parts unknown, books known
nonfiction that i think could pair extremely well with certain episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. recommendations welcome!
created by tinychangestoshane
last updated July, 2026
Comments
this list is a passion project that’s been percolating in the back of my mind since joining PB in February 2026. extremely happy to now be getting it off of the ground! this idea started out as “i’ll put together a list that contains one book for every single episode of PU!”, which i then realized was near-impossible given how many episodes that fucking show has. but i can still recommend books for it regardless :] the masterlist below will be updated anytime the list is! TOKYO (season 2, episode 7): •My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness by Nagata Kabi QUEBEC (season 1, episode 4) •Even the Good Girls Will Cry by Melissa Auf der Maur LYON, FRANCE (season 3, episode 3): •The Secret History of French Cooking by Luke Barr MARSEILLE (season 6, episode 3): •32 Yolks by Eric Ripert MISSISSIPPI DELTA (season 3, episode 6): •The Potlikker Papers by John T. Edge •House of Smoke by John T. Edge
Fabulous idea for a list! THANK YOU for working on this!!!
tysm pancit!! the list will be added to, but very slowly lmao, i want to read each book before adding it and possibly rewatch whatever episode i’d attach it to just to make sure they connect
Your dedication and attention to detail does, and will not, go unnoticed, Shane! Truly appreciate all the time you’re putting into this. Having these reads will make rewatching even more interesting and enjoyable!
pancit omg🥹🫶
The title hurt my heart a little bit, what a sweet homage (especially in light of the horrible biography you just read and reviewed for us!).
ngl reading that biography really brought this idea back to my mind, ty masha <3
Mark Lanegans memoir Sing Backwards and Weep would go well with the Seattle episode (lanegan actually shows up, there’s concert footage of him and his song closes out the episode). I believe Anthony Bourdain also urged him to write said memoir, and it’s really good. And by good I mean like super fun and also pretty bleak and also has an entire chapter dedicated to hating on Liam Gallagher so.
ty!! this is on my plan this month to read and then add to this list
