This autobiography rises above a single genre. It’s a story about Grant Achatz—an artistic, culinary genius who puts everything into his work, becoming one of the youngest award-winning chefs in the world. But during his greatest success, Achatz is diagnosed with Stage IV tongue cancer. He chooses to reject treatment that could jeopardize his tongue and sense of taste. His partner, Nick Kokonas, refuses to give up; he researches alternative treatments and pushes Achatz to see specialists. When an article in the Chicago Tribune appears about Achatz’s diagnosis, the University of Chicago offers Achatz a spot in a pioneering medical program, which could save his tongue, and his life. This is a compelling read and I could not put this down for three days. - Cindy
Marcus was only three years old when he, his mother, and his sister who were all battling tuberculosis walked seventy-five miles to a hospital in Ethiopia. His mother died, but Marcus and his sister recovered, and one year later they were adopted by a white family in Sweden. It was there that Marcus’s new grandmother sparked in him a lifelong passion for cooking. Markus went on to study in Europe and eventually ended up in New York City where his talent and ambition earned him rave reviews, awards and a place on Top Chef Masters. This story gives the readers a view into the European culinary schooling and the issues of race not only in the kitchen but in the community at large. - Cindy