The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen

by Jacques Pépin
The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen cover
Good Books rating 4.3
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 1032
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • ISBN: 9780618444113
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Apprentice,' Jacques Pépin shares his captivating story of growth and transformation in the culinary world. Starting as a terrified 13-year-old in an Old World French kitchen, Pépin's narrative is filled with sparkling wit and occasional moments of pathos, offering a unique glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of becoming a culinary superstar. His journey is not just about cooking but also about personal growth, cultural adaptation, and the pursuit of excellence. Pépin's memoir is a testament to his resilience and passion, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the culinary arts or personal development. The book is enriched with anecdotes and insights that highlight the evolution of American cuisine and the impact of French culinary traditions on his career.

Reviews
Barnes & Noble · 2025-09-24
charming 4.20

Jacques Pépin is a very good storyteller, and the book moves quickly without becoming boring or overly technical. His playful personality shines through.

The reviewer highlights Jacques Pépin's skill as a storyteller, noting that the book moves at a quick pace without becoming dull or overly technical. They appreciate Pépin's playful personality, which comes through in his writing. The memoir is enjoyed for its engaging narrative and the personal touch that Pépin brings to his stories. The reviewer finds the book to be an enjoyable read, making it a great choice for those interested in the culinary world and personal memoirs.

Quick quotes

    Jacques is a very good storyteller.

    The book moves quickly and never gets boring or too technical.

    His playful personality shines through and it's very much enjoyable.

Novel Meals · 2014-07-27
engaging 4.50

This memoir is one of the most engaging they have read in a long time. It provides a unique insight into Jacques Pépin's personal life and his experiences growing up in France during WWII.

The reviewer found this memoir to be incredibly engaging and one of the most compelling they have read recently. They particularly appreciated the personal insights into Jacques Pépin's life, especially his experiences growing up in France during WWII. The reviewer enjoyed learning about his journey from a young apprentice to a renowned chef, finding the narrative both captivating and heartwarming. The book's blend of personal stories and culinary history makes it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This is one of the most engaging memoirs I have read in a long time.

    I didn't know anything about Jacques Pepin's personal life, his childhood, his family, his journey to becoming a chef.

    A beautiful blend of personal stories and culinary history.

Mysteries and More · Bill · 2013-09-10
inspiring 4.00

Pépin's story is inspiring, and his perspective on the rise of the celebrity chef is particularly insightful. The book is well-written and engaging.

The reviewer found Jacques Pépin's story to be deeply inspiring, particularly his reflections on the emergence of the celebrity chef. They appreciated Pépin's unique perspective and the way he articulated his experiences. The book is praised for its engaging narrative and well-written content, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the culinary world. The reviewer enjoyed the personal and professional insights that Pépin shares throughout the memoir.

Quick quotes

    Pepin's is an inspiring story.

    His view on the emergence of the celebrity chef was so very apt.

    He put that very well. Thanks for writing this.

The StoryGraph · jazzytron · 2010-08-10
educational 4.50

They loved learning about Pépin's apprenticeships and the unique culinary education he received. The book is praised for its engaging content and historical context.

This reviewer enjoyed delving into Jacques Pépin's apprenticeships and the unique style of culinary education he received. They found the book engaging and appreciated the historical context provided. The reviewer highlighted how Pépin's experiences offer a glimpse into a different era of culinary training, making the book both educational and entertaining. The personal stories and the way Pépin shares his journey make the book a delightful read.

Quick quotes

    I loved hearing about all his apprenticeships and the very different style of culinary education that he received.

    Its hard to imagine something like that now.

    Reading this book made me feel like I know Jacques Pepin better than most of my own relatives.

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