Would you like Pommes Frites with that?

Waiter Rant by The Waiter (Steve Dublanica), Ecco 320 pages.

This weekend I only managed to finish Waiter Rant. Among other things, I had to reinstall Windows (see earlier post), treat a heat rash, and get rid of a migraine, so, needless to say, it was a busy three days. Still don't feel much like myself, but I figured I'd write up my thoughts on this book.

Waiter Rant is a brief look at a few years in the life of a New York waiter. Pseudonyms are used to protect the innocent (presumably the author himself), though Steve Dublanica has since come forward as the author of both the blog and subsequent book that has raised so many eyebrows.

I had read a bit of his material at his blog (http://www.waiterrant.net/). I enjoyed his writing, at least at the blog level, and figured I'd pick up his book. The book itself is pretty good - the writing is witty, very conversational, and I can identify with most of the horror stories from my brief stint as a server at Bertucci's Brick Oven Ristorante. His stories are assorted and funny, well-written, and I could see how it would be easy to get swept up in just telling stories. Instead, Dublanica keeps the pace well and the overall plot also has a healthy arch to it - beginning with his entry to the restaurant industry, ending with his departure.

It's an entertaining read, but like anything of this sort, it's sort of disposable. I mean, I enjoyed reading his stuff, but I guess I'm more in the mood for something a little more substantial? weighty? significant? I think it's unfair of me to criticize his piece with my whining for non-fiction. If I want non-fiction that is socially relevant, then that's what I should read. Bottom line: The book accomplishes what it sets out to do. It's entertaining, a well-written, fun, light read, and allows you to exercise your empathy for the serving staff among us.