Yes, Chef - Marcus Samuelsson

A delightful, pleasurable book!  Marcus Samuelsson was born in a very small, primitive village in Ethiopia.  When he was 3, he, his mother and his older sister contracted tuberculosis.  Against all odds, and with amazing strength and determination, his mother carried him and, holding his sister's hand, walked with them  to a distant hospital - she died, but Marcus and his sister survived.  In a few months, they were adopted by a Swedish family who already had one adopted black child - and now had three!  The book consists of two parallel  stories - Marcus' unusual life history, and his development as a cook.  He has a passion for different kinds of tastes and cuisines.  Through exceptionally hard work and a can do attitude "Yes, Chef" - he progressed  up the "food chain" rapidly; at 24, his talent and training, together with a stroke of luck, allowed him to become the head chef at a classy Swedish restaurant in New York, Aquavit.  He quickly garnered a three-star review from Ruth Reichl and went on to other noteworthy successes - and some serious setbacks and personal trials, recounted with candor.  Great insights into the diverse world of first-class restaurants, and a warm, winning human story.