I recently had the pleasure of indulging in “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide,” co-authored by the late, great Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever. As a fan of Bourdain’s TV shows and previous books, I was excited to dive into this new offering and I can say that this book is a real treat!

“World Travel: An Irreverent Guide” is a collection of stories, observations, and musings from Anthony Bourdain’s extensive travels around the globe. The book is organized by region, with chapters dedicated to places like Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Each chapter is filled with Bourdain’s signature wit and cand voice, making for a truly enjoyable and immersive reading experience, this book is a real “page-turner”!

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the way Bourdain and Woolever approached travel writing. Rather than just “scratching the surface,” they share their personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. This makes the book feel much more authentic and relatable, as if the reader is traveling alongside the authors.

Bourdain and Woolever also make a point to highlight the complexities and nuances of the places they visit. They don’t shy away from discussing difficult topics such as politics, poverty, and cultural differences. This makes for a much more well-rounded and informative reading experience, “a true taste of the world.”

Another aspect of the book that I found particularly enjoyable was the inclusion of photos and illustrations. These images provide a visual supplement to the text and help to transport the reader to the places being described, they “add spice” to the story.

Overall, I would highly recommend “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide” to anyone with an interest in travel writing or simply a love of good storytelling. It’s a fantastic book that will make you want to pack your bags and hit the road, and in the same time it’s giving you a true perspective about other cultures and societies. So, if you are looking for a travel book that is “full of flavor,” this is the one for you!

As a last note, I have to say that Anthony Bourdain was an incomparable storyteller and a great chef, and this book is a testament to his immense talent and unique voice. It’s clear that he had a deep love and appreciation for the places he visited and the people he met, and it’s a joy to be able to experience that through his writing. His legacy will continue to live on through his books and shows, “a true chef d’oeuvre” of storytelling.