Customer Reviews

Gordon Ramsay: The Biography

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I would consider myself a fan of Gordon Ramsey, I think his theories on management and what it takes to be a success could be a lesson to all. Also he has led what seems like a fascinating life, rising up from a rough part of Glasgow, dealing with the issues of a broken family and a promising football career ruined by injury. Sadly this book is written in little better than tabloid tidbits for those with a very short attention span. His childhood and motivations that led him to being a world class chef are glossed over and given about 30 pages. His troubled relationship with his father and its impact is mentioned several times in the book but never really elaborated on sufficiently. His early years as a chef are dealt with in about 15 pages and his years in Paris are given even less coverage despite Gordon's belief that they were absolutely central to him becoming the chef he is today. The author seems more interested in making constant references to Gordon's notorious foul mouth and his relationship with the tabloid press. What a shame there are so many more interesting facets to his life that could have been explored here.

This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. It tells of his past amd present and touches every aspect of his life. It tells of his struggles and his accomplishments. I could not put it down, I was literally reading it during class. This is a must read book if you can handle bad language and if you like cooking. This book should win an award.

The book was a good read, even with all the "F" words in it.
Was very interested in reading about the man and how he got where he is.
Very good buy.

I couldn't put the book down! Reading about the real Gordon Ramsay, I was very much impressed. Mr. Ramsay is a very intelligent and wonderful person, and I have very much respect for him

You won't find in this book. Although this book is very informative, it sums up every thing he has archieved through very hard work and the respect he earnes, it doesn't feel really personal at times. If you want to know more about Gordon's personal and love life, it's better to buy Humble Pie.

As a fan of Gordon Ramsay, waiting for this book was well worth it.
Neil Simpson has done a wonderful job of taking the reader through the life and major times of Gordon Ramsay. Like most readers will find, it is hard to put this book down [just like Gordon's book 'Roasting in Hell's Kitchen', also and excellent read]. This book does not disappoint.

I agree with previous reviewers. This is short attention span writing. It jumps from one topic to another topic without going into depth. It felt like reading People Magazine and not a book.

If this biography was a dish on one of the episodes of Hell's Kitchen, Chef Ramsay would have told author Neil Simpson to "take off your jacket and leave Hell's Kitchen". I thought the book was poorly written and provided little more than superficial insight into Gordon Ramsay and his meteoric rise to success in the culinary world. Too much of the time the author seemed more interested in trying to justify the boorish behavior that Ramsay is known for as somehow being okay because of Ramsay's passion for food. In addition, the book portrays Ramsay as having an idealized family life that doesn't seem possible given the driven, workaholic nature of Ramsay. I would have prefered a book that provided a more balanced, and yes, more critical look at Ramsay.

Mr. Ransey has taken some tough criticism for his approach and language but the bottom line for any student of Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares is that he is passionate and caring about his work, his art and his clients. This biography does not evoke Ramsey's passion or drive. It is badly written and lacks good research. I was very disappointed.

Before I got hooked on Hell's Kitchen, I naturally thought that this guy was a Simon Cowell ripoff just trying to make a buck. After reading this, I have a lot more respect for the man. It provides insight to what he really is all about, how passionate he is about what he does and why he is that way. Its amazing that he started with nothing and worked his behind off to get to the top and how much hard work he puts into everything. I thought it was a great book regardless of all the F words, I actually find all his cussing quite F'ing amusing (you should hear me on the golf course) :) Its a quick read and it should make you look in the mirror and ask yourself if you have it in you to achieve success on that level.