a British secret agent, as he travels across Europe on various missions for his government.
Ashenden is a sharp and witty observer of human nature, and the novel is full of clever observations about love, war, and politics. The book was very popular when it was first published, and it remains one of Maugham’s most beloved works.
Between Meals by A. Liebling
In “Between Meals,” A. Liebling offers a delightful and wide-ranging survey of the gastronomic landscape of Paris between the wars. He writes with great affection and insight about the chefs, restaurateurs, vintners, and other colorful characters who made the French capital the world capital of good living.
Liebling’s account is not only a celebration of great food and wine but also a social history of an era when pleasure was under assault by war, poverty, and political extremism. The book is as much about the quest for pleasure as it is about the pleasures themselves.
“Between Meals” is essential reading for anyone interested in food or wine or in how one city became the center of an international culture of gastronomy.
The Collected Works by Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran’s Collected Works is a compilation of the late author’s most famous pieces. The book includes works such as “The Prophet,” “Jesus, the Son of Man,” and “The Madman.” Gibran’s writing has been praised for its beauty and wisdom, and his collected works are sure to provide readers with hours of enjoyment.
Crash by J. G. Ballard
In J.G. Ballard’s Crash, a novel as controversial as its author, the lives of the occupants of Los Angeles revolve around car crashes. For them, crashing is not only a means of sexual gratification, but also a way to achieve self-immolation and transcendence.
Ballard’s vision of a world where people are obsessed with car crashes is both prophetic and disturbing. His characters are vividly drawn and their motivations are disturbingly believable. The result is a novel that is both shocking and thought-provoking.
Dancing Bear by James Crumley
In his novel, “Dancing Bear,” James Crumley tells the story of a small-town sheriff who’s drawn into a murder investigation.
Crumley is no stranger to writing about crime and violence, but in this novel he brings a new level of suspense and intrigue.
The sheriff, who is struggling with his own demons, must use all his skills to solve the case and bring the killer to justice.
Eating Viet Nam by Graham Holliday
Eating Viet Nam is a book by Graham Holliday that documents his experience of eating his way through Vietnam.
Holliday chronicles his journey from the north to the south of Vietnam, exploring the country’s diverse food culture and tasting everything from street food to fine dining. He also provides insights into the history and traditions behind Vietnamese cuisine.
Eating Vietnam is a must-read for anyone interested in Vietnamese food or travel. It provides an intimate and informative look at one of Asia’s most fascinating countries.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a novel about the dark side of the American Dream. The book follows the exploits of Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, two men on a quest to find the ultimate high in Sin City. Along the way, they encounter sex, drugs, and violence, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a darkly comic look at the seedy underbelly of America. Hunter S. Thompson’s writing is unapologetic and unafraid, painting a picture of a city that is both alluring and dangerous. If you’re looking for a wild ride through one of America’s most infamous cities, then this is the book for you.
How to Live by Sarah Bakewell
How to Live is a book about how to live a good life, written by Sarah Bakewell. The book offers advice on how to live a good life by discussing various philosophical concepts and ideas.
L.A. Son by Ray Choi
In his book, L.A. Son, Ray Choi chronicles his journey from South Korea to America and how he found his place in Los Angeles.
Born in Busan, South Korea, Choi was adopted by an American family at the age of 3. He grew up in Southern California, attending school and eventually college in the area. After graduation, Choi worked various jobs before finding his true passion in cooking.
Choi’s love for food led him to open his own restaurant, which has been praised by critics and diners alike. In L.A. Son, Choi shares his story of self-discovery and how he has made a name for himself in the culinary world.
Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi
In her book, Love, Loss, and What We Ate, Padma Lakshmi opens up about her life and career, from her childhood in India to her time as a model and actress to her present-day role as host of the Emmy-winning show Top Chef. But this book is more than just a memoir; it’s also a love letter to food.
Lakshmi chronicles the meals that have been most important to her at various points in her life, from the simple but delicious dal and rice she ate growing up in Chennai to the multicourse feasts she enjoyed as a young model in Paris. Each recipe is accompanied by a personal story that brings readers into Lakshmi’s world, revealing the intimate connection between food and memory.
My Last Supper by Melanie Dunea
In her book, My Last Supper, photographer Melanie Dunea set out to capture the final meals of some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. The result is a stunning collection of portraits and recipes that celebrates the creativity and passion of these culinary masters.
Dunea’s project began as a personal challenge to document the last meals of her friends and family. But after reaching out to some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, she quickly realized that this was a story worth sharing with others.
Through her lens, we are given a glimpse into the final moments before these chefs create their masterpieces. And in their own words, they share their thoughts on life, death, and what it means to cook for someone else.
My Last Supper is a beautiful tribute to the chefs who have dedicated their lives to feeding us.
Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs
Naked Lunch is a novel by William S. Burroughs, first published in 1959. The book is structured as a series of loosely connected vignettes. The majority of the vignettes take place in Interzone, a fictionalized version of Tangier, Morocco, where the narrator lives.
The plot revolves around the activities and associations of Bill Lee, an American expatriate addicted to heroin. Through his travels and encounters with various characters, Lee comes to realize that the world is controlled by an invisible conspiracy of aliens called the “Mugwumps”.
Naked Lunch is considered one of the most important works of Beat Generation literature. It has been both praised and criticized for its graphic depictions of violence and drug use.
On Boxing by Joyce Carol Oates
Joyce Carol Oates is one of the most prolific and acclaimed writers of our time. In her book, On Boxing, she turns her attention to the sport of boxing, exploring its history, its culture, and its place in the modern world.
Oates brings her characteristic insight and compassion to bear on the subject, revealing the beauty and brutality of boxing through the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to it. She also sheds light on its dark side, documenting the injuries and deaths that have occurred in the ring.
On Boxing is a fascinating look at a sport that has long been shrouded in mystery. It is sure to appeal to fans of both boxing and Joyce Carol Oates alike.
Once in a Great City by David Maraniss
David Maraniss’s Once in a Great City is an intimate and sweeping portrait of Detroit during its peak in the early 1960s. The book captures the city’s spirit through the stories of some of its most famous residents, including Motown founder Berry Gordy, civil rights leader Rev. C.L. Franklin, and auto executive Lee Iacocca.
Maraniss weaves together these and other stories to create a vivid picture of a city on the verge of change. The book is a love letter to Detroit, but it also shows how the city’s decline began with the very forces that made it great.
Politics and the English Language by George Orwell
Prune by Gabrielle Hamilton
Rice, Noodle, Fish by Matt Goulding
Ripley’s Game by Patricia Highsmith
Rogue’s March by W. T. Tyler
The Shanghai Factor by Charles McCarry
Smiley’s People by John le Carré
Something to food about by Questlove
The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock
The Friends Of Eddie Coyle by George V. Higgins
The Man Who Lost the War W. T. Tyler
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket by Edgar Allan Poe
The Quiet American by Graham Greene
The Rogue’s March by Peter F. Stevens
The White Album by Joan Didion
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Thrown by Kerry Howley
Total Chaos by Jeff Gold
Essays by George Orwell
Adios, Motherfucker by Michael Ruffino
Travels With My Aunt by Graham Greene
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
True Grit by Charles Portis
Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry
Ways of Escape by Graham Greene
Wd~50 by Peter Meehan & Wylie Dufresne
You’re Better Than Me by Bonnie McFarlane
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