America the Edible

I realize my past few posts have been strictly Adam Richman related, but ya know what, deal with it. Nobody reads this shit anyway. It's for my own edification.

I devoured Adam's book in a day and a half. I could've finished it entirely in one day, but as is my need with most books, I like to prolong the experience when I'm enjoying it. As a child, I would make multiple trips to the library in a week, but always keep a few. I like to savor a good book. I find myself sad when I reach the end of a book I really enjoy.

Such is the case with this one.

The moment I began the first chapter, I was in it. The first few paragraphs of the very first chapter brought us into the world of Adam's heartbreak. Being a recent resident of Heartbreakville, it spoke to me instantly. Especially the "I don't love you anymore", which only 5 months ago was a phrase that shattered my entire life.

To have a reader in the first few paragraphs is a sign you're about to embark on a great literary journey.

And boy was I!

Food was never really something I considered to be "sexy". America the Edible changed my perspective of this. Watching someone enjoy something you also enjoy, or even have made, is absolutely sexy.

Now, I LOVE food. Trust, there's nothing I'd rather do than eat. All day, all night. Food is fantastic. But I never really realized what a profound effect it has on our lives. I remember hearing Adam talking about how food affects our experiences and stands out in certain circumstances in episodes past.. and until I really read what he has to say, I didn't realize how true that was.

Stories of romance, romance lost and craving romance - all of which feature food really make this book amazing. The food (including its taste, smell, and presentation), the people in Adam's life, the stories told, the cities and their histories, the locals, the tourists, the surroundings in the restaurants -- all feel completely palpable.

America the Edible is hands-down one of the most well-written books I've ever had the great pleasure of reading. (and I read a fucking LOT!) And I'd like to point out that I'm a completely unbiased reader. I'm a biased watcher. I'll watch Adam Richman do anything because he's delicious. I am a 100% unbiased reader, though. I've read books written by authors I admire and love that have absolutely bored me to tears. This was not the case with America the Edible. I was completely engaged and left wanting more.

Hawaii made me crave paradise and I envisioned that chapter easiest. I could feel Hawaii's beauty permeating through the pages.

San Fransisco broke my heart. All I wanted to do after reading that chapter is hug Adam Richman hard.

Brooklyn made me want to go home.
Every city, every chapter, every story; it was all magnificent.

I suggest everyone pick up a copy.... and I dare you to not rave about it! :)

Thank you, Adam Richman.

I don't know if ANYONE reads the garbage I spew upon this blog, and frankly I don't care... cause I don't write this for others, I write it for me.

But there is something I wanted to put out in the universe..

Over the course of the past five months or so, I've been blessed with the presence of Adam Richman, the magnificent host of Man v Food.
Let me go back a little bit...
If you just head back slightly in this blog, on my Twitter or my Facebook, or even -gasp- my real life, you'll know that on July 3rd, I had my heart shattered. Absolutely shattered.
I had spent 3 years with a man who was my entire world. We were engaged. Our wedding was planned. (Thankfully, it wasn't paid for! lol) I'd been in love before, but I'd never loved anyone or anything as much as I loved him. He knew me better than I've ever allowed anyone to know me.

We were the perfect couple. Everyone said so. It was a relationship so kismet, it didn't seem real.
Even our BIRTHDAYS were weird matches (mine is 1/11, his is 11/1). We almost never fought over the course of three years. We had the same sense of humor, the same tastes in almost everything, and we had a blast together no matter what we were or were not doing.
Furthermore, I spoiled him to pieces. I spent hundreds on the most thoughtful gifts and activities for special occasions (and even just when I felt like it!) and I did it because I wanted to. Because I loved him and would do anything for him.

Wednesdays, we'd order or I'd make a big meal and watch Man v. Food. Every Wednesday. We watched it all the time. It was our favorite night of the week. We had a list of locations we wanted to go to and try challenges and whatnot as well.

Until that one July afternoon when the rug was pulled from underneath my entire life and I was left to fall flat on my face...

Along with any past love, I'd also endured past heartbreak. None of which felt as painful as this one. It hurt to breathe, to move. I couldn't do anything but cry and wonder what I did wrong. Why he didn't love me. Why he left. The weekend prior was amazing... not to mention he was complimentary and sweet. I didn't get it. Honestly, I still don't. (Except now I don't care - lol)
Soon Wednesday came around. As sad as it made me, I decided to watch Man v. Food. Because as painful as it was to watch it by myself, I figured Adam Richman could cheer me up.
And he did.
Hugely.

Receiving a message or two (whose contents will remain private -- nothing scandalous, just nobody's business but my own) from Adam himself on Twitter really pulled me from the brink of mental breakdown.
I can't explain it. When I say it out loud, it sound ridiculous.
But his words of encouragement, his show and his wonderful personality brought me through one of the roughest times of my life.
So, I guess the point of this is that I wanted to say thank you. Thank you, Adam Richman. Even though I can't really explain it, you saved my life. You've kept me sane, you've made me smile, and you continue to do so still.
I appreciate you more than I can say.