Accidentally on Purpose dives into Kristen Kishโs childhood as a Korean adoptee in the Midwest, finding purpose in kitchens, and becoming the season 10 winner ofโand now hostโof Top Chef all the while navigating life in the spotlight, coming out in her adult years, and all the life lessons in between.
Kristen Kish never set out to live a public lifeโnot when she was a carefree softball-tossing kid, not in high school working at a pretzel stand, not even, briefly, as a working model. And definitely not when she finally landed her true calling as a chef. But in those early days, becoming a chef meant tethering oneself to a restaurant, not a television set. But it happened naturally (or as naturally as possible, given all the technology and TV magic involved), even if it was totally unanticipated.
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Of course, like most things in life, the road to this full circle momentโfrom Top Chef season 10 winner to now hostingโwas so much more winding and complicated than it may have appeared from the outside. From growing up as an adoptee in the Midwest, to trying to fit in with all the other girls who were busy dating boys, to coming out and finding love when she least expected it, Kristen learned that, unlike a map, no set of plans or definitions can dictate or explain a life. In fact, accidents happen. That curveballs will come. And they will often be consequential to oneโs path.
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In Accidentally on Purpose, what defines Kristenโs story arenโt the missteps or even the pleasant surprises that crop up. Itโs how to respond when they do, and the decisions made at those intersections. Because while accidents may be unexpected, they donโt have to be at odds with purpose. And as Kristen approaches lifeโs milestones, big and small, with intentionโthe ones she expected, and those she didnโtโshe realizes she can write her own definitions and chart her own course.