Water Reading "In The Weeds" by Tom Vitale

How Anthony Bourdain is still keeping my face glued to new books on vacation

“The book only fell in the water twice.” Falmouth, MA. Photo by Mr. Snugs

1. I’ve read all of Anthony Bourdain’s books (including those written about him). So when posthumous novels come out, I need to get my hands on them. I spent two days in the sun this week reading In The Weeds by Tom Vitale, Tony’s director for over a decade. It was a vivid, spectacular, and staggering collection of stories through Vitale’s lenses (on and off camera). Did I learn new things? Definitely. Did I still frolic on the beach, play pool corn hole, hang with the family, and cook fresh feasts? Yes. I took breaks from devouring the read in one sitting to enjoy my time in beautiful Falmouth (and perhaps because I didn’t want the book to end). I highly recommend.

2. A bonus to this book are the sections of glossy photos of Tony taken by Vitale from around the world. Each picture mentioned in the book has a more wild and adventurous tale than the last.

3. I’m convinced now more than ever that Tony was in some ways basically a cult leader with the people he kept close to him. This book gives the reader an inside perspective of being part of such an exclusive group, for better and worse. Have you read it? Thoughts? To Tony today and every single day.