“I-I think I know what I want to be when I grow up.”
Katie took up waitressing after college as something to do until she was sure of her dream job. The problem was that she couldn’t make up her mind and just kept on waitressing. Her aunt is going to change her will and leave her money once she finally figures out what to do with her life, but even with that, she can’t seem to make a decision. Then, the café she works for is bought out by two men – and one of them is Dan, whom she had one date with where she had an anxiety attack and left him alone at the restaurant with no explanation. She faces losing her job, but instead is made manager and has to work with Dan day after day. It proves to be the catalyst she finally needs to get her life moving somewhere.
I found The Waitress at our local library book sale and thought it looked interesting. I chose it for the December Online Book Club since it seemed like a light-hearted, fun book. It takes place in London and was similar in style to the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.
Katie’s flatmate, Jon, and friend and coworker, Sukie, help Katie face her triumphs and troubles as Dan shows interest in Katie, but then turns around and starts seeing his ex-girlfriend again. Jon is trying to write a novel and Sukie is chasing down auditions to become an actress. Jon gets an agent and book contract and Sukie gets a very big audition and Katie must finally face up to the fact that she’s been living a life with no risks – and finds herself finally willing to take a big one.
The Waitress was a fun read, especially since Katie and Sukie are known for being rude to customers getting coffee at the café and that’s what the café is known for. The characters are interesting and the theme is finding the courage to follow your dreams. The book is for adults due to language and romance.