I really enjoyed everything I read this month! This might be one of my favorite reading months to date.

I’m Not Trying to be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches by Drew Nieporent

Blurb: Drew Nieporent has been a staple of the New York dining scene for decades, establishing a host of iconic restaurants like Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Montrachet. But his career started from much more humble beginnings—the grill at the local McDonald’s.

A middle-class kid from New York’s East Side, Drew spends his childhood tagging along with his father to help restaurants get their liquor license, igniting a lifelong obsession with food. His passion takes him on a winding, continent-spanning journey, crossing paths with legendary chefs, iconic athletes, and movie stars as he grows into one of the most influential names in the culinary world. From waiting tables on a cruise ship to getting his first three-star review; from squabbling with Cornell professors to partnering with Robert DeNiro; this is more than a story of one man’s extraordinary life—it’s a story of an evolving industry. As culinary trends come and go, and relationships blossom and combust, Nieporent navigates it all with a simple yet powerful give the customer what they want.

Told in Drew’s unforgettable voice, I’m Not Trying To Be Difficult is a rollicking memoir that feels like sitting across the dinner table from someone who has seen it all—one of the last great restaurateurs.

My thoughts: I loved this book! I wasn’t familiar with the author before I started, but soon realized I’ve been to one of his restaurants! He was one of the founding members of Tribeca Grill, which is where Joe and I ate on my first trip to NYC twelve years ago. It was on this trip that I fell in love with New York and dreamed about living here one day. We loved Tribeca Grill, so it made me happy to read about its backstory (he opened it with Robert DeNiro). Speaking of iconic restaurants, he also helped start the iconic Nobu brand. As much as I love to cook, dining out and trying new spots have been ingrained in me my whole life, and this book was a really enjoyable read. You got a peek behind the scenes and into the highs and lows of the business.

Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free by Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson

Blurb: The riveting hidden history of Claire McCardell, the most influential fashion designer you’ve never heard of.

My thoughts: Another one I loved! I only learned of Claire McCardell through the book Empresses of Seventh Avenue, which I read last month. She’s responsible for so much of how modern women dress, and you’ve most likely never heard of her! She’s credited with the creation of the American sportswear movement, and is the reason we wear ballet flats, mix-and-match separates, and denim! She was also one of the first designers to utilize zippers, and for that, I am thankful. Oh, and perhaps the greatest gift to women’s fashion? The use of functional pockets! We can all agree we love a pocket.

Unplugged: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu by Tom Freston

Blurb: A freewheeling and riveting memoir from media honcho Tom Freston that takes us behind the scenes of his global adventures—from hitchhiking around the world, to running a clothing export company out of India and Afghanistan, to cofounding MTV, to becoming CEO of MTV Networks, then CEO of Viacom, then later returning to work in Africa and Afghanistan.

My thoughts: Another great read. This book kept the momentum for me the whole way through. Tom Freston is a badass, and his story really inspired me. His curiosity to travel the world and explore different cultures is a philosophy I can get behind. While I’m not nearly as adventurous as Tom, it validated some of the risk-taking I’ve done in my own life. Highly recommend!

Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love: A Cookbook by Samin Nosrat

Blurb: From the author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat—and one of America’s most beloved chefs and teachers—125 meticulously tested, flavor-forward, soul-nourishing recipes that bring joy and a sense of communion

My thoughts: I don’t read a lot of cookbooks, but I have Samin’s book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and love it. Also, yes, I found the cover of this book to be really cute and colorful. As someone who started eating chicken in recent years, the chicken recipes looked particularly tasty to me.

Shop these books and my other favorites below!