In the Weeds

Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain

By: Tom Vitale

Narrated by: Tom Vitale

Anthony Bourdain's long time director and producer takes readers behind the scenes to reveal the insanity of filming television in some of the most volatile places in the world, and what it was like to work with a legend.

"The most complete picture yet of Bourdain's complex and conflicted character ... Vitale's writing is seductively alive, pulsating with events and vividly rendered observations." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Since Anthony Bourdain's death, no one else has come close to filling the void he left. His passion and genuine curiosity about the people and cultures he visited made the world feel smaller and more connected. Despite his affable, confident, and trademark snarky TV persona, the real Tony was intensely private, deeply conflicted about his fame, and an enigma even to those close to him. Tony’s devoted crew knew him best, and no one else had a front-row seat for as long as his director and producer, Tom Vitale.

Over the course of more than a decade traveling together, Tony became a boss, a friend, a hero and, sometimes, a tormentor.In the Weeds takes readers behind the scenes to reveal not just the insanity that went into filming in some of the most far-flung and volatile parts of the world, but what Tony was like unedited and off-camera. From the outside, the job looked like an all-expenses-paid adventure to places like Borneo, Vietnam, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Libya.

What happened off-camera was far more interesting than what made it to air. The more things went wrong, the better it was for the show. Fortunately, everything fell apart constantly.

Nominated for the 2022 BookTube Prize in Nonfiction

Sooo Good

I really enjoyed this book I wish I was more chapters and more stories about their adventure.

If you love Anthony Bourdain

This is a great listen if you love No Reservations or Parts Unknown. It’s also great for travelers in general. We get to know the behind-the-camera drama and what Tony was like. Vitals does a good job narrating.

Listened straight thru, Well written and narrated

This was the best account of Tony's persona and work that I've heard. Tom (the author), I commend and thank for such an authentic look into what it was like knowing and working with Tony. Most Authors make poor narrators but Tom did an excellent job. Living and traveling non-stop with such a uniquely, dark humored, often tormented workaholic as Tony, in places where safety was not on the menu could not have been easy. Thank you for putting your life, health and well being on the line to give the world such intriguing entertainment! Your acknowledgments at the book's end show what kind of person you are. Bravo for your bravery, selflessness and support to Tony for all those years. You, are truly an unsung hero in his story and life and he couldnt have delighted so many millions of fans without you!

I loved it

This book was excellent. I enjoyed every second. it captioned my imagination. as a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, I appreciate the first hand experiences Tom shared.

BTS to Bourdain

Read this if youre a Bourdain fan. Tom was up close and (im)personal to the great host, who held everyone at arm's length. At his peril...