"What I Ate in One Year," by Stanley Tucci

I admire Stanley Tucci as an actor; most recently he was terrific in the film "Conclave," which now has extra resonance since the death of the Pope a few days ago. He also has a whole other career as a food writer, TV food program host, and in other food-related projects. I posted here about his earlier book "Taste," which I very much liked, and I have now read his "What I Ate in One Year" (Gallery Books, 2024). The premise and organization of this book, in which Tucci literally tells readers what he ate every day, with one usually short chapter for every day, may sound dull to prospective readers. It definitely is not. The book is in fact a sort of memoir of the year (2023) with a focus on food stories, skillfully and entertainingly woven in with stories about work, family, travels, and friends (some very famous). The stories are engaging, and Tucci's personality comes across as enthusiastic about all of the above. Despite his fame, he appears to be very down-to-earth, even humorously self-deprecating. Tucci is very much a family man, and especially savors cooking for and eating with family members, whether at home or in intriguing restaurants all over the United States and Europe. I suppose one needs to be somewhat of a "foodie" to fully enjoy this book, but only in the way of appreciating good food eaten in good company in interesting places (he especially loves Italy and Italian food). Anyone who loves to eat and, optionally, cook and/or travel, will find plenty to enjoy in this warm and welcoming book.