Have you also been obsessing over The Bear recently? It’s been all over my FYP and I’m craving more of it, more than the food featured on the FX show. So, what better way to continue the hype of The Bear than to read a book (or two) that’s super similar? Get ready to amp up that TBR, ASAP.
ICYMI, The Bear is a passionate and addicting show about a young chef from the fine dining world who returns to his home in Chicago where he starts to run his family sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in his family. He has to deal with the reality of working at a family-owned shop, and his relationships with his kitchen crew become an interesting story that unfolds itself. It’s a story involving heart, food, and laughs… what could be better than that?
Not to mention, the actors in this show are phenomenal and users on TikTok cannot stop making edits of them (yes, that includes some spicy ones). I mean, a show about hot chefs? Please, sign me up!
Whether you have watched this show or not, I’ve rounded up a few books that you would love if you’ve also been on The Bear train recently — or if you’re hungry for a good read. They are definitely worth it if you want to continue your era of chefs, romance, and good food — I promise, you won’t regret reading these.
- Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
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This book is a coming-of-age novel that follows a small-town girl into the exciting world of NYC and the education of a lifetime at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Manhattan. This novel captures the high-adrenaline world of the food industry and shows the beauty and yet the brutality of being a young chef. This is definitely a must if you have been loving The Bear.
Amazon, $13
- Writers & Lovers by Lily King
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This book features a woman whose personal life has crumbled into pieces. She finds herself fighting to maintain her creative side in a world driven by capitalism.
Amazon, $10
- Notes From A Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi
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This novel is a memoir about the writer himself who grew up in the Bronx, spent part of his childhood in Nigeria, and went on to train in some of the most world-renowned kitchens in the United States. This memoir takes readers through his heart-wrenching journey of opening and closing his first restaurant, all before the age of 27. This one is a must-read.
Amazon, $10
- For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa
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This book features a female chef who wants to make a name for herself in the culinary world and inspire other young women around the world. She’s been held back by the male-dominated sphere of working in the kitchens professionally, but she’s had enough and is ready to make a change. She has a chance at becoming a top chef, unless Hollywood’s worst jerk ruins it for her. This award-winning book is one you will not want to put down.
Amazon, $13
- Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl
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Reichl writes this memoir as she looks back on her long career at Gourmet. She takes a trip down memory lane and brings us along with her, this one is a fabulous memoir for everyone to indulge in.
Amazon, $18
- Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
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Tucci has published two cookbooks and now shares his latest memoir about the stories behind those recipes he has shared. This book also reflects on his acting career and his food journey across the world.
Amazon, $14
- Eat a Peach: A Memoir by David Chang
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It’s def time to read Chang’s memoir if you want a book similar to what The Bear is really about. He reflects on his childhood, the opening of Momofuku Noodle Bar, and the rocky road to success. This book is filled with passion, grit, and heart, similar to The Bear.
Amazon, $13
