I first heard about this book on a radio program back in September, and was intrigued by the radio interview with the author. It went on my "maybe I'll read that someday" list almost immediately, but it wasn't until this month that I got to read it. Our MOMS Club book club picked this as our June read. One of the moms confessed to me that she had very low expectations when we chose this book, because she thought that a memoir about a coffee shop would probably be very boring. But she said she really enjoyed the book. Today is our book club discussion, so I'll get to find out what others thought of it as well. I enjoyed it - a very easy read, it is written simply, with no real surprises. Each chapter opens with a quote that has been printed on Starbucks cups. Michael Gates Gill was very successful in the advertising industry, came from a priveleged family and was part of high society. But his firing, and a subsequent affair which led to his divorce, changed his lifestyle dramatically. He also was diagnosed with a brain tumour at about the same time. His book tells how this downward spiral led to his accepting a job at a Starbucks store and how his perceptions of the world were challenged and changed through his experiences. He found that he enjoyed his much simpler lifestyle, and genuinely enjoyed his work and the people he encountered at Starbucks.
Gill tells his story in a very self-effacing memoir style. His telling of the story is often punctuated with lengthy "flashbacks" to his earlier years as he makes comparison of then to now. He says he is far happier in this service job and living simply than he was in his former lifestyle, and talks about how his eyes were opened to his own prejudices. Obviously Starbucks is presented in a completely positive light - and as such a wonderful place to work, and I doubt they will have trouble finding employees as long as this book is being read and talked about! If I wanted a part-time job, I think I'd head straight to Starbucks and see if it was as positive and wonderful as portrayed in the book!
The end notes in the book indicated that a movie may come out based on the book, with Tom Hanks playing the part of Gill. I can only picture a movie kind of like "Forrest Gump" except not as humourous. Hmmm.... I don't know how interesting a movie it would be. But the book was a light, feel-good summer read.