COOKING AS FAST AS I CAN A Chef's Story of Family, Food and Forgiveness

Cassandra Campbell successfully negotiates one of the trickier aspects of narrating autobiography: creating a personal connection between author and listener while remaining almost invisible. In her revealing memoir, Cat Cora recounts her rise in the culinary world as well as her experiences of growing up gay in Mississippi. She also tells of her struggle to balance her personal life with her professional ambition and her ongoing hope to move past the nightmare of childhood abuse. Campbell uses a subtle Southern accent to help anchor Cora's background but wisely refrains from attempting impressions. Her performance imparts a satisfying emotional level, projecting sadness without becoming morose and highlighting the author's successes without going over the top. Campbell's nonjudgmental and respectful narration allows the chef's voice and personality to take center stage. C.B.L. [Published: JANUARY 2016]