The Girl Who Became King is a memoir by Melissa King, two-time Top Chef contestant and Season 17 All-Stars winner. If you’re coming to this expecting behind-the-scenes reality TV tea, just know that’s not what this is. King spends far more time on her personal life and early career than on her time on Top Chef — and honestly, it’s the better book for it.
What she gives you instead is an open, brave account of growing up as a gay Chinese American chef, including a really moving portrait of her relationship with her father. King and I have essentially nothing in common, but that’s the magic of a well-written memoir, isn’t it? You finish it feeling like you’ve walked around in someone else’s shoes for a while.
A great read, and I’d imagine equally great on audio. Recommended for foodie memoir lovers, Top Chef fans, and anyone who appreciates a memoir that really lets you in.
PS: Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for providing me with an Advanced Reading Copy
