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Call Me Chef, Dammit!: A Veteran’s Journey from the Rural South to the White House
What does it take to go from growing up in a Mississippi housing project to becoming a master sergeant and a celebrity chef serving in the White House under four United States presidents? Call Me Chef, Dammit! is the inspiring story of Andre Rush, who became an overnight sensation in 2018, after a photograph of his now-famous twenty-four-inch biceps went viral. However, his journey to that moment could never be captured in a fleeting moment. From his childhood working on a farm, to his developing into a gifted athlete and artist to his joining the Army, Rush has dedicated his life to serving others. During his twenty-four-year military career, his reputation as an award-winning cook eventually led him to the Pentagon. His presence in the building when the plane struck on 9/11/2001 led to his suffering from PTSD, and he has become an outspoken advocate for the military and especially for wounded warriors. Every step of the way, Chef Rush has overcome tremendous obstacles, including battling stereotypes and racism. And in this memoir, he shares not only his wounds and what he experienced along the road to recovery but also the optimism, hope, and hard-earned wisdom that have encouraged countless others.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published April 19, 2022
30 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 2, 2022
There is no doubt that Chef Andre Rush’s life was a journey filled with ups and downs even as he persevered through if not triumphed over awful societal mores, prejudice, and personal challenges. His perseverance and triumphs deserve our admiration.
However, “Call Me Chef, Dammit: A Veteran's Journey from the Rural South to the White House" (ISBN9780785249450), is a regrettably unsatisfying book that ends up being more of an unintentional character study than it is an inspiring memoir. If one is looking for a motivational memoir that illustrates a person’s greatness without having to simultaneously diminish others, then a reader may want to give Andre Rush’s, "Call Me Chef, Dammit," a pass. One star.
Thanks to the publisher, Harper Horizon, for granting this writer the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of, "Call Me Chef, Dammit," prior to publication, and thanks to NetGalley for helping to make that possible.
However, “Call Me Chef, Dammit: A Veteran's Journey from the Rural South to the White House" (ISBN9780785249450), is a regrettably unsatisfying book that ends up being more of an unintentional character study than it is an inspiring memoir. If one is looking for a motivational memoir that illustrates a person’s greatness without having to simultaneously diminish others, then a reader may want to give Andre Rush’s, "Call Me Chef, Dammit," a pass. One star.
Thanks to the publisher, Harper Horizon, for granting this writer the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of, "Call Me Chef, Dammit," prior to publication, and thanks to NetGalley for helping to make that possible.
May 7, 2023
Rounded up from 2.5.
I wanted to love this book, being a big fan of veteran’s memoirs and all things cookery, but unfortunately my expectations were in another place. I respect all that he has done especially outside the military for veterans and first responders as well as his ability to be vulnerable and discuss mental illness after his time in the Pentagon on 9/11/01. And his time inside the White House…truly made this book particularly bearable, sadly that was about .002 of the book itself.
If you wonder what this book is about, it’s about 10% Chef work. 20% military time. And 80% his time telling off people he perceives that THEY perceive are better than him.
“Call Me Chef, Dammit” should be retitled “Call me Jaded, Dammit.”
I wanted to love this book, being a big fan of veteran’s memoirs and all things cookery, but unfortunately my expectations were in another place. I respect all that he has done especially outside the military for veterans and first responders as well as his ability to be vulnerable and discuss mental illness after his time in the Pentagon on 9/11/01. And his time inside the White House…truly made this book particularly bearable, sadly that was about .002 of the book itself.
If you wonder what this book is about, it’s about 10% Chef work. 20% military time. And 80% his time telling off people he perceives that THEY perceive are better than him.
“Call Me Chef, Dammit” should be retitled “Call me Jaded, Dammit.”
March 18, 2023
3.95/5
November 29, 2025
There are stories that need to be told and stories that need to be told by someone else. This is a case of the latter. Andre Rush has lived an interesting and lesson filled life. He draws on experiences and trials that not many have not faced. His life is large.
His writing style and choices for presentation for this book are not on point, however.
I found the chapters on his younger life to be the most engaging. He tells stories that are funny, interesting and inspiring. His life is set off in a good direction by parents that approached teaching him life lessons in their own ways. He shows that life is a product of circumstance, opportunity and our responses to those events.
