Your Pasta Sucks: A "Cookbook"

by Matteo Lane, J. J. Goode, Antonis Achilleos (photographer)

“Matteo Lane is a liar. In the pages of Your Pasta Sucks , he repeats that he has no business writing a cookbook, all while masterfully (and hilariously) weaving an intricate tale of food and family and schooling the reader in the flavors, traditions, and techniques of Rome, Sicily, and his own Italian-American kitchen.”—Katie Parla, author of Food of the Italian Islands


Your pasta sucks, but it doesn't have to. Let celebrated comedian and totally legit author Matteo Lane show you how through 30 delicious recipes and laugh-out-loud stories.

Organized by the most important places and people in his life—from Chicago and New York to Rome and Sicily—comedian, actor, and YouTube sensation Matteo Lane’s first cookbook features recipes rooted in serious pasta knowledge but presented with his signature snarky and sassy wit. Turn these pages to conversational recipe (definitely not an argument) with his bestie Nick Smith on their versions of Mac and Cheese.A short rant over the validity of “alfredo” that turns into a delicious recipe for Penna alla Vodka.Matteo’s foolproof Homemade Pasta recipe.Lots of hardworking, handy tips—like a treatise on how to not f*ck up your pasta—so you can learn while you laugh.
For fans of Matteo Lane, readers looking for a humorous take on Italian culture, or anyone who simply wants to learn “how to cook pasta like an Italian, Irish, Mexican homosexual,” Your Pasta Sucks will satisfy all.

HILARIOUS CELEBRITY  Matteo Lane is a Named one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch, he performs for sold-out crowds all over the world. On his popular YouTube channel, Matteo guides viewers through his favorite simple dishes and regales them with hilarious asides. Fans always ask for written recipes, and this deliciously funny Italian cookbook is answering their call.

AN ENTERTAINING Matteo does not claim to be a professional when it comes to cooking. He’s real, he’s messy, and he has a major dose of hubris and charm. Delving into these pages is like inviting your bestie to dinner and having them whip up something chaotic and sublime while telling you the most entertaining bit of gossip you’ve ever heard. 

A SNARKY LOVE LETTER TO ITALIAN From a guide to how to order coffee in Rome (it can be more complicated than you think) to an ode to Matteo's favorite pasta personalities, a silly list of things you'll find in a nonna's house, and much more—this cookbook is more than just a collection of delicious Italian recipes. It's a tongue-in-cheek love letter to the wild and wonderful life that Matteo inhabits.

Perfect of Matteo Lane and his standup comedyPeople looking for books that celebrate Italian and Italian American cultureSupporters of LGBTQIA+ content creatorsFans of Italian cooking and food-centric entertainers like The Pasta Queen Foodies looking for a unique present for a housewarming, birthday, holiday, or host/hostess gift

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Humor, Food, Food and Drink, Memoir

176 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comedian Matteo Lane has loads of followers to his stand-up engagements on YouTube. (That’s how I discovered him.) But Lane is very serious about his cooking. I could not resist his recipes or his snarky attitude, which we get not only from the title, but also from Lane’s description of the cookbook as a guide to “how to cook pasta like an Italian, Irish, Mexican homosexual.” (Lane’s no slacker; he’s fluent in Italian, Spanish and French, and he’s not bad in German, either.)

Those who know Lane won’t be surprised at how funny this cookbook is, nor will they be surprised at how delicious his recipes for pasta (the cookbook contains nearly exclusively pasta dishes). Lane’s pretty particular about his recipes, so he blasts substituting bacon for pancetta or guanciale, cooking with pasta that’s not bronze cut, using shredded mozzarella from the grocery store and buying Parmesan not made in Italy, much less “the sawdust in the green cans at the grocery store.” See why I adore Matteo? I couldn’t believe the difference bronze-cut pasta makes! I now follow most of Lane’s advice. Not that I’m giving up on using the much cheaper bacon instead of pricy pancetta. (Matteo, I hope you can forgive me, although you probably can’t.) I loved it!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review.

[OsiriaGrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I have been following Matteo for a long time across various platforms. So when I saw his cookbook as an ARC on Netgalley, I knew I immediately had to have it. Let me tell you this did not disappoint! I loved getting a taste of history for what inspired each recipe and that his humor and comedy still shined throughout.

My most favorite thing is there was ZERO FISH OR SEAFOOD. I, like Matteo, also swell up when graced with its presence. I don't think I have ever read a single pasta/Italian cookbook that doesn't have some form of seafood. So for me personally this was an absolute highlight because I don't have to go through and figure out what I need to leave out or wonder if I leave it out will it still turn out well, "Do I need to add more to make up for it?"...etc, etc, etc.

I am a basic bitch so I made the Cacio E Pepe and OMG it was the best recipe I have tried by far. Every step was incredibly easy to follow. Some other standout recipes I will be trying are Gram Grams Eggplant Parmesan, Pasta Della Mamma, Pistachio Pesto pasta and Pasta al Limone.

This cookbook was a delicious love letter to Matteos family, found family and of course PASTA. I can't wait to try more recipes and see what else Matteo has up his sleeves.

[LiterallyLoriB · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing i love more than carbohydrates, reading, and laughing. This cookbook is a home-chef’s delight! If you need me I will be cooking every recipe in this book, sopping up all the sauce with a fat chunk of bread!!!!

Yummmmmmm!!!!

Thanks Netgalley and Chronicle Books for allowing me to read this early. Now tell me who I need to olive oil up to get a physical copy!!!!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matteo Lane blends his Italian heritage, his stand-up, his sass, and his love of food in this very wordy cookbook.
It features heavily stylized photos and personal stories.

However, (while Lane does admit this), he is not a chef and most of the recipes tend to come from friends or his found family.

A fun read, appreciate the great images, but the recipes are kind of lackluster and the editing of Lane's stories seems to be null.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I’d be calling a cookbook hilarious, but here we are. This cookbook feels like cooking at your grandmother’s house with your siblings/cousins in the best way! The recipes are great, the anecdotes are even better, + I think this is just an overall winner of a book, not just a cookbook.

I genuinely can’t recommend this one enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy!

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC.

It was fine. Humorous? Yes. I've seen Matteo on a couple of stand-up shows here and there so I recognized him and why I chose it from NetGalley. Repetitive? Heck yes. It's just so repetitive. I don't think there needs to be a pasta-only cookbook. Because they're all slight variations of the same thing. So aside from the braciole, meatballs, and ricotta recipes it's same same SAME. So I was pretty bored. The photos are nice and Matteo's anecdotes were delightful but he did not need to make a cookbook. It should've just been a memoir and hey, throw a couple recipes in that.

[Kasey Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny yet informative

Absolutely hilarious. The stories feel like you’re reading a book or listening to stand up rather than the endless stupid story you have to cool through on a blog page before you get to the recipe. It’s right balance of judgmental and “you do you” energy. Also the recipes are 🔥

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great cookbook! The writing is fun and the recipes are really easy to follow. There are recipes for everyone of all cooking levels. The ingredients are easy to find. The photos are creative and showcase all the recipes well. I'm most excited to try the Pasta Della Mamma, Family Meat Sauce,Cotoletta,Lasagna,Cherie's Struffololi and Nick's Infamous Mac and Cheese. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Matteo Lane,J.J. Goode, Chronicle Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffany T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made the ricotta with my kids over Mother's day. They loved it. Great cookbook: excellent pictures, funny and family oriented. A real gem!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give you 10 stars!

Matteo Lane’s Your Pasta Sucks is a side-splitting, delicious dive into Italian cuisine, served with a heaping side of wit and heart. Known for his stand-up comedy, Lane brings the same humor to this cookbook, mixing mouthwatering pasta recipes with wildly entertaining stories from his Italian-Irish-Mexican American upbringing. Each recipe is not just a guide to perfect pasta but also a slice of Lane’s life—hilarious tales of family quirks, cultural mix-ups, and his own coming-of-age journey, all seasoned with an unmistakable Italian zest.

