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Ballrooms and Ugly Poodles: Semi-Tall Tales of a Palm Beach Waitress
Print version available March 12, 2013.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of the world’s ritziest hotels?
From dumping coffee on a white silk Gucci gown, witnessing creepy political scandals to fending off crazed—sometimes naked—socialites, one thing is for sure: it is anything but a typical college job.
Ballrooms and Ugly Poodles: Semi-Tall Tales of a Palm Beach Waitress is a collection of humorous stories inspired by the author’s adventures working at a five-diamond historic hotel on the shores of Palm Beach, Florida—a far cry from her humble Midwestern upbringing. The stories paint a hilarious picture of what it is like serving some of America’s richest and most powerful, all while wearing Kmart loafers and a used polyester tuxedo. A true behind-the-scenes look at the glitz and glamour of Palm Beach, this book may make you pee with laughter, while also providing a unique and rarely seen perspective of the excessively wealthy. But mostly just make you pee with laughter.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of the world’s ritziest hotels?
From dumping coffee on a white silk Gucci gown, witnessing creepy political scandals to fending off crazed—sometimes naked—socialites, one thing is for sure: it is anything but a typical college job.
Ballrooms and Ugly Poodles: Semi-Tall Tales of a Palm Beach Waitress is a collection of humorous stories inspired by the author’s adventures working at a five-diamond historic hotel on the shores of Palm Beach, Florida—a far cry from her humble Midwestern upbringing. The stories paint a hilarious picture of what it is like serving some of America’s richest and most powerful, all while wearing Kmart loafers and a used polyester tuxedo. A true behind-the-scenes look at the glitz and glamour of Palm Beach, this book may make you pee with laughter, while also providing a unique and rarely seen perspective of the excessively wealthy. But mostly just make you pee with laughter.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2012
47 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Katie Schnack
4 books34 followersKatie Schnack is a writer who has been featured in outlets like Romper, HelloGiggles, ScaryMommy, XOJane, TODAY Parents - NBC, Relevant Magazine and more.
For more information please visit katieschnack.com or connect with her on:
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/katieschnackwriter
For more information please visit katieschnack.com or connect with her on:
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/katieschnack
and
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katieschnackwriter
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 3, 2020
The first thing that drew me to this book was the title. I mean, come on, who could resist "Ballrooms and Ugly Poodles"? I wasn't disappointed.
The author has penned a gem of a read about her time serving at an ultra-posh, 5+ star joint in where else? Palm Beach.
Although the title says "semi-tall" tales, it is noted that many of the events happened, maybe not exactly as described, but close enough, which makes this book even better.
The situations she finds herself in will make you laugh including: being forced to wear a black tuxedo and tie - in the Palm Beach heat!, finding a tampon in the ripped pocket of said uniform, sneaking bites of the fabulous food so she doesn't faint while serving, a Christmas party to die for, being hit-on, pushed, shoved, breathed upon by people who are in desperate need of a Tic-Tac and who may or may not have teeth that may or may not be white but closer to the tan/brown shades.
She gets through all of it with a great sense of humor.
A very, very fun read.
The author has penned a gem of a read about her time serving at an ultra-posh, 5+ star joint in where else? Palm Beach.
Although the title says "semi-tall" tales, it is noted that many of the events happened, maybe not exactly as described, but close enough, which makes this book even better.
The situations she finds herself in will make you laugh including: being forced to wear a black tuxedo and tie - in the Palm Beach heat!, finding a tampon in the ripped pocket of said uniform, sneaking bites of the fabulous food so she doesn't faint while serving, a Christmas party to die for, being hit-on, pushed, shoved, breathed upon by people who are in desperate need of a Tic-Tac and who may or may not have teeth that may or may not be white but closer to the tan/brown shades.
She gets through all of it with a great sense of humor.
A very, very fun read.
May 31, 2014
Ballrooms and Ugly Poodles - Semi-Tall Tales of a Palm Beach Waitress is composed of many quick and comedic short stories that provide an interesting and exaggerated look at the lives of extravagant socialites, as well as insight into the day-to-day life of a waitress.
The stories are amusing and I did laugh out loud at one point. Never did I find them dragging on for too long or leaving me pining for more. The writer's voice is also very strong and is one of the highlights. It was a very fun read!
My only gripe was a few generalizations.
It is perfect for on-the-go reading and those times when you just want to be entertained without having to become invested in a long plot or deeper themes. I definitely recommend it as a beach read for that reason!
...
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through the Goodreads FirstReads giveaways. The author included a personalised note, which was thoroughly appreciated and made a lovely bookmark while reading. Thanks to everyone involved!
The stories are amusing and I did laugh out loud at one point. Never did I find them dragging on for too long or leaving me pining for more. The writer's voice is also very strong and is one of the highlights. It was a very fun read!
My only gripe was a few generalizations.
It is perfect for on-the-go reading and those times when you just want to be entertained without having to become invested in a long plot or deeper themes. I definitely recommend it as a beach read for that reason!
...
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through the Goodreads FirstReads giveaways. The author included a personalised note, which was thoroughly appreciated and made a lovely bookmark while reading. Thanks to everyone involved!
February 21, 2013
Humorous. Loved Schnack's ability to paint scenes of her experiences.
July 21, 2020
What a fun read! The other half lives, well, quite as you’d expect them to - with a good dose of humor thrown in.
July 9, 2020
Fascinating
The contrast between the life of a tuxedo clad waitress/college student, and the glimpse of the lives of the rich and powerful become clear in the stories told of the five star parties she served.
The contrast between the life of a tuxedo clad waitress/college student, and the glimpse of the lives of the rich and powerful become clear in the stories told of the five star parties she served.
