I have long been enamored of Eric Ripert so when I heard about this book I was eagerly awaiting its release. I always find it fascinating to learn peoples' stories. Eric Ripert's is a somewhat surprising one. It was a real joy to go on the journey from the mountains of Andorra & in the kitchens of those who shaped & nurtured Chef Ripert's love of food & cooking. He speaks quite eloquently of food painting a delectable picture. You can see just how much joy it brings him. There are poignant passages about the loss of his father, of the harsh, even cruel treatment he endured at the hands of others in his life & some harrowing & anxiety-provoking descriptions of the reality of professional kitchens. A fascinating story, artfully told. Well worth reading. As I was drawing near the end I found myself not wanting to leave the world of this story as I so enjoyed learning a little about what made Ripert the chef & the man he is. This sort of memoir leaves you hoping that at some point there will be another that traces the journey further.