Humble Pie

I read Humble Pie as a pre-runner to reading Playing With Fire...I found it totally engrossing. Gordon Ramsay writes from the heart in describing his early difficult childhood with an overbearing, selfish and violent father to his curtailed football career and then to finding a career in the Kitchen almost by accident. Ramsay really earned his stripes in gathering cooking experience, especially in France and via his old Mentor Marco Pierre White and that is why he is the most respected Chef in the world today. The guy is already a culinary genius and his natural persona shines through as a genuine celebrity (even if he hates the concept of 'Celebrity Chef'). The insight into behind the scenes at Hell's Kitchen really shows that he is totally his own man. A must for all Ramsay fans

Exciting and inspiring (1/1 people found this helpful)

I'm not generally a fan of autobiographies per se, finding many of them bland and without substance and certainly with very little resonance. This was a very nice surprise, I picked up the book on a whim, having enjoyed the show "Kitchen Nightmares", and I'm pleased I did as it gives a great insight into a man with extraordinary drive, huge resilience, if slightly questionable manners.

In this book, Ramsay lays bare his tough childhood, his enormous passion for food, his will to succeed, which are all admirable qualities. However, his confront of the problems ahead of him and huge predilection and penchant for hard work are what inspire. Ramsay hasn't overly sanitised his biography to stop offence or to bury the hatchet regarding past grievances (but then that shouldn't come as any sort of surprise if you have seen any of his television shows). He is polemical regarding those who he feels have attempted to undermine him, or have deservedly experienced his ire.

This review may seem a homage to Ramsay, and I do hold in high regard his incredible strength of character and determination, which from my viewpoint (restricted of course as I have not met the man) are senior quailities to even his cooking ability, after all how many of us will really work 16 hours a day for 10 years to reach their goal? Add into that the salaries on offer generally in catering, and you conclude that you must exude an inordinate amount of avidity, enthusiasm and zest for your craft. I'm not sure I would ever want to work for Ramsay and have to render my excuses while meeting him on one of his cantankerous episodes, but if I was ever to give an example of how single-minded you must be to have such massive success, Mr Ramsay would not be far from the top of the list.

If this autobiography had contained a little more on the business intricacies relating to his success, it would have received five stars, but he's not worth over 50 million for nothing, so as predictably as sun will rise, I will buy the next book which covers his business interests. I am another one of Gordon Ramsay's many customers that comes back, even if it does rankle a little in this case, you can't deny this Michelin recognised chef's star quality.

Take one person in a chair with one book, two days and numerous cups of coffee... (0/0 people found this helpful)

Once you have read it you will think it was worth it. Read this book in two days because I couldn't put it down this book was truly fascinating so little did I know of Gordon Ramsay before this book and now I want to know more. I have just got his second book for Christmas and will read it when I have another two spare days together.

Brilliant autobiography! (0/0 people found this helpful)

Recently, I've read several autobiographies of varying quality. 'Humble Pie' though, was a very compelling read, especially as I have never been particularly fond of Mr Ramsay. It is humorous, yet believeable. Ramsay is not afraid of admitting to mistakes in his past, and does not blame anyone for them. All in all, he emerges as a very likeable character and this insight into his past surely explains the image kept to the public. Having said that the content is brilliant, I also have to add that I really rather enjoyed the language. It was simple, but personal and made the story feel genuine, just like a conversation between Ramsay and the reader. Furthermore, I feel the story is inspiring and it'll surely stay with you for months.

I really recommend this book to anyone, and if you're up for an autobiography - this is the one you've got to have.

A lot of bite, but not enough substance (0/0 people found this helpful)

I'd like to first say that I'm a big fan of Gordon and his style of cooking and general attitude to life, but I don't want this to impinge on my reccomendation for this book...

It's a great overview of a guy who's taken a lot of what life has thrown at him and really come out on top, but in places I feel it lacks in detail, it smacks of the kind of book that was written for the market, as opposed to being in depth - I'd love to know more about the recipes, and the ingredients he's worked with an enjoyed, but I guess with a life story, there's only so much depth you can go into.

A great read to get and insight into his life, and to really understand the obstacles he has overcome.

Gordon Ramsay

Reader Reviews:

Engrossing life of a true genius (12/12 people found this helpful)

Exciting and inspiring (1/1 people found this helpful)

Take one person in a chair with one book, two days and numerous cups of coffee... (0/0 people found this helpful)

Brilliant autobiography! (0/0 people found this helpful)

A lot of bite, but not enough substance (0/0 people found this helpful)

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