His discussions of helping other veterans and the tragic loss of life are very impactful. One can hear the heartache and love he has for family and friends.
Where he began to lose me was as he tells stories later in life. He gives us many examples of his active and assertive side. His drive and determination to succeed and prove others wrong. All these are positive qualities that have helped lead him to success.
Some chapters though came off as extremely arrogant (and ignorant), even as he rails against arrogance and hypocrisy. There are a few chapters that came off as "look at how awesome I am and how much the rest of the world is stupid". I'm sure those episodes are very emotional and important to Mr Rush. It's those parts of the story that could use more polish to help aid in getting his message across.
His writing style and choices for presentation for this book are not on point, however.
I found the chapters on his younger life to be the most engaging. He tells stories that are funny, interesting and inspiring. His life is set off in a good direction by parents that approached teaching him life lessons in their own ways. He shows that life is a product of circumstance, opportunity and our responses to those events.
His discussions of helping other veterans and the tragic loss of life are very impactful. One can hear the heartache and love he has for family and friends.
Where he began to lose me was as he tells stories later in life. He gives us many examples of his active and assertive side. His drive and determination to succeed and prove others wrong. All these are positive qualities that have helped lead him to success.
Some chapters though came off as extremely arrogant (and ignorant), even as he rails against arrogance and hypocrisy. There are a few chapters that came off as "look at how awesome I am and how much the rest of the world is stupid". I'm sure those episodes are very emotional and important to Mr Rush. It's those parts of the story that could use more polish to help aid in getting his message across.
January 25, 2022
I like memoirs, and this was certainly very different than ones I’ve read before. Chef Andre Rush has accomplished a ton and seems to be a really honorable guy. He speaks directly and isn’t afraid to call out people who have done him wrong.
That said, he doesn’t show growth in this book. Every time he changes, it’s some sort of split second thing where he just decides to change and there’s nothing about the thoughts or feelings. In fact, there’s a real lack of feelings or reflections in the book overall. Chef Rush endured possibly unneeded surgeries, attempted suicide, spent time inpatient, and so much more—but all I get is that he was very angry.
Almost none of the book was about cooking and I had to google him to find out why he does 2,222 push-ups every day (if it was in the book, i must have missed it, but all I could find was him repeating over and over how many push-ups he did—not why).
Books can be good and find an audience that isn’t me. As a nerdy white lawyer who enjoys jogging and reading, maybe I am just not his audience. But I can’t figure out who would be.
I am grateful to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for free access to a review e-book in exchange for an un-biased review.
That said, he doesn’t show growth in this book. Every time he changes, it’s some sort of split second thing where he just decides to change and there’s nothing about the thoughts or feelings. In fact, there’s a real lack of feelings or reflections in the book overall. Chef Rush endured possibly unneeded surgeries, attempted suicide, spent time inpatient, and so much more—but all I get is that he was very angry.
Almost none of the book was about cooking and I had to google him to find out why he does 2,222 push-ups every day (if it was in the book, i must have missed it, but all I could find was him repeating over and over how many push-ups he did—not why).
Books can be good and find an audience that isn’t me. As a nerdy white lawyer who enjoys jogging and reading, maybe I am just not his audience. But I can’t figure out who would be.
I am grateful to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for free access to a review e-book in exchange for an un-biased review.
January 18, 2024
I have to say, the book preview is entirely unlike what the memoir is about - at least, from my perspective. My interests and hobbies have been skewing strongly towards food and cooking lately, so I was very interested in what it would be like to be a chef working the White House. While Chef Rush does mention cooking, most of the memoir is actually about interpersonal relationships and his journey. Even then, I wish I could have learned more about his journey and how he overcame his struggles rather than learning about his difficult relationships with more senior military officials, especially when so many of these topics were rather negative. Overall, this memoir read like a venting diary, and I really struggled to engage and empathize with Rush.
It might be more difficult to "show, rather than tell" in a memoir, but the memoir's pace shifted frequently between too much and not enough all at once. I struggled to keep up at times and wished the story would progress more quickly at other times.
Overall, I'd say you can keep this memoir where it currently is on you TBR and not rush to pick it up ahead of others.
