My Review: The late Melissa Nathan was an excellent chick-lit author. Even though the storyline of her book, The Waitress, doesn’t really deviate too far away from the other chick-lit books out there, there was still something distinct in her style of writing that make the book looks unique. I’ve read her two other books before – The Nanny and The Learning Curve – and I’m glad to say that this one also didn’t disappoint. The Waitress chronicled the life of Katie, a cheeky and sarcastic waitress in a cafe on suburb London. Despite being a graduate from Oxford, she seemed somewhat clueless about everything. She didn’t seem sure of the things she wanted to do in her life and she also had huge issues when it came to dating. Most recently, she left her date, Dan, in the middle of their first dinner just because she was extremely panic. Coincidentally, Dan and his friend, Paul, took over the place where she worked few months after the disastrous date. Paul made Katie the manager of the cafe which forced her to work closely with Dan while caused jealousy to her other friends, Sukie and Jon, who currently struggling with their own career issues. Will these current obstacles and situation help Katie to grow up and get herself out of her comfort zone? Will the romance start to blossom again?When I first picked up the book, I seriously thought that I would hate it. The introductory part was slow and I really have no idea where the story was going until Katie’s issues were finally revealed. Most of the characters were likeable and fun especially Katie’s when she was in her sarcastic moods. Unlike most other chick-lit, this book has depth and the message of the whole story is also very good. There are a few cliché in the book like (1) the struggling artiste friends, (2) family pressure regarding settling down and (3) ex’s interference with current relationship but the entire story is an original one. These are the kind of things that young people has to deal with so the stereotype are absolutely necessary. Despite its huge size, this book was a light read and absolutely entertaining.Final Verdict: An enjoyable read for those who love chick-lits. While the story is predictable, the middle part is sprinkled with humours, heartbreaks and frustration that will keep us reading till the final page despite knowing how it will eventually ends. Read more: http://bibliophiles-journal.blogspot....
This book was cute, but I struggled with it because it had the potential to be a really fun, absorbing, forget-the-day-because-I'm-reading, book. The idea is good, the characters were unique and had good characteristics and bad characteristics... the bones were there. The flesh however, was lacking. This novel desperately needed a better editing job than it received - there were entire chapters, and a couple of characters, that could have been cut. I did not care what happened to Hugh outside of his relationship with Katie. I didn't care about Matt at all. I also didn't care that Katie got stuck in a roundabout and has a terrible sense of direction - I'm assuming that bit was supposed to be funny, but that's the part where I almost stopped reading because the novel wasn't going anywhere. The ending was also tied up with a big pink bow, with everyone happy and no more problems ever. It was a little too much for me to suspend my beliefs. I would have enjoyed it much more if it ended with the characters struggling, but realizing that life was worth the struggle instead of having fortune just magically fall into their laps. Criticisms aside, it was a fast read once I got to about Chapter 4 and I did enjoy the characters. I just wish that the author had focused more on Katie and Dan, and less on everyone else. It made the book too cluttered - like the author was shooting for Love, Actually but ended up with Valentine's Day instead. I wouldn't give it a glowing recommendation, but if a friend asked me if it was worth it I would say it was alright. I will not, however, be giving it a second read.
What do You think about The Waitress (2005)?
Ok, I am not finished (and probably won't finish) this book but I have to say that the beginning is really asinine. I mean...wow. I'm more into historical fiction, but want to get back into books in my own century. So far...not working out so well. I can't get past all the stupid little phrases. One being "pelvic floor" instead of "stomach." That turn-of-phrase didn't necessarily make me think her lil romance w/ Danny-boy would be fun to hear about. I've only made it to page 12.... Not sure if I can make myself read on.
—Jen
It took me about 100 pages to get into this book. Once I did, I was hooked. This reminded me a little bit of “Amanda’s Wedding” but it was much better. It is a story about Katie. Katie is a waitress and is trying to figure out what to do with her life. This book was had adjacent stories and expressions of feelings from the other characters. It made the book more interesting and unique. Although the main character was Katie, the author was very deliberate in detailing the lives of some of the other characters and what they were feeling about certain aspects of their lives and how it related to the main plot. Nathan did a very good job with this. As a reader, I didn’t feel like these tributaries were unnecessary. They added to the enjoyment of the book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by this author. Well done!
—Kellie
I like the way The Waitress written by Melissa Nathan is written in. Following the format like a menu in a restaurant. With appetizers, main courses, desserts and of course don’t forget there is the bill. These subcategories are separated from her life. For instance, the main courses are what the protagonist- Katie’s ideals are such as her idea of romance is a goodbye kiss. However, the bill which she needs to pay up are her ex eager to find her. Nathan ended with the novel nicely. The mood she sets up for the reader at the end, “The sound of cheering drowned out her crying” (Nathan 367). She uses imagery to create the mood sounding cheerful to cover the protagonist's sadness.
—Chin
