Humble Pie

Humble Pie

3.59 of 5 stars 3.59  ·  rating details  ·  1,042 ratings  ·  121 reviews
Everyone thinks they know the real Gordon Ramsay: rude, loud, driven, stubborn. But this is his real story…In this fast-paced, bite-sized edition of his bestselling autobiography Ramsay tells the real story of how he became the world’s most famous and infamous chef: his difficult childhood, his brother’s heroin addiction, his failed first career as a footballer, his fanati...more
Published (first published October 1st 2006)
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Sarah
I LOVE Gordon Ramsay. Now I just need to get past the fact that he has four kids and never changed a diaper, which was really the only thing about this book I didn't like.
Jennifer Dustin
I've been a Gordon Ramsay fan since well before his volatile tv persona was snatched up and appropriated by Fox TV here in the US. This autobiography gives insight into the rough background that gave Ramsay his drive and you can see how Ramsay the persona has been developed to keep him (and the "machine" behind him, the staff, the restaurants, the people with families that the Ramsay name now supports) at the top. While I feel like Ramsay sold his soul to Fox to make the crap television that the...more
Janet
I don’t often read biographies or autobiographies but I do like Gordon Ramsay (well, certain things about him, anyway) - a friend lent me this book as she knows I like him.

The writing style is very basic - it’s obviously all from Gordon himself and not ghost-written because the writing is fairly bad in places, but that is okay because you get the sense that he’s genuine.

There were a few places where I had to read things through a few times to make sense of them! I’m not sure whether it’s a typo,...more
Nonito Abbu
Humble Pie is an interesting peek into the life of one of the most controversial celebrity chefs. This is a story about how he clawed his way up the culinary ladder, from his dysfunctional family life to his current fame as a successful Michelin-starred chef. As expected, Ramsay did not spare any expletive, and the book is peppered with his usual "bollocks" and "fuck" ejaculations. Very raw and sincere, just like a good memoir should be.

What I liked about the book is the inside-story on Ramsay'...more
Margie
I was really surprised by this. I had actually downloaded it as an ebook to test my new reader, quite simply because of the affordable price. I think I may have bought the condensed version because it was quite short but it was really very interesting. I'm not normally a biography sort of person but am very glad I bought this. My only exposure to Gordon Ramsay before reading this book was through his reality TV shows, of which I have only seen one episode. This definitely painted a very differen...more
Tammie
I listened to this audiobook on a long drive to pass the time, a fairly interesting story but it all seemed slightly stilted and a little repetitive. I was impressed by Gordon Ramsay's drive and determination, particularly the way he repeatedly changed types of cooking and started right at the bottom of the ladder each time, but I felt a bit frustrated during the book by how political the cooking scene has been for him.

I enjoyed listening to him talk about staff and friends, he sounds like a re...more
Maria (Ri)
I finished this a couple weeks ago but am only getting around to journaling it now. I enjoy Gordon Ramsay as a character on tv, though he seems a little over the top. it is hard for me to believe that anyone could really be like that in real life. Reading his autobiography reveals a history that explains his extreme behavior, though I still think some of it is beefed up for more exciting television.

It seems clear that he could use a homeopathic remedy to help him deal with others in a more effec...more
Jason
I decided to read this because I like to learn about passionate, successful people. This was a fast read, I was 100 pages in before I knew it. I appreciate Gordon telling personal details about his life, especially his brother. However, being a true success means disclosing your character failures as well & I don't think he addresses those adequately. There is a sprinkling of financial failures but nothing about his affair(s). I wasn't looking for a smut novel but some admission & true c...more
Louise
I have always had a soft spot for Gordon, and since I have been seeing him on tv since I was about 5, it's not surprise really I was going to read this book sooner or later. I'm rather glad I have, as I really enjoyed hearing about his childhood- something I knew little about prior to this book.