It might be more difficult to "show, rather than tell" in a memoir, but the memoir's pace shifted frequently between too much and not enough all at once. I struggled to keep up at times and wished the story would progress more quickly at other times.
Overall, I'd say you can keep this memoir where it currently is on you TBR and not rush to pick it up ahead of others.
February 15, 2022
Wow! This is an incredible journey that readers will enjoy. The reader will enjoy being "in the moment" as Chef Rush recounts his memorable journey. As I read this text, all I could think was that this must be what it must be like to live a movie! So many failures, yet so many triumphs are detailed.
Readers will appreciate the ups and downs, highs and lows of the portion of Chef Rush's life that he has chosen to share. This book leaves readers connected to Chef Rush, all the while wanting to know more and more about who he is and his ultimate purpose.
Sensitive topics, memories, tributes, this book has it all! Clearly, there are many layers to this incredible human being, and readers are reminded to accept, appreciate and forgive, and most of all endure after reading this brilliant work...Bravo! I highly recommend this work, truly inspiring!
Readers will appreciate the ups and downs, highs and lows of the portion of Chef Rush's life that he has chosen to share. This book leaves readers connected to Chef Rush, all the while wanting to know more and more about who he is and his ultimate purpose.
Sensitive topics, memories, tributes, this book has it all! Clearly, there are many layers to this incredible human being, and readers are reminded to accept, appreciate and forgive, and most of all endure after reading this brilliant work...Bravo! I highly recommend this work, truly inspiring!
July 19, 2022
Inspiring story that lays out the hard facts of what it takes a child from Mississippi to become a true man of integrity, honor, and valor. Chef Rush minces no words in his memoir. He points out the systemic racism that at times tried to mold him into what others expected of him. He is a person of truth—true to himself, and true to those who recognize his value as a person of intelligence and skill. His lessons learned from his loving mother—to love and to give; and from his father—to work hard and to support family sustained him throughout his US Army career and beyond. Well worth the reading.
April 29, 2022
I highly recommend this book. I personally had never heard of Chef Andre Rush until about 63 hours ago. When I heard about him i only heard his name and I saw his photo. Due to this I remembered him when I saw a sample of his audiobook. I decided to listen and I got drawn in. I borrowed the audiobook from my library and actually only listened to the first chapter at that time. I opened it back up a day and a book later and listened to it in almost 1 sitting. Read this book, dammit! Listen to this book, dammit! You will not be disappointed.
June 19, 2022
A nice read about a man who was born/raised in the South ( Columbus, MS ) where he was taught by his mom and dad about food and cooking. He had several scholarships to go to university, but he opted for the military, because one of his older brothers was already enrolled. He got his first chance to cook in the military that progressed to the Joint Chief of Staff, the Pentagon and the White House. A brute of a man who claims he has 24 inch biceps and does on a daily basis 2,200 pushups overcoming great obstacles in his life, as well as having PTSD.
February 15, 2022
As a mother that lives with PTSD and wasn’t paid or asked to criticize, I mean critique a book, this is my honest opinion. I love this book because it’s relatable, as a real person that has overcome unspeakable circumstances I get it, and it inspires to continue fighting regardless of what others think, and to find purpose and give it your all. Great memoir, it really captures the humanity of Chef Rush.
February 26, 2022
A good memoir with lots of interesting stories about how he became the chef that he became and the route he took to get there. It had humor, sadness, bigotry and racism, tragedy, but there is hope and a whole lot of push-ups. You’ll definitely enjoy it and wonder, if he ever reconnected with those who had wronged him in the past, like the manager of the store, where he had worked at when he was younger. So when you get a chance, check it out and enjoy.
January 8, 2026
It is an interesting read. If you are looking for a cookbook, this is not it. It is the story of Chef Rush's life. It is an encouraging read to make a change for the better while being that change. If you are looking for a read to motivate you to do better, pick this up. His desire to be of service was a lesson learned from his mother and he carried it throughout his life. I recommend the audio version as it is read by the Chef. Good read.
April 16, 2022
PTSD in veterans has been, and remains, a serious issue. I’m glad to see Rush using his platform to share his experiences.
