Barbara Lynch is a highly respected culinary figure and a strong female voice in a mostly man's world. The book looks at the makings of a chef from a more unorthodox background. No sugar coating the world she grew up in and no making excuses for past indiscretions, this is who she is and how it shaped her point of view.

The biography is at its high points when discussing her early life, the rise in the culinary world and her travels. I liked learning about behind the scenes of restaurants as well as the fantastic events she has been able to be a part of as a James Beard recipient.

Where it falls down a bit is during her adult life and her relationships. There was no warning, no leading up to the change in her life and i found myself doubling back to see if i missed anything where it was previously mentioned. I have nothing personal against her family life, I just am not sure it was either given the time to discuss the changing relationships.