I absolutely loved this book! I laughed from cover to cover and felt like I was sitting at the dinner table with Matteo and his family, soaking in every ridiculous, heartwarming story. I can’t wait to cook my way through these recipes, but honestly, even if I never pick up a pot, this book has already nourished me plenty. It’s not just a cookbook; it’s an experience—equal parts memoir, comedy, and culinary magic.

Another reason why I am obsessed with this book is its gorgeous visual design and sometime a sole reason why I buy cookbooks- to revel in the beautiful and well staged photos. The photos in Lane's book greately add to the feel and vibe of the story and its accompanying recipes.

Just delicious...

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for the pleasure of reading and cooking this book!

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Matteo Lane eating pasta on the cover, while wearing a skimpy apron and had to buy it for my friend's birthday, but I'm keeping it!
What an absolutely beautiful book. Matteo's recipe instructions are hilarious, yet understandable.
The photography is amazing and it has an appealing format.
I like the recipes because the ingredients he uses are what I would buy at the grocery store anyway.
He explains why the type of pasta to use varies from dish to dish and why it is better to splurge on the good stuff - for more starch in the precious pasta water!
And finally, the basics are written down clearly to make a perfect dish - from a simple red sauce to the heavenly Tiramisu. I think I may even find my pasta making attachment and try the ravioli press that I bought 10 years ago and never used.

[Janie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Chronicle Books for this free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review! This is out 4/1/25!

Comedian Matteo Lane walks us through how to CORRECTLY make pasta - whether fresh or dried - while infusing his signature humor and love for Italian throughout. Can’t say I’ve read a cookbook that actually made me laugh before this, and it’s one of many reasons this cookbook stands out. I’ve already flagged so many recipes to try and Matteo makes each dish approachable and easy.

[Natasha Vidrine]

Honestly I had no idea who this guy was? I very much enjoy Italian food and humor and this surely delivered on both. The pictures are very inviting and the recipes seem like a novice cook like myself can make them. I can’t wait to try out some of these delicious recipes.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy of Your Pasta Sucks.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a blast to read, and I'm very much looking forward to trying many of the recipes. But even if I end up trying zero recipes, I'll still be very content just having read this like any other book, because it was that entertaining.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC*

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matteo writes in a way that makes you believe you too can make all these delicious dishes. And I sure want to try!

[Josie Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed Matteo Lane for a while, mostly because a lot of his content is strikingly relatable (Irish and Sicilian descent, grew up on a lot of pasta and potatoes, 2/3 of siblings gay, etc.), so I was very excited at the announcement of his self-proclaimed "cookbook" with hilarious title. When the first chapter boldly states " How to Cook Pasta like an Italian, Irish, Mexican Homosexual" I knew I was in for a treat. I loved the inclusion of How to Ruin Pasta, because so many books focus on what you should be looking for and not what you should be avoiding. Maybe that's my learning style, but I find that more helpful than a big list of just what to do.

Is it weird to feel a little relieved, like I passed a test, when my own Pasta Pantry and recipes lined up with his? I'm lucky to have an Italian Specialties Shop and Deli near me, so I'll have an easy time stocking up on his other suggestions, but he also keeps it general enough that anyone can pick this up, hit your local store, and have a decent pasta pantry to make better pasta. The book is informative, it's familial and historical context of both famous and controversial dishes, but most importantly, it's fun!

"I think Italian women and witches shop at the same stores" is my favorite quotes and I need it somewhere in my kitchen ASAP. It's beautifully designed, which matters to me when I'm going to be flipping through a book on my counter. I received the book as an ARC, but I need this fun, witty commentary on my shelf for all time. I will be buying a physical copy as soon as it is out.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect. As an Italian American from Trenton (I saw the dig, Matteo; sleep with one eye open, babygirl!), I approve of everything here; the recipes are similar or identical to those I've learned over the years, and they're proof that you can easily make flavorful food with as little effort as opening a jar of Prego. These recipes are super accessible (and hysterical, as when Matteo instructs us to "pound the living shit out of" chicken to make cutlets), and the non-judgmental but imploring tips and tricks are golden, many of which deserve reiterating:

Please stop breaking your pasta. Please stop throwing away your pasta water. Please stop adding cream and peas to your carbonara (and stop eating at places that think it's made with country ham).

