I’m Not High-Maintenance (As Long As Everything’s Perfect) tells the story of a private chef striving to meet impossible standards while navigating hypocrisy, wealth, and human absurdity. The book is sharp, funny, and unfiltered, offering an inside look at private-chef life and the people behind it. I did not find a single grammatical error—the book is amazingly edited. A confident 5 out of 5 stars.
— OnlineBookClub
A great read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2025
Format: Paperback
Wealth-land is an unusual world, it's inhabitants, narcissistic, delusional and outright nean sometimes, and those successfully employed by them do so because of their grace, patience and a remarkable sense of humor. Mr. Gladstone reflects those traits in his book while... See more
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Incredible read!
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2025
Format: Paperback
Offers a glimpse into the lives of the rich, famous, and privileged (for better or worse) from someone who might know them the best... their chef. Lots of funny, crazy, angering, and outrageous anecdotes. Couldn't recommend more
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
The Perfect Recipe of Humor and Honesty
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2025
Format: Paperback
I’m Not High Maintenance as Long as Everything’s Perfect by Mathew Gladstone is a hilarious and sharply observed look into the chaos and camaraderie of kitchen life. Having worked in a kitchen myself, I found the humor spot-on and the situations instantly relatable — the... See more
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Serving up The Stars by their Chef; a private Roasting
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2025
Format: Paperback
This is a great read. I have one in each of our Airbnbs and I get so many positive comments for the book! It’s a delightful look and poetic banter on the very high end of serving up Hollywood as a Professional Chef. The author ingeniously tries to balance perfection,... See more
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Hungry for more!
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2025
Format: Paperback
The casual style and funny yet accurate depictions made me feel like we were just buddies telling kitchen stories over a few bottles of wine. A great read for anyone!
.5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A fun read
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2025
Format: Paperback
Good, entertaining book - and easy, fun (and funny) read
.5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Not just an amuse-bouche of a book, but more of a buffet to be enjoyed
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2025
Format: Paperback
This is a quick read, but don't read it in a location where quiet is expected. The occasional outbursts of laughter and guffaws from you will disrupt those around you. Matthew Gladstone relates his experiences along with his own brand of humor and wit about his life as... See more
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Amazing Storyteller. Felt like I was listening to him recall at a bar.
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2025
Format: Kindle
one of the best storytellers I’ve read in years. I felt like I was at a bar hearing him tell old war.wound stories! Loved every chapter. Went on the website and got another shirt story that wasn’t published as well. I’m not a reader of memoirs particularly, however, I... See A page turner that you can't put down!
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2025
Format: Paperback
Where to start with how lovely this book is. From the very first page, Matthew's humor, humility, wit, and charm jump right off of the page and come to life in front of you. His words flow so effortlessly and with such beautiful description that you forget that you are reading because it's like you are watching everything unfold as though it's a movie. There are parts that are touching, parts that are hilarious, parts that show Matthew's vulnerability and ability to be his unvarnished self throughout. I sincerely hope that this book is an introduction into what I believe is the start of an amazing second (or is it, you will have to read to find out) career for Matthew Gladstone and I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next!
.5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Loved this Book. Chef turned Author done perfectly.
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2025
Format: Paperback
I wasn’t sure what to expect here. I was curious about the book as I knew the author many years ago in Los Angeles as a chef. What a surprise! Well written and perfect comedic timing. Oft times really funny and then in an instant turns to heartfelt and warm. A few... See more
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5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Enjoyable and Captivating Read
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2025
Format: Paperback
If you are looking for an enjoyable and captivating read, look no more. As a former industry worker (from both coasts), I appreciate the author’s candor, wit, and humor. His concise and crisp style is quite appealing. Lastly, the stories of people and places…such fodder... See more
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A quick and entertaining read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2025
Format: Paperback
A really quick but entertaining read! Great for those who enjoy a peek into lifestyles unique and different from their own! (Or those who love some celebrity gossip...)