Kish’s memoir will most likely be picked up by those who know her from her culinary TV career, first in Top Chef as a contestant, then on Netflix’s Iron Chef, and now as a Top Chef judge. However, I think this memoir would be of great interest to any queer individual. Kish’s writing is straightforward, calm, almost meditative, but that tone serves her well throughout the work. She acknowledges her positions and experiences, as well as how she balances multiple identities, and is able to guide readers through both her highs and lows while remaining true to her more reserved, introverted personality.

Three themes throughout the work stuck with me. First, Kish’s frankness in describing how anxiety affected her life, and how she has worked to overcome it, was all too familiar. Second, her agony over remaining in the closet, and her reasons for doing so – despite having supportive parents, despite her certainty in herself – are likely to touch a note in many. Finally, Kish’s positive focus, of embracing serendipity and joy, while acknowledging tough times kept this balanced and real, neither depressing nor saccharine.

This was an interesting read about a figure in food television that I've been aware of for many years. I can't say that I've followed Kish's career closely but I did watch her season of Top Chef which was fantastic. It was great to read about her journey to being comfortable in her skin and with her identity in all facets. The writing kept you engaged as you followed her path and the book made me want to go look for some of the travel shows she has hosted as I had not heard of any of them. Overall, it was a satisfying read and while I didn't think it went deep enough in some areas, I enjoyed it.

I’ve been following Kish since her win on Top Chef (also seen on Iron Chef and Fast Foodies), and she’s been a breath of fresh air as the new host of Top Chef. She appears so polished yet down-to-earth and level-headed that I never would’ve guessed the challenges she had with career, mental health, cultural identity, and sexual orientation until reading this memoir.Often times, we think that the winner of Top Chef is set for life, but Kish shows it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and optimism for good things to happen and that success is really a roller-coaster ride.

She does write briefly about her experience competing on Top Chef and there’s a lot of wonderful and thoughtful insight about her culinary journey before she participated in the competition. I also appreciate how she doesn’t repeat what you can already glean from watching the show.

At the heart of the story, she also gets personal about coming to terms with her queer identity and her perspective as a Korean child adopted into a white family and what representation means to an audience. Kish’s positive voice and outlook shine throughout the story - although she doesn’t hesitate to write about her shortcomings, she also demonstrates her growth and gratitude on her path to success. A win in my book.

Special thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.



I love getting to read more about people I've admired for years. I think it was so interesting how much heart was in this while also being so matter of fact.