So well summarized. I also was, and am, a Bourdain fan and this book included a couple details I didn’t know. I think it’s so important to learn from others’ stories. Although he ended his life too soon, his legacy, story, and struggles will likely help many others as they learn about him—and I think he would be happy about that.
Having wrestled with suicidal ideations for decades this was particularly poignant and, I think, an important biography. I was not a rabid follower but I loved his work and admired his creativity, depth, and breadth he brought to something as ordinary as "local food". I get the tension between creativity and the prison of success: Creativity is always looking past what you have done and are doing to something else you want to do. There is only so much freedom within your current art and when everything you are as a person and all of your relationships and your livelihood and a world of expectations are defined by your fame for your current "stuff" and you don't have something beyond yourself as an antidote, it is an existential cancer. Richard Cory is cliché perhaps, but "all" is inadequate to fill the soul even if we expended our life's energy to get it. Great review. I think you captured the essence of his trajectory. I too think I need to push this to the top of my nightstand wish list.
Great newsletter! I watched a few of his shows over time, but I didn't become fascinated with him until after his death. I couldn't understanding why someone that looked like they had everything would resort to suicide. It goes to show you that no matter what the outside looks like, this inside can be completely different. I have Woolever's book, but haven't read it yet. I think it's about time to move it to the top of my TBR. Thanks.
So well summarized. I also was, and am, a Bourdain fan and this book included a couple details I didn’t know. I think it’s so important to learn from others’ stories. Although he ended his life too soon, his legacy, story, and struggles will likely help many others as they learn about him—and I think he would be happy about that.
Having wrestled with suicidal ideations for decades this was particularly poignant and, I think, an important biography. I was not a rabid follower but I loved his work and admired his creativity, depth, and breadth he brought to something as ordinary as "local food". I get the tension between creativity and the prison of success: Creativity is always looking past what you have done and are doing to something else you want to do. There is only so much freedom within your current art and when everything you are as a person and all of your relationships and your livelihood and a world of expectations are defined by your fame for your current "stuff" and you don't have something beyond yourself as an antidote, it is an existential cancer. Richard Cory is cliché perhaps, but "all" is inadequate to fill the soul even if we expended our life's energy to get it. Great review. I think you captured the essence of his trajectory. I too think I need to push this to the top of my nightstand wish list.
Great newsletter! I watched a few of his shows over time, but I didn't become fascinated with him until after his death. I couldn't understanding why someone that looked like they had everything would resort to suicide. It goes to show you that no matter what the outside looks like, this inside can be completely different. I have Woolever's book, but haven't read it yet. I think it's about time to move it to the top of my TBR. Thanks.