Taste

My Life Through Food

By: Stanley Tucci

Narrated by: Stanley Tucci

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Named a Notable Book of the Year by NPR and The Washington Post

From award-winning actor and food obsessive Stanley Tucci comes an intimate and charming memoir of life in and out of the kitchen.

Stanley Tucci grew up in an Italian American family that spent every night around the kitchen table. He shared the magic of those meals with us in The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table, and now he takes us beyond the savory recipes and into the compelling stories behind them.​

Taste is a reflection on the intersection of food and life, filled with anecdotes about his growing up in Westchester, New York; preparing for and shooting the foodie films Big Night and Julie & Julia; falling in love over dinner; and teaming up with his wife to create meals for a multitude of children. Each morsel of this gastronomic journey through good times and bad, five-star meals and burned dishes, is as heartfelt and delicious as the last.

Written with Stanley’s signature wry humor, Taste is for fans of Bill Buford, Gabrielle Hamilton, and Ruth Reichl—and anyone who knows the power of a home-cooked meal.

Critic reviews

"Stanley Tucci narrates this moving, funny, heartwarming, and gut-wrenching audiobook with vigor and style. Not surprisingly, he reads with an actor's attention to language, rhythm, and emotion. An Italophile, he pronounces the many mouthwatering Italian dishes—pastas, sauces, and signature cocktail recipes—with reverence. His delivery of his unalloyed love for generations of Tuccis is personal, and his account of his horrific battle with throat cancer is revealing. As he describes his lifelong preoccupation with cooking and cuisine, he sounds like an actor stepping to the front of the stage and talking directly to his audience. His memoir is to be relished—especially as an audiobook."

Rebecca B

In truth, I am only into the 4th chapter, but as I am absolutely riveted by the story craft and incandescence of Mr. Tucci’s narration here ( THAT. Voice. YES). I just wanted to jump in and encourage audible listeners and readers alike to give this charming memoir an ear. Or a read. Warning: do not listen past the dinner hour. 😉

Wanted this book to go in forever.

I had watched with adoration Stanley’s series on Italy and cannot wait until he returns and films more. I just learned recently about this book and eagerly purchased it and just completed it. As a fellow foodie and of Greek heritage (so can understand the importance of a close family also, surrounded by food customs including guilt, traditional recipes and love), I clung to his every word shaking my head up and down and picturing my own grandparents and parents speaking to me at the table in my younger years. I hope Stanley continues to compose many other books and series about food and I thank him for who he is and the gifts he continues to share with us. Gracci!

Yummy!

I had the most wonderful time listening to this story. I really want to cook some good food and drunk martinis in the process!

Italian Neighborhood

You know these people. These recipes and thoughts are not the exactly the same but, so familiar since, all Italian families know that they have the “best” dishes.
It will make you crave great Italian food.

A gem

I enjoyed EVERYTHING about this book - the humor, impeccable taste, earthiness and culture. A gem.

Delightful!

Best read and listen of the year! You need both the audio and the print in your life!😍

I’m now in love with Stanley Tucci

Gorgeous food, gorgeously depicted, fascinating stories shared generously, wrapped up in the smooth as scotch tones of Stanley Tucci’s rich voice. His writing is beautiful and unabashedly descriptive, his life’s experiences are wide and varied, and his performance is intimate, funny, irreverent, warm and inviting. It’s a sexy book written and performed by an elegant man whose passion and joi de vivre jump off the page and into your imagination. Excellent listen. Will do so again for certain. Five stars

Loved it!

Loved hearing his story. He’s got me excited to try some new things in the kitchen too. Awesome performance, love his dry humor. Rolled my eyes a few times at his pretentiousness but would end up smiling because I think he knows it and pulls it off. Really enjoyed!

Very Tasteful!

Delicious life journey of food, drink, family & friends!
With Stanley as your Delightful & humorous host.
Will also need hardcover for recipes, & world restos to try….
Highly recommend.

Wow! This is a “Must Listen”!

The first thing I’m going to do after listening to this fabulous book again, having just finished it, is buy a hard copy for easy reference to the many recipes In it. Stanley Tucci’s unique and velvety voice improves upon what is already a terrific tale of a life well lived through the lens of food, glorious food. The story is so rich in so many ways - food, of course , features prominently but family, friends , love, loss, and personal trials are all are woven throughout this wonderful memoir. What a remarkable and enjoyable listen!