For those of you who would like to read more as one of your 2015
resolutions, I'm with you!
Today, I would like to call together the first Polished Book Club meeting to introduce you to my favorite book of 2015 so far.
Already? Yes, already!
Already? Yes, already!
When I feel that I have a bit of time on my hands, I love going to
Barnes and Noble to pick up a new book (or in this case, 3 books and a
journal). I have a nook (yes, I have a nook - procured circa 2009 and it’s
still going strong) but there’s something about the physical copy of a book
that makes me a) more likely to finish reading the book and b) feel oh so
sophisticated.
The physical copy encourages me to continue reading.
Electronic books make me want to stop reading and start scrolling through
Pinterest.
Although I stop by the bookstore at least 5 to 10 times a year, it’s
rare that I ever actually finish reading a book. Why? I pick… practical books.
We can easily translate what I call “practical” to somewhat, absolutely,
without a doubt, boring.
I do believe that I could learn a lot from that 800 page book
about economics that I bought last year. As much as I tried to treat it as a
leisurely beach-read, it was not. It was quite the opposite. I’ll finish
reading it eventually… However, at the time, it served a greater purpose:
propping my towel up the perfect height to create a makeshift pillow. One of
the greatest naps I’ve ever taken on the beach.
Now that you know my book selection history, here comes the
exciting news.
Are you ready?
I’m sure the anticipation is making you antsy.
Does the word “antsy” come from anticipation?
The two words must be related.
I can’t believe I never saw the relationship.
This is an astonishing discovery that I’ve just made, is it not?
Feel free to tell your friends, but I would like some credit for
my brilliant deductive reasoning.
Oh, right. Back to the exciting news.
I finally finished a book that I have read on my own time, without
someone assigning it or “strongly suggesting” that I read it. This news may not
be so exciting to you. But believe me when I say it is one of the most
entertaining books I’ve read in the past few years.
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The Book:
Heads in Beds.
A reckless memoir of hotels, hustles, and
so-called hospitality.
New York Times Bestseller
The review that really encouraged me to purchase the book:
“With incredibly witty, from-the-gut
prose, Mr. Tomsky provides an inside scoop on the good, the bad, and the
incredibly ugly happenings that go on behind closed hotel doors – as well as
front desk antics that happen right before your untrained, naïve eyes . . . . A
very fun, entertaining read.” – New York Journal of Books
A quick skim-through and I was already smiling.
Caution: if you’re uncomfortable with expletives, you may want to
pass this book up.
Truthfully, I do tend to judge a book by its cover. Pretty pictures
will draw me to a book. The cover of this book is pretty, so I picked it up.
I wouldn’t feel awkward reading it in public, either. Bonus
points. [Insert the picture of any romantic novel you have ever thought of
reading on the plane, but quickly decided against bringing because of the
suggestive cover image.]
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My Thoughts on the Book:
Heads in Beds is excellent – entertaining, informative,
well-written, just as all of the other reviews have said.
I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels throughout my life, and that’s
probably one of the main reasons I thought this would be a good read. Around Christmas
time, I always see articles on how much it is appropriate to tip your doorman,
bellman, and whoever else you come into contact with during the months of
November and December.
This book tells you more than how much to tip. It explains why you
should tip, the importance of tipping for the employees, the benefits that you
can gain from tipping the right people, and so much more insider knowledge. You
may find yourself taking notes for your next vacation. The people that work in
hotels really can improve the quality of your stay… or make it so much worse
with the swiftness of their PMS.
AKA, Property Management System. The front desk is basically the
physical embodiment of your karma.
So cool.
Another reason I enjoyed the book? It is peppered with quotations
from rappers that showcase the true nature of the hotel hustle.
I.e. ‘(“I don’t get mad, I just get money.” – Young Jeezy.)’ {Heads in Beds, 254}
Classic literary prowess.
To learn more, visit Jacob Tomsky's website: Click Here.
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This concludes the end of our book club meeting for today, ladies
and gentlemen.
If you have any further comments, praise, or future suggestions,
let me know!
Until next time.
~ Dionna