You can certainly tell Gordon has wrote this himelf- the swearing and writing in places make it quite obvious, however it was quite good in its writing style- I was expecting a much worst writing style th...more
Mayur Kulkarni
Amazing life story of an amazing person.

Am in awe, first saw Gordon Ramsay in MasterChef Amersica last year (2012).
I thought he was a rude & cocky jerk.
But by the end of show I was his fan.
There was confidence which came from the sincerity & knowledge behind all those rude remarks & violent outbursts.

After reading this book, I've became fan of not only his work but him as a human too.
Thrilling experience to read his story which starts from his bullied by drunkard father, his family's...more
Kelly
Yet another book I grabbed from the English pile at a book swap in India.

I have never seen any of his programs, but I hope that Ramsey is a little more humble on his shows than he is when writing about himself, because that was a bit insufferable. I have no idea how the title of the book could possibly apply.

That said, this was an interesting read about his impoverished childhood, abusive father, football career, and drive to succeed. I loved how clearly he worshiped his wife (that is until I...more
jazz-ee2
I really wasn't interested in the football career or even restaurants of Gordon Ramsay, however I was intrigued to know of his childhood and background, so started reading this book thinking I would only read the first couple of chapters then pass it on. It captivated me so much, however, that before I knew it I was romping towards the end of the book...

Very readable, whilst it doesn't necessarily endear me to Gordon Ramsay (quite the opposite at times) it does give some insight into the man beh...more
Lisa
I did really enjoy this book. Gordon is a world renown celebrity chef, not a professional writer. But his story is so compelling, I could not put it down. He unpeeled the layers of poverty, instability and abuse that he was dealt as a child. He pursued his passion for culinary excellence and did not let any of lifes obstacles get in his way. He is beyond the tough as nails personality that is portrayed on Kitchen Nightmares and Hell's Kitchen, he certainly has a rags to riches story that is one...more
James
The book was a little hard to read at first, being that the thoughts seem to be put to paper in an almost random pattern. If you are familiar with the way Gordon speaks, though, it starts to sink in and it gets easier to follow. Very interesting read - in fact, the book could have certainly been considerably longer if Gordon had expounded on some things (and I found myself really wishing he had). Instead, it's sort of a fast-forward whirlwind adventure and I found the book over long before I was...more
Charity
Gordon Ramsay has been a fascinating subject of study in television and in food. I've enjoyed his television shows Hell's Kitchen US, Hotel Hell, and Kitchen Nightmares. I have visited two of his restaurants and enjoyed his food and admired his passion for creating amazing eats. Reading his autobiography should've been a natural step for me, but I had no idea it even existed until it was given to me.

This book was a revelation in Gordon's background. I had no idea what his background was and I re...more
Charlotte (Buried in Books)
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Shana
If you are a Gordon Ramsay fan this book is a must have. If you are not a fan it's still a great read. There's everything in this autobiography. There's love, drama, sadness, broken dreams and fulfilled dreams. Here Gordon Ramsay tells all about his life and working his way to the top of the culinary field.

My favorite parts are when Gordan tells about his sad relationship with his brother Ronnie and dealing with Ronnie's drug addiction. Anyone who has had a family member who was involved in dru...more
Amie
Ramsay is such a BIG personality and has become SO successful in the US in the last 5 or so years. Reading where he came from and how he got to where he is today is fairly shocking. I have heard bits and pieces of his story over the years. To hear it in his voice and with his passion was great. I would say in terms of overall writing style--this isn't the best written book. But if you can get past that to hear the story--it is worth the journey.
CJ
Ehh, whatever. I've never watched Gordon Ramsay on TV because when I see the previews, he looks like a total ass (or should I say arse?). His autobiography is interesting, but I got very tired of his comparing himself to various vegetables (if you know what I mean). It's an interesting story if only for the Horatio Alger aspects. I'm glad he's made such a success of it and I'm glad he's doing well - I still don't want to watch his television shows.
Mac
I was talking about this book with a friend of mine. I had just finished it while waiting for him.

