The owner, G.T. Stoop, has leaukemia and hastily decides to run for mayor. His opponent, Eli Millstone, has been mayor for two consecutive terms and is hungry for a third. Eli attacks G.T. openly that his sickness makes him a poor choice for mayor. G.T. points out that the dairy company is behind on their taxes and is funding Eli's campaign to further their own political agenda. Eli's campaign pulls dirty tricks to win but eventually loses.
My personal favorite part of the story was when G.T. proposed to Addie. Hope's mom left Hope with Addy because she felt she was an unfit parent. When G.T. marries Addie, he asks Hope if he can become the father she never had. It was a beautiful ending.
The setting very much determines the speed of the story. When Hope is working at the restaurant, it is very fast paced and exciting. Two rings of a bell signal her that food is at the window. She is constantly dolling out coffee and working hard to keep the customers happy."You know what I like most about waitressing? When I'm doing it, I'm not thinking that much about myself. I'm thinking about other people. I'm learning again and again what it takes to make a difference in other people's lives."(Page 144)
I am also very fond of the jargon used. By reading the story you start to understand the language that waitresses and cooks share. It adds a whole new level of analogies and ways to express emotions. In the classroom, I would use this book to show young teens the value of good and honest work. Every character is striving to be better: Hope wants to be the best waitress, Addie is always perfecting a recipe, and G.T. will stop at nothing to stop the corruption in his town.
Check out this LINK more about the author. It also includes lesson plans for discussion groups.
By the way, it was the Newberry Honor for 2001.
Such a nice story. It can also show students the hard work that goes into making a living. You could use the election in the book to briefly explain economics/government. Perfect for a middle school classroom. Glad you really liked it!
ReplyDeleteI was so happy that you read this book when you were younger. By far, this has got to be one of the best that I've read. Becoming a Middle School science/math teacher, I didn't think I'd be purchasing any literature this semester. That all changed when I found this book! :)
DeleteI wasn't sure if I liked this book until I read your review. It interesting that so much can come out of a book about waitressing and I'm always interested how author's tie their morals to the plot line. I also liked your quote! Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this book does a great job teaching the benefits behind good, honest, hard work. I think that is a very important idea to teach students, especially in middle school. These students will be starting high school soon, and it is important for them to learn these lessons.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read!