And one of my own, that I'm shocked Matteo missed: Please stop rinsing your cooked pasta in cold water. Literally why? You probably already overcooked it, dousing it in cold water isn't going to bring it back to al dente. All you're doing is rinsing the starch off your pasta and ensuring no sauce will ever stick to it.

Anyway, I loved this. Keep it in your kitchen, stain it with tomato sauce, and return to it often until you have these recipes committed to memory.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although he’s a comedian, Matteo Lane takes cooking and good food very very seriously. I find that his intelligent but sarcastic demeanor has translated well to this cookbook. There are a lot of cookbooks out now that try to engage all types of cooks (or non-cooks). I think Matteo bridges the gap by being sardonic but also very good at what he’s doing.

Saying “how to cook pasta like an Italian, Irish, Mexican homosexual” is honest and refreshing. If you’re unfamiliar with his comedy, you should look up some of the advice shows he does, they’re unforgettable.

As a major fan of pasta, I was thrilled at the options in this book. It is 75% pasta and very specific. Take his recommendations to heart! He is not okay with substitutions or half-assing a recipe. His recipes are accessible and front loads the recipes with instructions on how to properly cook pasta and the basics you should have in your kitchen.

There were only a handful of recipes with ingredients that I do not have available regularly.

The recipes are surrounded by a pseudo autobiography of Matteo himself, and makes his experiences learning about these authentic foods more relatable.

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't review a lot of cookbooks, I use a lot of cookbooks though, and let me tell you right now this isn't your average cookbook. I enjoy Matteo Lanes' comedy, I don't know much more about him other than he is funny and I laugh when I see his performances. Of course, he would make a cookbook that would be filled with his sense of humor. I enjoyed his descriptions of cheeses...which is a weird thing to say and how he ties in all of his family's recipes to a story or memory. I love how even the recipes aren't your typical recipes, my favorite bit was when he described how his sister hangs her cheesecloth on the faucet like a hobo bag for making ricotta. Which is directly in the recipe. Then we have the addition of his "found family" and some of their recipes including simple mac and cheese using a box of mac and cheese. I think this is the perfect amount of sentiment, humor, stories, and recipes to make a cookbook enjoyable and entertaining beyond the kitchen.

[Kerry Wastlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book review. I love reading cookbooks. I have over 300 from around the world. I chose this book because for the last 3 years I lived near Livorno, Italy. I traveled in the north and south parts of Italy. I was working with 15-20 Italians. So I felt somewhat qualified to review the book. Since I read a lot of cookbooks I notice certain differences in the writing. This cookbook was above and beyond all others. The book read like a family history cooking lesson. I was told by my Italian NONNA that 95% of all Italian recipes have less than 5 ingredients. But the most important part of the dish are the ingredients. How fresh and how they were prepared before going into the dish. This cookbook points out freshness and quality of the food and the importance of using the right pasta for the right sauce. Highly recommended. Great photos of every recipe!

[Paula Kitsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon the hilarity of Matteo on Instagram reels…. Laughing at his comedy then falling into his cooking tutorials. But let’s be honest I had to watch them 30 times to figure out what to get and roughly how much… but I’m Italian so.
This book thank goodness comes with proper measurements, and when I say that I didn’t make it 4 recipes without trying one ok two…. But come on Matteo put the arugula with the Colleta! My whole family has been so happy with everything their Italian mama has made.
The family story’s will keep you laughing and entertained while you plan out your next meals and google when Matteo is coming to town so you can beg him for his Aunts Sauce recipe and ask where Kate is!

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with all things Matteo Lane!

