It's more a collection of photographs than words. But there are some amazing photographs.

In between photograph, Anthony puts down some words and I can really hear him saying those things on his TV show. ( )

It's an act of tragic irony that I already had this book in-hand from the local library when Anthony Bourdain's life ended earlier this week. I had been reading a few pages of the book at a time, but accelerated this weekend after the heartbreak of his death.

I've always loved Bourdain's candor, and his cultural/culinary Kerouac persona. He was gruff, funny, vulnerable, and very human.

This book captures all of that, as he takes the reader through a photojournalist's journey of the many lands he visited during his tenure on The Travel Channel's "No Reservations". From rice patties across Asia to warthogs and bonfires in Namibia, Irish pubs to Peruvian ayahuasca rituals, it's all here in glorious color with Bourdain's illustrative prose to provide context, wit, and wonder.

At over 250 pages, it's still a fast read, as the book is dominated by breathtaking photos, making me wish it was more of a coffee table book for the sake of larger imagery. But it serves well as a cultural atlas, not only offering insights into what is served at meager dinner tables and corner diners around the world, but also a hint at the people and rituals that make each destination unique.

Most powerful was the crew's trip to Beirut, which turned into a nightmarish ten days as Hezbollah and Israeli fighters began a battle of bombs, setting the airport aflame and leaving Bourdain and his team with little to do but hole up in their hotel, drink too much, and navigate a safe way home.

What I most appreciate about Bourdain in this particular book is how he seeks out the normalcy within a culture. He'd rather sit on the floor and eat seal with Icelanders than seek out the finest Parisian haute cuisine. (Not that he liked the seal, mind you.). He has as much or more respect for those that tend rice patties and roll out udon noodles in the crowded corner of their shanty as those who wear refined white chef's attire, it seems.

I'll miss him. He was a journeyman, a modern day Dharma Bum of sorts, and one who believed all cultures contribute to the tapestry of our humanity. In today's America, that's a very refreshing ideology to have served up for wholehearted consumption. ( )

Excellent book. I guess Bourdain had a few gastronomic orgasms while also having many a chance to pop an Imodium. ( )

This book was pretty good. I have not seen any episodes of No Reservations on TV and I barely knew who Anthony Bourdain was when I picked up this book. However, taking the journey to other cultures and other foods was fun and a learning experience. ( )

I will say that I am not a fan, but I have seen his show on Travel Channel a couple of times and liked what I saw. So, when I saw this in my local public library, I decided to take a chance on it. The photos are great, and this is mostly a photo book with some narrative. The book is definitely a pleasure to look through. Though there is little text, what is offered is thoughtful, considerate, and at times moving. Bourdain and his crew truly immerse themselves in the places they visit, and a reader cannot help but feel a wish to get up and travel as well. Indeed, the best places to eat are the little places where the locals eat. Find them and enjoy. Plus, nothing to make a bond better than a good drink or two.

I will definitely consider picking up his other books. We'll see. ( )