In the Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain

"In the Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain" is a gem of a book, crafted with the unique perspective and deep understanding that only Tom Vitale, Bourdain's long-time director, could provide. This book is a five-star journey, not just through the adventures and culinary exploits of Anthony Bourdain, but through the eyes of someone who knew him intimately.Vitale's role as director for many of Bourdain's shows gave him a front-row seat to the complexity and vibrancy of Bourdain's life. This proximity and understanding translate into a narrative that is rich, authentic, and deeply personal. As you turn the pages, it's evident that this is not just an observer's story, but a heartfelt recount from someone who shared in the adventures, the challenges, and the triumphs.The book does more than just narrate events; it captures the essence of Bourdain's spirit. Vitale's insights into Bourdain's character and his approach to life and food bring a level of authenticity that is rare and precious. It’s this authenticity that makes the book so compelling and engaging, offering readers an opportunity to experience Bourdain's world through a lens that is both intimate and insightful."In the Weeds" is an extraordinary tribute to Anthony Bourdain. It encapsulates his relentless curiosity, his passion for food and culture, and his unyielding desire to delve deeper into the human experience. For fans of Bourdain, enthusiasts of travel and culinary exploration, or anyone who appreciates a well-told story of adventure and humanity, this book is an absolute must-read. It's not just a journey through Bourdain's life; it's a journey of the heart and soul, beautifully and authentically rendered by Tom Vitale.

This is a very painful book to read, if you are a Diehard fan of Tony Bourdain. But I think Tom gave a heart rendering account of Bourdain life and how he treated his staff, sometimes endearing sometimes he treated them shockingly badly, But I think overall it is probably closer to reality than some other books that have been written. Tom was there for 16 years and saw and heard and participated in all that went on. He is the one of few that addresses the Asia Argent controversy, and he does it well. Overall this book made me sad, but it was a well written intelligent account of the years Tom worked with Tony.

A marvellous and compelling book, part memoirs of the author's time as director/producer of the filming of several food-travelogue films made with Anthony Bourdain, part personal introspection of trying to come to terms with Tony's death by suicide. The reader is allowed access into the tiny film crew's struggle to film in often dangerous situations and tie it all up into a mesmerising finished programme, always with Bourdain both centre stage and in the background. Just like this book.As a personality Anthony Bourdain, to his readers and viewers alike, was huge and his death both shocked and saddened many, myself included. This book by someone who shared over a decade in close association with him throughout his latter years, is also a personal memoir about the author's own struggle to come to terms with the loss.A mesmerising and honest account of a forceful, if troubled, personality by a man who lived closely with him, saw him at his best and worse and is trying to come to terms with his loss

really enjoyed this book. I always had a certain fascination for Bourdain and this book sheds a different light - not bad, just different - on a fascinating man. Feels like you're there as the writing is riviting. Great book.

It seems like this book is currently getting overshadowed in the press by Laurie Woolover’s book about Tony, as both were released around the same time. I chose Tom’s book because I valued his first-hand account of being there with Tony on so many of those episodes that I’ve watched countless times, and I was not disappointed! Tom is a fantastic writer, and Tony’s voice was clearly very influential on him in the best way possible. Learning about how the show came together and hearing stories from working with Tony for so many years was awesome. If had to say anything critical about this book at all, it’s that some of the magic has been lost for me now when I watch old episodes, because I realize how much hard work, timing, emotion, strategy, and physical toil went into making them, yet they’ve always looked so effortless and spontaneous on the screen, which just goes to show what a wonderful job this crew did in making magic for the rest of us to enjoy. Cheers Tom! Great read!!