Matteo is witty and charming but also blunt and honest.
This book all of that and then some.
I can totally hear him in my head speaking every word.

When I found out he was writing a cookbook, I immediately checked to see if an ARC was available and I’m so glad it was!
I can’t wait to buy this cookbook when it is released so I can have a copy for myself.

I may never cook anything from this but I will definitely think about it (I probably won’t because that’s my anxiety throwing itself in front of everything).

5/5 stars. It did not disappoint!

This #ARC was provided by #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks. The opinions and views expressed are my own.
#YourPastaSucks

[Anastey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


This was a really fun read, and I love a good cookbook that doesn't take itself too seriously. The snarky humor had me chuckling the whole time.The photos are great too!

The instructions were very easy to follow, and the ingredients needed are simple and easy to find for most of the recipes. I like that the recipes only need a handful of ingredients to make.

I think this would be a great beginner friendly book to get for a new cook!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Your Pasta Sucks, Matteo Lane, famous comedian has written a beautiful book to assist readers in cooking pasta and making other Italian dishes. He explained his relationship with pasta and how it’s been his best relationship. It’s always available in your kitchen and it won’t lie or ghost you. In the book, he shared how he loves to laugh and make jokes. He takes his pasta making very seriously though. He shared how he ate pasta at least three times a week growing up and his love has only deepened with time. He touched on his grandfather and how he had a secret family and he gave his other kids the same name where he wouldn’t accidently mess up. In the book, he enclosed key helpful items to keep on hand at all times. These are basil, cheese of all kinds, guanciale, pancetta, olive oil, salt, just to name a few. He also enlightened how to make pasta water and how this is key to salty water and makes the dish taste even better. He explored how to buy pasta, and the different shapes, and how to cook pasta. Some of the recipes in this book was: lasagna, Kate’s meatballs, penne alla vodka, two mac and cheeses, Cherie’s struffoli, fettuccine alfredo, and countless others.


I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a new good Italian book. I really enjoyed the color pictures of the food and his personal photos throughout the book. I also thought it was cool that he added a personal story before a lot of the recipes and it helped readers to get a glimpse into his family. I liked how he did the measurements in grams and cups, lbs, and other standard measures. This is a beautiful cookbook with high quality photos that readers will enjoy.





“I received this book free from the Chronicle Book for my honest review.”

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, youtube isn’t something I watch on my own - my older teens and husband love it, andI appreciate it from that aspect in that people share their talent / creativity / knowledge and share that with viewers. Whether to learn something, to laugh, etc., but I watch it if someone in my family puts it on and I’m sitting by the television. That was my first introduction-ish to Matteo Lane.

When I first saw this cookbook cover and read the author’s name, I checked to make sure it was the same Matteo Lane and upon realizing it was, I decided to read an early copy with my family.

As a New Jersey-shore Italian, I was interested from a family and food standpoint, as a mom and wife, I was also interested because it was written by someone that they all very much like and appreciate. And having read this, I can now say that I like the author as well 🙂

The cookbook is very visually appealing - the layout, and the photos - gorgeous. The stories introducing chapters and recipes are laugh out loud funny - even if you’re not familiar or a fan. The recipes are enticing and the photos accompanying the recipes will likely easily be tempting enough to try your hand at a few or more (I’m not a great cook, my baking yields far better results, but none of the recipes seemed overly difficult, imho). You may also finish reading this book with a strong desire to visit and eat your way though Italy.


Recommended for fans and (non-vegan) pasta lovers alike.



Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the PDF

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: I was so delighted to have a chance to advance read this book because I've seen some teasers around Matteo's cooking on social media and absolutely drooled. My personal favorite recipes are in Chapter 2: Rome and especially Cacio e Pepe and Pasta alla Carbonara. Though with egg prices right now it's going to be a minute before I can afford to try out this recipe for it sadly. I will however confess, I can't resist a good Fettuccine Alfredo and I will perish on that hill. I agree with Matteo wholeheartedly on his opinion of linguine and angel hair pasta but you can't take my farfalle from me. It's the perfect pasta for my favorite garlic chicken recipe but I can see Matteo's point. All that being said, Pasta della Mamma aka "pasta alla pantry" sounds INCREDIBLE and I need to make it as soon as possible.

