Even though I finished the book weeks ago, I've left Waiter Rant on my Shelfari list (to the right) because I wanted to find the time to write my thoughts on it.
First of all, I cannot recommend this book enough! Thought provoking, witty, sad (in places) and always lively, this book is a cross between Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (only for the front of house restaurant workers) and almost anything by David Sedaris.
Perhaps you've never worked in the service industry; or, maybe you have. Regardless of your status, you'll wholeheartedly enjoy this autobiographical tale which paints a very real picture of those who toil away to make a living as well as those customers they depend upon for their livelihood.
I can also recommend the book because, on a more personal level, the author and I are very similar. Toward the end of the tale, he expresses not only his disdain for his current life (after having been referred to as "the sad man in the window" at one point during his restaurant tenure) but the sheer apprehension (and quite possibly even abject fear) that plagues him regarding a writing career. He felt that maybe he wasn't quite good enough and, if he failed, wondered how he would be able to continue having been rejected and forced to go back to a job that was wearing him down.
The book not only provided me with an entertaining read, but hope...the feeling that if he could do it, so can I.
And everything lately that I happen to read points to me shaking the dung off that's clustered on my life and really points to something new...a different direction.
Like this which I happened to spot in a paper I never read. I just glanced at it because I was bored at lunch:
Free Will Horoscope for week of Aug 20th
I know that those are for fun and meaningless. But it's just odd that ALL of those lately are saying the same thing.
Anyway, you can read more from the author of Waiter Rant here.
But do yourself a favor and pick up the book. It's well worth your time!
P.S. I also wish I wouldn't start some of these posts late at night when I'm at first full of energy, then, after walking the dog, getting ready for bed and returning to conclude it, I lose tremendous amounts of steam and finish haphazardly (or so it seems). Goodnight everyone! ;)
8 comments:
that looks like an interesting book. i think i'd like to hear the other side of things. i spend most of my time at work thinking the waiters are lazy idiots, it could be a nice change :)
I know you've recommended this book to me already, so I'm just going to go ahead and add it to my "hold list" at the library. :)
I do want to read this book.
~H
Lana,
Lol. It is a nice change. Not all of them are idiots...I'm living proof! ;)
We eventually move on...though not always to greener pastures.
Sarah,
I'll let you borrow it down the road. Promised it to someone else first!
H,
Well I have a copy so read away!
Are you certain you just didn't morph some alternate personality and write it Sean?
I'll go looking for it. I've been looking for something new to read. I've begun rereading The Shadow of the Wind (first time I've ever reread a book) and I'm not ready to dive back into the Beauty Trilogy ... so I'll pick this one up!
PS ~ happy birthday! <3
Kristen,
Lol...this is probably the book I would have written had I still been a waiter...but that was long ago thankfully!
Thanks for the birthday wishes but it's not for a few days yet. ;)
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