To me, the hard work, tenacity and skills are swamped with the "How wonderful and successful I am" tone that it sets. Put that down to English reserve I guess.

An okay read but I much preferred Marco Pierre White or Anthony Bourdain. Now if only Marcus Waring had an autobiography. (His cookbook is brilliant)
Margaret
A fast read - kind of found the parts about his childhood and family more interesting than his successful career in some ways. Got the impression that writing the book was difficult for him but cathartic. Didn't realize that he has a couple television shows prior to Kitchen Nightmares and Hell's Kitchen. He is an interesting personality as well as a renown chef and this book gives you some glimpses of the true man.
Lindsey
Gordan Ramsay did not have that perfect life everyone thinks he had. This was only a quick read but it told me so much. I plan on getting the "bigger" version of this book and dive into the rest of Gordon Ramsay's life. One thing is for sure....the wau he speaks is amazing. I love it on the shows and it's even better on the page. I can't wait for the rest and if I could I would give it 5+ stars.
Ben Eldridge
Not quite sure why I picked this up....
However, I found that 'Ramsays Kitchen Nightmares' turned into essential viewing for me while it was screening here.

An autobiog detailing his impoverished and troubled upbringing, owing to the fact that his Father was a completely useless sod, his brief but promising football career that was cut short by injury, and then onto his various apprenticehsips in restaurants around Europe under the guidance of a number of gifted but tyrannical head-chef's.
He also...more
Dhiren
I read this book on a Flight back from a holiday. Having always watched Gordon Ramsay on TV for a few years, I was interested to know more about him as person.

I quite surprised to read about his roller coaster of a up-bringing and path to success.

I like reading stories about determined people who work to turn their lives around, you'll like this book.
Tiffany
I LOVED this book. Gordon Ramsay is very honest and writes the way he speaks- making it an easy read.
I love stories about people who turn their lives around through hard work and determination. Perhaps the only thing i didn't enjoy about the book was the fact that he has four kids and has NEVER changed a nappy. His poor wife.
Doreen
I'm not usually into biographies, but I love Gordon Ramsay, so I thought I would throw it in there. I am very glad I did. This book was very enlightening. It gives you a completely different outlook on what drives the man. It reads as if you are sitting down having a conversation with the man himself. I am very glad I read this book.
Nancy
I read a 60-page highly abridged version of this book and found it to be an interesting insight into the famous chef's beginnings, how he moved up the career ladder and found himself to be a celebrity. His voice is so unique that I could practically hear him reciting the book to me as I read it.
Julie
Currently reading the North American version("Roasting in Hell's Kitchen), it is a well thoughtout biography. Ironically, the awkward aspects of the narrative are the insertions of recipes between moment of tribulations. Nonetheless, his passion for life speaks through the lines of this book.
Julie Wright
Don't normally read auto/biographies but because I have a 'thing' for Mr. Ramsey I decided to give it a go. It's interesting about he rose to the position he is now, he did work hard for it, but also the struggle he had with his brother.
I enjoyed reading about his life thus far ......
Kristina Seleshanko
This is a very short book, but offers a good glimpse into the man behind the cooking legend. Ramsay tells us about his difficult childhood, explains his start in the restaurant business, offers us a quick look at how he met his wife, and gives us a glimpse into his business success.
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Gordon James Ramsay, OBE, is a British chef, television personality and restaurateur. He has been awarded a total of 16 Michelin Stars, and in 2001 became one of only three chefs in the United Kingdom to hold three Michelin stars at one time. Ramsay currently ranks 3rd in the world in terms of Michelin Stars behind Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse.

Ramsay is known for presenting TV programmes about...more
More about Gordon Ramsay...
Roasting in Hell's Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F Words, and the Pursuit of Perfection Gordon Ramsay's Fast Food Gordon Ramsay's Healthy Appetite Cooking for Friends Gordon Ramsay Makes It Easy

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