Prolific actor for stage, screen, and television; director and star of the classic foodie film Big Night; cookbook author and now memoirist Tucci (The Tucci Table, 2014) does exactly what this book's subtitle says he will. From his childhood in the suburbs of Westchester, New York to his present in pandemic-altered London, Tucci reenvisions his life in a parade of meals: those cooked by his Calabrese Italian family, his mother in particular; memorable restaurant experiences while on location for work; the food he lovingly prepares for his family, and more. While his non-food-related life happens in the background--being young and broke in Manhattan, finding acting success, losing his first wife to devastating cancer, falling in love and expanding his family anew--food takes center stage. Lest readers drown in Tucci's mouthwatering food descriptions (minus that one, ill-advised French sausage), plenty of recipes appear for reproducing everything from his family's Sunday ragù to his English wife's crispy roasted potatoes and a cocktail or three. Easily flipping from tongue-in-cheek supercilious to self-deprecation, Tucci is the formal-yet-unpretentious, companionable narrator fans will expect. A late, heartfelt chapter lets readers into Tucci's until-now private battle with tongue cancer in recent years, and the physically and emotionally challenging recovery that confirmed, as he was hardly able to eat, the important role food plays in his life, happiness, and love for others.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Especially considering the recent success of Tucci's Searching Italy series on CNN, expect avid requests.

Actor Tucci waxes nostalgic in his new entry into the realm of culinary memoirs, following his new CBS show Searching for Italy and two cookbooks (The Tucci Cookbook; The Tucci Table). Tucci begins with a meandering reminiscence about his early years in Westchester County, New York, with vivid descriptions of his immigrant family's Italian cooking, conveyed in an irreverent, conversational style. Later chapters delve into fare that Tucci was served by family, restauranteurs, and friends at home, on vacation, and on set--in Italy and beyond. Some anecdotes are conveyed in the form of scenes from a screenplay, adding a lively, humorous touch. Sprinkled throughout are a handful of family recipes for cocktails and memorable dishes (e.g., Spaghetti con Zucchine alla Nerano) of varying complexity and portion size. The book changes course when its focus shifts away from Tucci's own personal experiences and instead begins discussing Italian culinary history and well-known chefs and personalities (including Julia Child, who needs no introduction). Overall, an entertaining glimpse into Tucci's passion for cooking both with and for his friends and extended family. VERDICT A no-brainer for fans of Tucci or those interested in food memoirs; this heartfelt account will also appeal to anyone interested in Italian home cooking.--Rebecca Brody, Westfield State Univ., MA