Nonfiction: What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci

After having read Taste back in 2022, I was simply thrilled to pick up Stanley Tucci's non-cookbook follow-up What I Ate in One Year. Beginning in January of 2023, readers are invited to follow Tucci as he talks about his travels, time with his family, his work as an actor, and of course, the food he ate along the way.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of nonfiction where Tucci starts at the beginning of 2023 (the first dated entry is actually for January 2nd), and moves throughout the entire year, recounting his day to day life, specifically what he ate and where, and who prepared it. While not each of the 365 days gets its own entry, while more than one day is sometimes covered at once, every notable meal that was eaten is mentioned, even if it was terrible. But in between the paragraphs about food, Tucci also talks about his job as an actor and whatever project he is currently working on/traveling for. There is also much mention of time spent around the table with his family and friends, the latter of which is often a who's who of celebrities, some of whom even Tucci himself admits to being intimidated by. And of course, there are quite a few recipes included, along with restaurant and hotel recommendations.

My Verdict: There is something about Tucci's storytelling that leaves me absolutely spellbound and awestruck. It happened with the previous book, and it happened again here with this one. Yes, it is partly the people he gets to meet and work and eat it. When names like Robert Downey Jr. and Guy Ritchie are thrown out, it is difficult to not be impressed (trust me there are many many more). But it is not just that. Something about simply reading about his life in London with his wife and kids, where he worries that his two youngest children may not have eaten enough vegetables that day, or if his daughter will ever move beyond noodles and cheese, is equally fascinating. And then there is the food. So. Much. Pasta. And olive oil. And cheese. And butter. The food obsessed will adore this book, as well as anyone who loves memoirs.

Favorite Moment: Tucci describes an instance when he is attempting to decide what to order at a ramen place, and fears that one of the patrons recognizes him, but is clearly struggling to identify just how he knows him. It is a humorous back and forth that offers an interesting peek into what goes on inside the actor's mind during such encounters.

Recommended Reading: It is not necessary to read Taste before this one, but I recommend reading them both, in whatever order.