My American Dream

A Life of Love, Family, and Food

By: Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

Narrated by: Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

For decades, beloved chef Lidia Bastianich has introduced Americans to Italian food through her cookbooks, TV shows, and restaurants. Now she tells her own story for the first time in this “memoir as rich and complex as her mushroom ragú" (O, the Oprah Magazine).

Born in Pula, on the Istrian peninsula, Lidia grew up surrounded by love and security, learning the art of Italian cooking from her beloved grandmother. But when Istria was annexed by a communist regime, Lidia’s family fled to Trieste, where they spent two years in a refugee camp waiting for visas to enter the United States. When she finally arrived in New York, Lidia soon began working in restaurants, the first step on a path that led to her becoming one of the most revered chefs and businesswomen in the country. Heartwarming, deeply personal, and powerfully inspiring, My American Dream is the story of Lidia’s close-knit family and her dedication and endless passion for food.

Critic reviews

"A touching (and timely) read."
—New York Journal of Books

"It paints a loving and often mouth-watering picture of her culinary adventures."
—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Restaurateur, cookbook author, and TV host Bastianich offers an ebullient, nostalgic memoir of her journey to success... A warm story of a life buoyed by resilience, determination, love of family, and food."
—Kirkus

"Chef and restaurateur Bastianich offers a look into her culinary background in this charming memoir… Through her lyrical prose, she also encourages readers to find the bright side of any situation. This is a welcome addition to any food lover’s library."
—Publisher’s Weekly

"In this memoir, restaurateur, television star, and cookbook author Bastianich personifies the American dream. …the grande dame of Italian cooking in America... Bastianich’s story holds even more significance for her triumph in a male- dominated industry."
—Starred Booklist Review

Inspiring Story

This is a lovely memoir, giving some moving background details of a well-known tv personality and restauranteur.

Enjoyable and interesting

I chose this book because I heard an interview with Lidia where she briefly discussed her road to freedom. Very interesting story - highly recommend. Among other things, I appreciated her correct use of nominative and objective case pronouns!!

Great Book!!!

Lidia is genuine and I couldn’t love and respect her more after reading her life story. What an amazing woman. I’m so inspired.

This is such a wonderful autobiography

I loved this autobiography. Lidia Bastainich has lived an amazing life. Her story of her childhood to 2018 is beautifully worded. This is a gift to all of us. Grazie Lidia.♡

My American Dream Is Everyone's Dream

What made the experience of listening to My American Dream the most enjoyable?

This was a timely book about an immigrant experience to the United States. The author's narration made it even more interesting.

What other book might you compare My American Dream to and why?

I would compare this book to Threading My Prayer Rug. Both books were narrated by the authors who came to the U.S. and made a life here.

Which scene was your favorite?

So many amazing scenes ... the descriptions of living in the refuge camp for 2 years awaiting authorization to immigrate to the US were heart-wrenching but at the same time filled with patience and love.

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

It was too long to listen to in one sitting, but a book to look forward to getting back to as soon as possible.

Any additional comments?

My American Dream is a timely thought provoking immigrant story. The author’s well done narration gives the book a personal touch. Chef and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich describes her journey as a young girl with her family through their immigrant experience to the present day; a reminder that the United States is truly a melting pot.