As a kid, there was nothing more agonizing than an adult forcing me to read a book.  I absolutely hated reading, because, by the time I got to the end of a paragraph, I couldn’t tell you what the first part of the paragraph was about.  I loved to play outdoors, and I suppose that is where my mind always wandered.

I’m delighted to say that as an adult, I love to read.  My love of reading began when I was a student at The Culinary Institute of America.  For the first time in my life, I got to read about the subjects that were of interest to me.  Most importantly, I was learning, and I couldn’t get enough information to quench my thirst for knowledge.

There are people that I admire in this business.  I don’t necessarily like, or even agree with all of their philosophies, but I believe there is something to be learned from everyone.  I particularly enjoy reading about professionals who have “made it big.”  I like to try to get inside their minds, and find out what drives them to the pinnacle of success.

One of the best books that I’ve read during the past year, that I would recommend to anyone is Yes Chef, by Marcus Samuelsson.  This is a guy that truly beat the odds, not only for a chance to be one of the best chefs in the world but just for the mere opportunity for life on this Earth.  This is a book that makes me question and reflect on every action I make in a kitchen…Almost like “What would Marcus do?”

He has experienced one of the most interesting lives of anyone, but what truly makes this a great read is his sheer tenacity to be the very best at his craft.  He is living proof that The American Dream is alive and well for those that want to work hard and attain it.

I hope you’ll read this book, and share your thoughts with me!