This was goood! I was a little worried in the beginning. Duffy starts by eating one of the most disgusting desserts I’ve ever heard described. I’m not a big fan of those overly pretentious chef memoirs. This happily turned out to not be one of those.

Duffy lays it out on the page. He doesn’t pull punches and doesn’t seem to care much about how he comes off. This makes for a great book.

Is it perfect? No. There’s a lot of weird timeline jumping, but it didn’t ruin the book for me.

I’d recommend it highly.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I listened to Duffy's interview on Armchair Expert, and that's what made me interested in the book. (Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!) What he's been through in his personal life as far as his family is concerned is unthinkable, and I am glad he came out on the other side in one piece. I am one of those "food channel junkies," and it was very interesting to get to know more about what happens behind the scenes in a restaurant, not just in the kitchen, but also on the administrative side and everything that goes into opening one. It was a little over my head at times, but overall I really enjoyed this book.

The aptly named Fireproof starts with a first chapter that will leave you gutted—the trauma Curtis Duffy endured at nineteen is horrific, and quite simply unfathomable. From the ashes of his turbulent childhood, Duffy discovered a passion for culinary artistry, transforming pain into purpose and the kitchen into his sanctuary.

Duffy's compelling memoir charts his extraordinary journey, showcasing his relentless drive to rise above unimaginable challenges and achieve greatness. His story is one of triumph born of sacrifice, a powerful reminder of the resilience required to reach the highest levels of success in the unforgiving world of fine dining.

Fireproof offers an intimate look at the man behind the accolades, revealing the heart and grit that fuelled his ascent. Chef Curtis Duffy’s story is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. Fans of culinary memoirs and tales of perseverance will find themselves riveted by this remarkable account.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dead Sky Publishing for providing me with an eARC of Fireproof prior to its publication.