3.5 stars.

As a travel guide, this book is good. There is a lot of practical information that is presented in a clear and helpful manner. However, it is admittedly lacking the Bourdain flare. Primarily written by Laurie Woolever based on clips from Bourdain's various shows and essays by those who worked and traveled with Tony, there are definitely pieces of him in the book, but it was a let down based on what I expected from reading his prior books. I appreciate that they gave him credit for this book since a lot of the information and opinions are his, but it almost feels like a disservice to him as it fails to capture the true exuberance, quirkiness, and irreverence of Anthony Bourdain...all those things that made him...well, him.

I did enjoy learning about the different cultures and locations and there is absolutely a place for this book in the travel guide sphere. I just expected something different since it has been branded with the Bourdain name. Also...I miss him.