CHEF INTERRUPTED: Discovering Life's Second Course in Ireland with Multiple Sclerosis

by Trevis L. Gleason

When Trevis Gleason, a former chef at the top of his professional culinary career, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, he lost everything--his job, his marriage, even his perceived persona. Surveying the ruins of his former life, he saw an opportunity to fulfill a long-postponed dream. He would travel from Seattle, Washington, to the wilds of west Kerry, Ireland for the winter. Renting a rustic cottage in The Town, Trevis braved narrow, sheep-obstructed roads and antiquated heating systems to learn that his life, his loves (including cooking), and even his dreams weren't lost, just waiting to be rediscovered in this magical place. He acquired a charming puppy named Sadie, who grounded his days and served as a devoted companion as he surmounted inevitable physical setbacks and cultural challenges. All the while, he entertained a steady stream of visiting friends and relatives, including his former wife. The Town's colorful characters welcomed the American stranger as one of their own, and he soon found himself reveling in the beauty of the rugged countryside, the authentic joy of the holidays, the conviviality of the pubs, and the hearty flavor of the simple food. Recipes included.

Genres: Memoir, Ireland, Food

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2015

Reviews

[J.J. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevis Gleason was a chef in the U.S. before multiple sclerosis (MS) robbed him of his chosen career, but the changes in his life also uncovered a master storyteller. His frank memoir of a 3 month vacation as a disabled American in Ireland with a new beloved puppy is a treat. His tales of house guests, pub hopping, and raising a dog in the Irish countryside are as irresistable as the feasts he describes, with a chef's enthusiasm, recipes included. I loved these stories and can't wait to read about the next chapter in his life.

[Ann Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great inspiration to follow your dreams and seize each day. Trevis tells what it's like to live with MS, and provides a great example for anyone to be all they can be, as he recounts his decision to move to Ireland and begin again.

[Carla Neggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful, readable memoir about a life-changing diagnosis with priceless descriptions of Ireland and mouth-watering recipes.

[Eric Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt memoir which explores rural Ireland through the lens of a man dealing with multiple sclerosis and some personal obstacles. As a bonus, we get some chef-quality recipes and some sublime descriptions of food and fauna.

At its best and worst, the writing reminds me of Bill Bryson. Yes, it is quaint, cute, and funny, even wise and perceptive, though it often tries a little too hard to be quaint, cute, and funny.

Ultimately, a life-affirming book.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only finished but finished three times over. Some books are so worth returning to and this is one of them. No matter what your day, your life, your future may hold, Trevis Gleason can and will help you find your smile again.

[Tess Delacour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight. At the heart of the story is a man living with MS and his sweet dog, Sadie. The author transports us to a small Irish village where he spent 89 days over one winter. The place is charming, quirky and everything I've imagined rural Ireland to be. The natives and the revolving door of house guests add to the mix, creating a memorable cast of characters. The journey he takes us on, both emotional and physical, is funny, sweet and sad simultaneously. He reminds us that our lives can get derailed by powers out of our control, but a new path doesn't mean life isn't worth living. His account left me wanting more and longing for my own trip to Ireland. Food plays an integral part in this story (hence the 'chef' in the title), and the recipes woven throughout are a treat. I can't wait to try steak and Guinness! I highly recommend this wonderful book

[Willeke Van Eeckhoutte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is as engaging as Trevis is in real life, and a must-read for anyone with MS. Yes, life was interrupted by his diagnosis, but Trevis manages to squeeze every bit of life out of the good as well as the bad days. Laced with recipes, daily Irish events about dogs and how to life to the fullest, I can only recommend this book to anyone who's looking for some inspiration and motivation to keep going. #TrevisGleason #ChefInterrupted #multiplesclerosis #Ireland

[Charlie Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both informative & entertaining

Trevis Gleason bravely took on a difficult challenge: from living a very busy professional life to getting a multiple sclerosis diagnosis that took away so many of his physical abilities. Instead of retreating & pulling away from people, Trevis embarked on an adventure in Ireland. I would recommend this book to those living with health challenges, as well as those seeking empathy. Witty & engaging!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

With one trip to Ireland under my belt (to a town in Kerry with a harbor and a pub called The Bridge, no less), and a lifelong love for the Emerald Isle, I enjoyed this tale of an American's 3-month stay in Ireland. His story of adopting a puppy, hosting many visitors, and recipes add up to an engaging book. Now I really want to spend a stretch of 89 days in Ireland too!