Andre Rush is an American hero, without a doubt. He’s also incredibly inspiring - his perseverance and strength of character are admirable.
eARC kindly provided by Harper Horizon and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.
Andre Rush is an American hero, without a doubt. He’s also incredibly inspiring - his perseverance and strength of character are admirable.
eARC kindly provided by Harper Horizon and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.
May 24, 2022
An entertaining and enlightening story that shows that you don’t need a college degree to achieve your dreams. Andre Rush has accomplished so much in his life, all without compromising who he is. He’s felt pushback along the way but persevered even through PTSD. I enjoyed getting to know Andre Rush and seeing his triumphs.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
August 9, 2024
Pretty good book. Easy to read and filled with great messages. Sometimes the writing feels scattered but this could just be my perception. This is a book meant more for inspiration and details a very interesting life filled with hardship. It’s pretty cool to see the good that Rush has done with the accidental fame he got from being an internet sensation years ago. I hope he continues to do good work and see personal success.
November 20, 2024
Chef grew up in a very rural town. He went on to serve in the military. He worked as a chef and was deployed into combat areas. He also worked as a chef at the Pentagon,West Point and The White House. He survived the 9/11 attack at the Pentagon and dealt with PTSD. Now he as a charity and is involved in helping other veterans as well as disadvantaged children.
August 17, 2025
I enjoyed it. I felt like it focused on the overwhelming (rightous) anger he felt at people treating him poorly, but the side effect is you get less directly about food or more humble moments of his life. Some of the writing repeated itself at times. It's not bad and I still liked it, but I don't how close I feel to understanding him after reading this book.
February 16, 2022
This was a really great read. Chef Rush talks about so many topics that will keep you wanting more. He’s really a private kind of guy so it was nice to get to read where he has come from and all about what’s he’s been through. Keep going. I’m even more inspired. Thank you
February 23, 2022
I’ve read some of Chef Rush’s book. I believe Chef Rush’s memoir is epic and fascinating. Among many other topics, Chef addresses personal strength, resilience, and he explains how to be true to one’s self. Chef also dives into painful memories as well as how he has moved beyond pain. Those interested in his personal life will find many details of how he has spent his years investing in his personal growth. I’m excited for Chef Rush and I congratulate him on a job well done.
May 19, 2022
You can feel the pain that he went through. The name calling, the hate from people against him.
All the prejudice this man had to go through and still come out on top.
You have to admire him for the things that he went through.
All the prejudice this man had to go through and still come out on top.
You have to admire him for the things that he went through.
June 4, 2022
I normally do not read a lot of biographies but this one stands out. This book was written in a way that I could actually see myself sitting there with Chef Rush and listening to him tell his story. Would 5 out of 5 read this again and recommend it for others to read.
October 1, 2022
I’m curious how I would have received this book if I read it instead of listening to it. Incredibly honest account of Chef Andre’s life, external impacts, moral compass, and personality. Felt like I was sharing stories in my family living room. Familiar.
January 8, 2023
Interesting account of the life of Chef Rush. Although he appears to deny it, it does seem very plausible that Chef Rush utilized his size and monstrous appearance to intimidate or show up others. This is something he appeared to be called out for, not because of his race or color.
September 17, 2023
I saw Chef Rush when he was a guest judge on Master Chef. When I saw his book on Libby I knew I wanted to learn more. Life in the military is not something I know about, but showing kindness and empathy is. Chef Rush shares stories that highlight his commitment to others.
March 9, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I couldn't even finish it.
Going by how the author described his own personality and outlook, I'm guessing he wouldn't take the editor's suggestions.
Going by how the author described his own personality and outlook, I'm guessing he wouldn't take the editor's suggestions.
June 19, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its rawness. Having a military daughter probably helped me identify with some aspects. From Andre’s rough upbringing, he truly persevered to make something of himself!
February 15, 2022
Almost finish. I'm not sure why anyone would give this book a low rating. Chef Rush has come through a lot of adversities and still finds time to mentor Soldiers and veterans. It is a must-read.
May 31, 2022
Wow! What a story! What an amazing man! I am privileged to have found and read this fantastic book.
August 12, 2022
interesting story, poorly written...,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews