Best Culinary Biographies & Memoirs Books of 2025

Magnolia Table, Volume 3: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering is the latest cookbook by Joanna Gaines, the co-founder of Magnolia and New York Times bestselling author. This cookbook is filled with timeless and nostalgic recipes that have been reimagined for today's home cook. The book features a range of dishes, from Honey Butter Layered Biscuit Bites to Garlic Shrimp over Parmesan Risotto. What makes this cookbook stand out is Joanna's personal touch in each recipe, where she explains why she likes it and how she prefers to serve it. Overall, this is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves Southern U.S. cooking and wants to make delicious meals for their family and friends.

The Pretty B*tchin' Kitchen cookbook by Miranda Lambert is a mouthwatering collection of recipes straight out of Texas. It includes easy-to-prepare dishes handed down from her mom and grandma, as well as those from her circle of cherished friends who helped raise her. The book is full of soul-filling meals meant to be shared with loved ones, whether on paper plates or fancy antique China. The author's sassy personality shines through in her charming stories, making this book a delight to read. Overall, Y'all Eat Yet? is a must-have for anyone looking to add some Southern flavor to their cooking.

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect is a national bestseller that offers essential lessons in hospitality for every business. Written by Will Guidara, former co-owner of legendary restaurant Eleven Madison Park, the book explores how to transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences through over-the-top, bespoke hospitality. Guidara’s insights on leadership and entrepreneurship are applicable to all industries, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their business. Overall, Unreasonable Hospitality is a refreshing and inspiring read that highlights the power of going above and beyond for your customers and team.

Crying in H Mart is an exceptional memoir by Michelle Zauner, the indie rock sensation known as Japanese Breakfast. It tells the story of growing up Korean American, of family, food, grief, love, and loss. Zauner's writing is honest, lyrical, and plainspoken as she shares her intimate anecdotes that will resonate widely. The book is a celebration of her mother's life and legacy, and how food helped her cope with her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis. Crying in H Mart is a must-read for anyone who enjoys memoirs and wants to understand the complexities of identity, loss, and family.

Not That Fancy by Reba McEntire is a photo-driven book that takes readers back to the basics of life. McEntire shares her Oklahoma-style truths, stories, and recipes that guide her life. She invites readers to slow down, get back to basics, and have a heckuva lot of fun. The book includes nearly 200 photographs from McEntire's childhood, career, and personal life, never-before-told stories, and more than 60 recipes. Overall, Not That Fancy is a delightful read that offers simple lessons on living, loving, eating, and dusting off your boots.

Old-Fashioned on Purpose by Jill Winger offers a refreshing take on finding happiness by turning to the lost arts of the past. Winger shows how adopting retro skills like gardening and handiwork can be the key to creating a simpler, more joyful life. The book offers practical strategies for growing your own groceries, finding joy in the kitchen, and crafting a more grounded routine. While partially a memoir, the book is 100% honest and inspiring. Winger presents compelling arguments for returning to a fulfilling and satisfying way of life. Overall, Old-Fashioned on Purpose is an excellent read for anyone seeking a simpler, more authentic life.

The Pasta Queen: A Just Gorgeous Cookbook is a delightful collection of over 100 authentic Italian pasta recipes, shared by the TikTok sensation and social media star, Nadia Caterina Munno, also known as The Pasta Queen. The book is a colorful tour of Italy, featuring stunning photographs and celebratory tales of the country’s rich culinary heritage. Nadia's passion for pasta is contagious, and her love for this iconic Italian dish is evident in every recipe. This cookbook is a must-have for pasta lovers and anyone who wants to explore the world of Italian cuisine. Overall, The Pasta Queen is a beautiful, inspiring, and just gorgeous cookbook that will make you fall in love with pasta all over again.

Stanley Tucci's Taste: My Life Through Food is a heartwarming memoir that explores the intersection of food and life. The book offers a glimpse into Tucci's life growing up in an Italian American family and his experiences in and out of the kitchen. From preparing for his foodie films to falling in love over dinner, each anecdote is as delicious as the last. Tucci's signature wry humor and mouthwatering recipes make this book a must-read for foodies and fans of his previous cookbooks. Taste is a celebration of the power of a home-cooked meal and a delightful addition to any bookshelf.

The updated edition of "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain is a riveting memoir of Bourdain's more than a quarter-century of drugs, sex, and haute cuisine in the restaurant business. Bourdain's writing is honest, acerbic, and utterly unsparing as he reveals what happens behind the kitchen door. This book is a deliciously funny, delectably shocking banquet of wild-but-true tales of life in the culinary trade. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the restaurant business or the life of a chef.

This book, "How to Starve Cancer: Without Starving Yourself," is a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment. The author, Jane, shares her personal journey of discovering a unique cocktail of off-label drugs and supplements that effectively starve cancer stem cells. Her approach not only stopped the growth of cancer but made it disappear altogether. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand more about cancer and unconventional treatments. It is inspiring, informative, and offers a new perspective on cancer treatment. Overall, this book is a game-changer in the fight against cancer.