Life, on the Line

A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat

By: Grant Achatz, Nick Kokonas

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

In 2007, chef Grant Achatz seemingly had it made. He had been named one of the best new chefs in America by Food & Wine in 2002, received the James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year Award in 2003, and in 2005 he and Nick Kokonas opened the conceptually radical restaurant Alinea, which was named Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet magazine. Then, positioned firmly in the world's culinary spotlight, Achatz was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma - tongue cancer.

The prognosis was grim, and doctors agreed that the only course of action was to remove the cancerous tissue, which included his entire tongue. Desperate to preserve his quality of life, Grant undertook an alternative treatment of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. But the choice came at a cost. Skin peeled from the inside of Grant's mouth and throat, he rapidly lost weight, and most alarmingly, he lost his sense of taste. Tapping into the discipline, passion, and focus of being a chef, Grant rarely missed a day of work. He trained his chefs to mimic his palate and learned how to cook with his other senses. As Kokonas was able to attest, the food was never better. Five months later, Grant was declared cancer-free, and just a few months following, he received the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef in America Award.

Life, on the Line tells the story of a culinary trailblazer's love affair with cooking, but it is also a book about survival, about nurturing creativity, and about profound friendship. Already much-anticipated by followers of progressive cuisine, Grant and Nick's gripping narrative is filled with stories from the world's most renowned kitchens - the French Laundry, Charlie Trotter's, el Bulli - and sure to expand the audience that made Alinea the number-one selling restaurant cookbook in America last year.

©2011 Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Achatz and Kokonas share an engaging, well-written, and informative description of what it's like to work in commercial kitchens along with the stirring story of Achatz's fight for his life." ( Library Journal)

Amazing

Great book for a chef that's not only about food. I hope to read more from these guys in the future

great

I believe anyone who enjoys food will love this book, not just chefs. great book

A Tasteless World?

This narrator did a fantastic job of describing Grant and his trials and tribulations from working his way up at the French laundry to Alina and what he encountered along the way.
As a chef I found the book inspiring enough to want to pick up his cookbook as well as Thomas Keller's. It's also a gentle reminder to us all, not to take anything for granted including our sense of taste.

Some of his creative ideas and food presentations descriptions have given me pause for thought. If you haven't looked up his YouTube video that videos you might do so just to wet your taste buds.

A great story about beating the odds, not accepting no for an answer and delving forth with courage when you think you're all tapped out.

Fascinating biography giving great insight to new

I really enjoyed this read, and have added experiencing Grant Achatz' food to my bucket list.
That said, this is a two-character narrative, read by only one person. It made the first person story telling confusing. This isn't Johnny Heller's fault, exactly, though he could have made some effort to distinguish the two voices. It is a huge production error for an audio book, though, and markedly diminished my enjoyment.

Amazing!

The story is both well written and well told. The struggles of a world class chef becoming that, and then having the rug pulled out from under him take you on the emotional roller coaster. Looking forward to what is Next for Chef Zachary!

Phenomenal

As a pastry chef this book is truly inspiring on many levels. I laughed, cried and was sad when it came to an end.

Passion, story line, various perspectives

Great listen, excited to visit these restaurants and experience years of creativity, innovation and sensory experience. Definitely a must read in the culinary industry

Inspiring and emotional

As a long time Chicago chef, I’m always seeking to hear other chefs trials and tribulations. What inspired them, what drove them and what sustains them. It’s not an occupation for the faint of heart, one needs to be incredibly resilient. Chef Achatz journey to the top keeps the reader wanting more.

Great Cook! Great Story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to anyone who loves the ins of the kitchen. It is comes across as an honest look at inside the life of a cook (chef).

Who was your favorite character and why?

I have always been fascinated by chef's and the look into their world and this is what Grant Achatz gives you.

Have you listened to any of Johnny Heller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but he is a great narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely!

WOW! this was a great book.

I could not put this book down. I found myself emotionally involved in Grant and Nick's Adventure.