The Recipe: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Ingredients of Greatness

by Charles M Carroll, John David Mann

"Always be hungry, Owen," the Chef said softly. "Don't ever let life just wash over you. Savor it--every smell, every taste, every sound. That's Rule One, Taste everything ." Owen Devon used to have a pretty good life. At least until a few months ago, when disaster struck his family. Now his grades are plunging and his life is spiraling out of control. To make matters worse, he's just been tagged for vandalism--and to repay the damage, he's being put to work for the crusty old owner of the local diner. But there's a lot about the old man that Owen doesn't know--and in this diner's cramped little kitchen, he's going to learn a lot more than how to cook an excellent meal.... From eight-time Culinary Olympian Chef Charles Carroll and New York Times bestselling author John David Mann ( The Go-Giver ) comes a tale of heartbreak and redemption, the story of a boy who learns to overcome tragedy and carve out a life of excellence and honor through cooking lessons at the hands of a retired chef. Blending poignant story-telling with vivid culinary detail, The Recipe offers readers a compelling recipe for personal greatness. Throughout the story the reader also learns key cooking concepts, cutting techniques, and other practical secrets of the kitchen. Includes a complete set of recipes for dishes cooked in the story.

Genres: Fiction

244 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on a short but amazing journey...i really enjoyed reading it. It was different from what I normally read but I love trying new authors and different genres. It was so inspirational and very heartfelt. I loved the writers work and I was thrilled that some of the book was based on real life experiences, that made it even more special. I would recommend this book to any one who is looking for inspiration, a book to brighten up someone's life or anyone working with teens. "The Chef" was a really good mentor...he had such faith, patience and confidence in the hero of the story "Owen". I loved seeing how Owen gradually grew and stepped into his calling. This was a really good book and although at times It had me hungry I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

[Melonia Nicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while a book comes by, in this case by an author I'd never read...never heard of! A book comes by that makes you wonder, laugh, cry real tears & for me learn about cooking. Anyone who knows me knows I am a work in progress! This novel delivered on so many levels, it started with a query at what caused the young lad too throw a rock and ends with learning so many cooking mantras that easily apply to one's life in general. Easily one of the best books I've read in years! I dare you to try it let you won't be able to set it down until you finish, much like myself. Enjoy & get ready for a journey!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. Great way to finish off 2023! I couldn’t put it down, and read the whole thing from cover to cover in one sitting. Great story, great character development, great ending. I love that every dish mentioned throughout the book actually has an accompanying recipe. This would have been an exceptional book to read as a teen but I’m not sure I would have appreciated it as much then. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys books about food / cooking.

[David C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eat it up, or dare I say “ate it up”

Life lessons through believable characters and circumstances. Owen’s journey isn’t on a train or a plane, but told through a bicycle and kitchen; unusual but familiar places to all of us. If you’ve ever thrown a rock, a punch, or a verbal barb that landed, you will find something of value here.

[Tony Slimmings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book and life message

Although it was clear from the start that this book was a life message not a cook book the mixing of the two work wonderfully.

A little corny in places, however, the overall story and theme is wonderful.

[Rhonda DuPree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of cooking and life. we can all learn something from the chef's lessons. A chef and a teenager work together to get through bad times and prepare for a better future. The chef's rules are ones everyone could use to get through life

[Emily Borland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and warm. I loved the food description, I loved the lessons, and I am going to love recommending to a lot of my friends and family. Also, I’m opening my breakfast diner in the morning!

[Julie Jacoway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes you want to try a little harder in life. Very inspirational.