Editorial Reviews:
Book Description
Jeff Henderson was just another inner-city black kid born into a world of poverty and limited options, where crime seemed to provide the only way to get out. Raised mostly by his single mother, who struggled just to keep food on the table, Jeff dreamed big. He had to get out and he soon did by turning to what so many in his community did: dealing drugs. But Jeff was no ordinary drug dealer; by twenty-one, he was one of the top cocaine dealers in San Diego, making up to $35,000 a week. Two years later he was indicted on federal drug trafficking charges and sentenced to almost twenty years in prison. Before he knew what had hit him, he was looking at spending most of his life behind bars. The street life had been the only one he'd ever known and even incarcerated he was too hardheaded to realize that no good would come of it. That is, until he was assigned to one of the least desirable prison jobs: washing dishes. That job helped turn his whole life around. It gave him access to the prison kitchen and he became fascinated watching his fellow prisoners cook for the thousands of other inmates and prison officials. Henderson learned to cook in prison. Not cocaine, but food. And his dream was born: Once outside, he would become a chef. It was a tough, seemingly impossible journey for an ex-con. Few chefs would give him the opportunity to cook in their restaurants. And once hired, he endured racism and sabotage in the kitchen. But Henderson refused to accept rejection. Driven by a dream and an unshakable will to succeed, Chef Jeff worked hard to overcome unimaginable adversity and eventually reached the top of his profession, becoming executive chef at Café Bellagio in Las Vegas. Alive with the energy of the streets, the sober reality of prison, and the visceral thrill of being inside the fast-paced kitchens of great restaurants, Cooked is an intense, intimate tale of crime, punishment, and redemption—a deeply poignant story of how the worst wrong can lead to the most extraordinary right.
Customer Reviews:
Review #1: Inspiring for Everyone
2007-03-22 
I became interested in Jeff Henderson's story after seeing him interviewed on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He presented himself as someone who knows exactly who he is and where he is going. He's teaching people to hone their talents and use their inborn gifts for the common good instead of for greed and crime. I read his book slowly and deliberately so as not to miss any nuances of meaning and I was not disappointed. I firmly believe that Jeff is a role model for all of us - people of all ages, gender, races and culture - people who are sruggling to find their place in today's difficult and complex world. I hope Jeff's book reaches a wide audience because "Cooked" in my opinion, is an inspirational and pertinent book for Society today.
Review #2: Exceptional !!
2007-03-13 
This book is definitely a must have for young people from all backgrounds, I embraced this book from beginning to end with compassion for our culture hoping that it will be a number one seller and it will reach the masses. I am very much looking forward to going to Vegas just to see the presentation of Chef Henderson's food. I applaud your courage and your ability to beat the odds that were set against you. May God's Favor continue to shower on you and your family.
Review #3: Excellent Read
2007-03-11
I heard an interview with Jeff Henderson on NPR and became interested in his book. Both the content and style engage the reader. This is an inspirational read that avoids being trite and banal like certain other similarly-themed books. Although ostensibly unexpected, Henderson's career path seems so logical and natural when explained in his words. Highly recommended, not just for readers interested in the culinary arts.
Review #4: A Great Read........
2007-03-06
I picked up this book in a chain book store, thinking that I'd read a few pages and move on. The first chapter was riveting---full of good story telling and forecasting of more to read. Jeff Henderson's tale of a drug-dealing life to serving his time and walking away from that life is a good story. I've read many memoirs and have studied the craft. This one has the ingredients that makes it well worth reading. It is a well written book. Sometimes the descriptions and dialogue are a little over the top but not enough to make the story unbelievable.
Review #5: A life that you just want to celebrate.
2007-03-02
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. |
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