Cooked: My Journey from the Streets to the Stove

I first heard about Jeff Henderson from his television show The Chef Jeff Project in which Henderson, who spent 10 years in jail for drug trafficking, mentors troubled young adults in the area of fine cooking with the hope of steering them in the right direction and hooking them up for jobs. My expectations for the book were not high, as I feared this celebrity chef had simply "told his story" to a ghost writer who did a quick job to make a book for money. My presumption couldn't have been farther from the truth. As I later found out, Henderson began conceiving of the book, and writing it himself, decades ago in prison, haunted by the guilt that selling drugs to people on the streets was not a victimless crime but one of such devastation that he someday wanted to redeem himself and atone for his wrongs by imparting a powerful story of his self-reinvention and ultimate redemption. His writing voice is powerful and authentic as he explains his rise as a drug dealer, his struggles in prison, and his excruciating post-prison growing pains as he uses all of his might to transform himself into a world-class chef (which he does), develop his personality into a leader, a mentor, and a statesman, disavowing his past criminal ways, and his dedication to his family and community. This book is free of cant and sanctimonious self-aggrandizement. Henderson tells the story straight with no affectations. He uses his real voice, street vernacular and all. For me, hearing his story was even more powerful because I listened to the audio version, which Henderson reads himself. His voice has all the power such a compelling tale of transformation deserves. Highly recommended.

As a retired NYPD lieutenant, I've experienced my share of ex-cons who talk a good talk about "going straight" vs. those who actually do it. Mr. Henderson has written an inspirational and totally believable version of his life. I listened to the unabridged audio version of the book, with the autor as reader. While Mr. Henderson retains his street accent, this book could have been read by a polished reader with not nearly the impact. So, coming from a cynical old cop, I believe I've found one of the few ex-con who speaks the truth about his desire to become a functioning member of society while attaining culinary heights not often relaized by those who've had more opportunities in life. Great book.

What a terriffic book! I can't put it down. A real tale of redemption. I never thought reading about a man in prison could be so captivating!

To simplify the essence of who Jeff is, he is "the man." His story and survival is just "wow," awe inspiring. Not only did he survive the hell and challenges of poverty with no guidance from family, he was drawn into the "bling" world of drugs, fast money and sex. The blessing for Jeff was actually going to prison, and not because this put him on the path to achieving his dream of becoming a world class chef,prison kept him ALIVE. "Cooked" is a well written book that is so down to earth and engaging, that you want to help that lost boy that was virtually alone in his youth, and celebrate with Jeff his current success. He writes brilliantly and draws his reader in with his beautiful style. How lucky we all are to share in the "sweets" of Jeff's remarkable life and "dishes" at the Bellagio. Thanks for changing your life Jeff, we are all benefiting in our waist line.

This book is incredible. Jeff has an incredible personal story of overcoming adversity. He is an inspiration and the story reads fast and it is inspiring. It can inspire those of us that are unaware of the 'street life.' We need to hear stories of a young man that over-came the only life he knew and how he has now (as Maya Angelou says) become a rainbow in the clouds. Everyone should read this book and be thankful for all our big and small blessings. I've also heard Jeff speak and he is a powerful, engaging and thought-provoking speaker.