World Travel

An Irreverent Guide

By: Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever

Narrated by: Laurie Woolever, Shep Gordon, Christopher Bourdain, Jen Agg, Matt Walsh, Bill Buford, Claude Tayag, Nari Kye, Vidya Balachander, Steve Albini

A guide to some of the world’s most fascinating places, as seen and experienced by writer, television host, and relentlessly curious traveler Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain saw more of the world than nearly anyone. His travels took him from the hidden pockets of his hometown of New York to a tribal longhouse in Borneo, from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Paris, and Shanghai to Tanzania’s utter beauty and the stunning desert solitude of Oman’s Empty Quarter—and many places beyond.

In World Travel, a life of experience is collected into an entertaining, practical, fun and frank travel guide that gives readers an introduction to some of his favorite places—in his own words. Featuring essential advice on how to get there, what to eat, where to stay and, in some cases, what to avoid, World Travel provides essential context that will help readers further appreciate the reasons why Bourdain found a place enchanting and memorable.

Supplementing Bourdain’s words are a handful of essays by friends, colleagues, and family that tell even deeper stories about a place, including sardonic accounts of traveling with Bourdain by his brother, Christopher; a guide to Chicago’s best cheap eats by legendary music producer Steve Albini.

For veteran travelers, armchair enthusiasts, and those in between, World Travel offers a chance to experience the world like Anthony Bourdain.

The audiobook is read by Laurie Woolever, Shep Gordon, Christopher Bourdain, Jen Agg, Matt Walsh, Bill Buford, Claude Tayag, Nari Kye, Vidya Balachander, and Steve Albini.

Copyright 2021 by Anthony M. Bourdain Trust UW; “A Child’s View of Paris (1966),” “Revisiting New Jersey,” and “Uruguay Dreamin’” copyright 2020 by Christopher Bourdain; published with permission of Christopher Bourdain

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Serious Reservations

At the beginning the author said she asked herself if this book was needed. The answer was no. The guest essays were the most interesting part. The narrator reading Anthony Bourdain's part was truly awful.

Confused?

I’m confused why this Frankenstein of a book was published under Anthony’s name. Really can’t put words to the feelings you have listening to this book. I enjoyed the round about wrap ups by Anthony, but everything between felt mashed up and in-genuine. Not to say there weren’t sweet parts of the book. I’m extremely confused by this being published if Anthony didn’t do any ground work before he passed.

Insight You’d Expect

Good listen. Good information about each place to revert back to for visits or inspiration to visit.

Love the book but one narrator’s voice is a nightmare

I love this book so much. Love to hear Tony’s thoughts in writing vs watching a show and to hear thoughts of people who knew him. All the narrators are great except for one. The most important one. The one that is speaking on behalf of Anthony. His voice is a nightmare. He could use a Ricola or tons of coughs to clear his throat. I only kept listening because I am a food and culture writer myself and so interested in listening to this book because Anthony Bourdain was always a big inspiration of mine, but man, that narrator killed me.

Nice tidbits about travel and food around the world

I enjoyed learning through Tony’s experience. I liked that the sections were short. I could jump back in at any time.