I've loved Matteo's comedy for a hot minute and it is present on every page of this book. The style is relatable, the humor is on point, and the recipes are drool worthy. Reading this book will make you laugh/snort and make you ravenously hungry at the same time. I'm not someone who loves cooking but I fully am on board with what Matteo says is his "repertoire is limited by knowledge and preference". I don't want or need to be able to cook everything but I do want to cook a few things that I love WELL and I feel like Matteo made this book for me as an approachable way to do just that. 5/5 Stars

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Pasta Sucks contains multitudes. It is a very funny memoir from a self-proclaimed Italian, Irish, Mexican homosexual. It also has family recipes that have a lot of ingredients and mostly take a while to cook. Photos are rather hit and miss. Nutritional information is non-existent.

Admittedly, I wouldn’t recommend this as a cookbook. The author has a YouTube channel focusing on comedy and cooking. However, there have been no new cooking videos posted in the last two years. I have to assume that he agrees with me that humor, not cooking, is his strong suit.

The humor, however, is spot on. It seems to be based on his loud, and blunt, family and lifestyle. A Mexican grandfather who had a second family, who named the kids in both family the same names so he would never mix them up. The Mexican TV show host who admired his grandfather’s ingenuity years later. It is laugh out loud funny more so because it has the ring of truth.

If you are looking for an escape from all the doomscrolling, read Your Pasta Sucks and immerse yourself in someone else’s humorous life for a while. 5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.

[Brynna Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook is hilarious and a wonderful read. I normally don't find myself reading the extra parts of a cookbook, I am mainly there for the recipes. However, this cookbook was different. Matteo Lane really grabbed my attention and it felt like he was breaking the 4th wall in his writing. For example when he wrote, "we use cream, because this is the future honey and we're not living on a farm." It's gay, it's hilarious, and it's so honest.

This cookbook felt personal and inviting. I loved the quips and jabs at his friends and family but what else would you expect from a standup comedian. The olive oil finishing joke! The photos were great and they brought the stories to life! I really enjoyed the moment where I read the quip about his sister's claws, flipped the page, and there they were. I love Bob and Monet and I had no idea who Matteo was, but now I do!

This cookbook has great recipes and even better stories.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for this ARC! ♥

[George Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my typical read - even though I was a cook/baker/cake decorator for years! But I am planning a trip to Italy with my hubby who is allergic to pork. A little dive into Italian cooking seemed like a good idea. Finding a book with a cute guy in only an apron and tighty whitey's seemed like a practical solution! My story and I am sticking to it... oh and the centerfold photo on the reverse of the book jacket was ..... hmmmm.... insightful?

Full of humour and lots of snark, Matteo shares favorite recipes and family anecdotes. He (or his editor?) does a great job explaining the "why's" of Italian cooking - even when there isn't a "why". It seems a bit judgy, but having all of Italy and every Nona giving you side eye may count as a "why".

The book was very helpful in planning our trip as it seems LOTS of dishes begin with rendered pork fat - all which will make the hubby ill. Emergency room visits do kinda kill the vacation mood.

[JT Milam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got an ARC for this and was super excited about it because I love Mateo and have been watching his YouTube for a few years now. I expected this to be a cookbook, and as a non-cooker, I wasn’t sure how I would feel. But I was nicely surprised!

The personal anecdotes and stories from Mateo about growing up and his culture influencing his love of pasta really gave me a better understanding as to why it’s so important to him. And of course he’s hilarious so the little quips kept me laughing. But on the same hand, it is still a cookbook and quite frankly, it’s way more advanced than I am in the kitchen and most of the recipes require a real true passion for the food and art of cooking. So will I ever read this again? Probably not. Will I make any recipes from the book? God, no. (Nick and I will enjoy our simple meals just fine!) But did I enjoy it for what it was? Sure.