Accidentally on Purpose

De: Kristen Kish

Narrado por: Kristen Kish

A tender, cleareyed memoir, Accidentally on Purpose charts a journey full of purpose, belonging, and real love—a “recipe for a life worth living” (Stacy London).

Kristen Kish never could have imagined people on the street knowing her name—not when she was a carefree softball-tossing kid, in high school working at a pretzel stand, and not even when she finally found her true calling as a chef. In those early days, becoming a chef meant tethering oneself to a restaurant and working in the back of a kitchen, not a television set. But working in the spotlight happened naturally, even if the attention was totally unanticipated. And like most things in Kristen’s life, the road was so much more winding and complicated than it may have appeared from the outside.

From growing up as an adoptee in the Midwest, to trying to fit in with all the other girls who were busy dating boys, to coming out and finding love when she least expected it, Kristen learned that, unlike a map, no set of plans or definitions can dictate or explain a life. In fact, accidents happen. Curveballs will come. And even the full-circle moments—like winning Top Chef to becoming its Emmy-nominated host years later—could have guaranteed these opportunities.

In Accidentally on Purpose, what defines Kristen’s story aren’t the missteps or even the pleasant surprises that crop up but how she learned to find her voice and use it. Because while accidents may be unexpected, they don’t have to be at odds with purpose. And as Kristen approaches life’s milestones, big and small, with intention, she realizes at those junctures—the ones beyond the borders of the map, behind-the-scenes, and off camera—are where the decisions and discoveries are made. Where the unexpected meets the intentional. And that’s where things get really interesting.

©2025 Kristen Kish (P)2025 Little, Brown & Company

Reseñas de la Crítica

“I have always known Kristen Kish to be a person of deep emotional strength, intention, and focus. Over the last few years especially, I have come to understand more clearly what drives her. It’s never been about the end result, the lip service or the prospect of quick success. It has always been about the people she loves and what she can learn from her many unexpected adventures. Accidentally on Purpose shares her thrilling, at times heart-wrenching, and wildly serendipitous story, in her own words, for the very first time. Her unprecedented journey—from adoptee in small-town Michigan to household name and culinary icon—will move, humble, and entangle you in her warm, wide-open embrace.”—Gail Simmons, TV Host, Food Expert, and Author of Bringing It Home

"With her humble heart and calm intelligence, Kristen Kish discusses her life and career with candor and wonder, expresses her early sense of fear and shame, and relates points in time that reflect expectation, disappointment, and revelation. Like any great artist, she writes her story so we can know ours a bit better. Accidentally on Purpose is a recollection of what it means to become yourself, believe in your light, and allow life to help you chart your course rather than derail you. Kristen hasn't written a How-To guide. She's written a recipe for a life worth living: with purpose, curiosity, forgiveness, luck, and of course—what every recipe relies on—love."—Stacy London, TV host, designer, stylist, and author

“Kristen has one of those larger-than-life stories to tell, from her childhood to her journey as a rising chef to being known by every single food person in America. It would be a fairytale if it wasn’t all true!”—José Andrés, Chef and Bestselling Author

Her honesty & emotion

Enjoyed listening to her she has an amazing voice. Her caring way with people and energy

She’s the best.

Kristen Kish’s deep soul and emotion guides readers to see and hear the real her, while trying to find the real soul inside all of us.

Right from Her Heart

Whether you are a fan of Kristen, Top Chef, cooking or just great memoirs, this is an open and honest, straightforward look at what we all go through as humans. Her ongoing battle with extreme anxiety and the expectations individuals place on themselves. I feel this is not a food story, it’s a human story. Told with purpose and honesty with of course, a back story of cooking, food, fame with a lot of life’s real struggles.

An evolved human

I love the way Kristen was able to share such an extraordinary life experience. I could relate to the humanity and find myself, and I read/listen for that very reason. Thank you, Kristen.

I liked it…a lot.

Kristen Kish is very likeable…she does an excellent job narrating. I liked the inside info and a fun read.

Admirable

As a fan of Kristen and top chef this was an absolutely delightful story. A story of becoming your true self and the journey along the way

Beautiful

Kristen Kish is a pleasure to listen to as she tells her story. I love being alive at the same time as this cool human! I enjoyed it so much!

Honest and entertaining

I have admired Kristen Kish and now I know why. She tells of her life honestly and it’s quite a story. She’s busy!! I appreciate that she writes of her struggles and where those led her. Great lessons on family and being supported. Thank you, Kristen Kish!! May you live happily ever after!!

Epilogue was my favorite part.

This was a great book, and a fantastic listen, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves top chef.

Incredible!

One of the VERY BEST autobiographies I have ever read in my 58 years of life!