July 9, 2020
Trials and tribulations of a server in Palm Beach
Very cute and funny stories about her time serving the rich and famous. Because each story stood on its you can put down and come back later, not missing a plot line.
Very cute and funny stories about her time serving the rich and famous. Because each story stood on its you can put down and come back later, not missing a plot line.
July 7, 2020
Hilarious true stories of a girl working in a posh hotel. The many typos tripped me up, but I gave it 5 stars anyway for the content and humor.
June 30, 2020
Excellent book
Really enjoyed this delightful and true excerpt from Palm Beach. Felt like I was a fly on the wall enjoying all the different things that happened! Very well written and I highly recommend you enjoy this book. You will be happy you did.
Really enjoyed this delightful and true excerpt from Palm Beach. Felt like I was a fly on the wall enjoying all the different things that happened! Very well written and I highly recommend you enjoy this book. You will be happy you did.
April 29, 2013
This past summer, I started reading some memoirs and found that I actually quite enjoyed that genre. I learned, though, that the trick to finding a memoir you'll enjoy is by picking ones about people/subjects you find interesting. That being said, this one fell a little short to me because the topic was a little boring for my taste.
As a college student living in Palm Springs, Katie decides to start working as a waitress in a historical hotel. With stories ranging from hysterical Snookie-like brides to creepy old women who flirt with her boyfriend, Katie takes us behind the scenes of the not-so-glamorous life of a waitress in the illustrious world of Palm Springs.
From the cover and title of this book, I thought I'd be in for a treat. And considering the author calls it "so freaking funny," I thought it'd actually be funny. Instead, I found the author's sense of humor more annoying than humorous and her stories just went on and on. Some of them seemed a little pointless while others seemed like she was trying a bit too hard to portray them as hilarious moments.
I didn't find myself caring at all about Katie's journey as a waitress to the rich and famous, nor did I have any desire to keep on reading to figure out what crazy tale she had to tell next. I did end up finishing the book, though, and wasn't relly left with anything. If you want a book that will make you laugh and not want to stop until the end, this one definitely isn't it. While it had some of it's funny moments, it was lacking something really unique and substantial to make it stick out. I guess I just had too high of expectations. Either way, given the choice I'd say pass on this one.
As a college student living in Palm Springs, Katie decides to start working as a waitress in a historical hotel. With stories ranging from hysterical Snookie-like brides to creepy old women who flirt with her boyfriend, Katie takes us behind the scenes of the not-so-glamorous life of a waitress in the illustrious world of Palm Springs.
From the cover and title of this book, I thought I'd be in for a treat. And considering the author calls it "so freaking funny," I thought it'd actually be funny. Instead, I found the author's sense of humor more annoying than humorous and her stories just went on and on. Some of them seemed a little pointless while others seemed like she was trying a bit too hard to portray them as hilarious moments.
I didn't find myself caring at all about Katie's journey as a waitress to the rich and famous, nor did I have any desire to keep on reading to figure out what crazy tale she had to tell next. I did end up finishing the book, though, and wasn't relly left with anything. If you want a book that will make you laugh and not want to stop until the end, this one definitely isn't it. While it had some of it's funny moments, it was lacking something really unique and substantial to make it stick out. I guess I just had too high of expectations. Either way, given the choice I'd say pass on this one.
January 10, 2013
I have my fair share of terrible work stories, but I can't imagine having enough to fill a whole book. Unfortunately, "Ballrooms and Ugly Poodles" author Katie Schnack does have this curse placed upon her, but has used it to her advantage by sharing her stories in this humorous collection.
If you enjoy a novel in the format of multiple short essays (think Tina Fey's book) you'll love this. Katie brings the reader through a journey of waitressing the tackiest to the classiest parties ever - all in the poignant backdrop of the 2008 economic crisis. As a recent college grad with not a lot of money in the middle of all this fiscal cliff business, I find the book extremely relevant.
It's a quick, fun read, and an added bonus are all the descriptions of the food served at the lavish parties. It will make you hungry for steak and bacon-wrapped hor d'oeuvres, and make you mad that all you have in your fridge are carrots. Sigh.
And yes, there is a story about Rush Limbaugh. Get excited.
If you enjoy a novel in the format of multiple short essays (think Tina Fey's book) you'll love this. Katie brings the reader through a journey of waitressing the tackiest to the classiest parties ever - all in the poignant backdrop of the 2008 economic crisis. As a recent college grad with not a lot of money in the middle of all this fiscal cliff business, I find the book extremely relevant.
It's a quick, fun read, and an added bonus are all the descriptions of the food served at the lavish parties. It will make you hungry for steak and bacon-wrapped hor d'oeuvres, and make you mad that all you have in your fridge are carrots. Sigh.
And yes, there is a story about Rush Limbaugh. Get excited.
March 4, 2013
BALLROOMS AND UGLY POODLES is one of the best books I have read. It is funny, real, and you feel like you are hearing a story from an old friend. The author shows us a day in the life of a Palm Beach waitress. The stories are bizarre, funny, crazy and some even sad. If I were a socialite, I would think twice about my actions before going out in public or you may find your way in a book. Better yet, act crazy so I can hear more stories. The book also had foot notes that I found hilarious. If you want to laugh get this book ASAP. A highly recommended read.
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: mild
Reviewed By: Rae
My Book Addiction And More
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: mild
Reviewed By: Rae
My Book Addiction And More
August 7, 2014
I'm always intrigued by memoirs of regular people doing regular things because I like reading about normal people. This was no exception - book about a college girl who worked catering at a very fancy hotel and the crazy (and everyday) things that happened. Lots of cute stories but I would have liked a few more names named.
May 7, 2013
Some stories were disturbing. Some stories had life lessons. Some stories made me laugh till I couldn't breathe. And in the end it made me terrified to ever visit Palm Beach. But hey, it was an enjoyable read.
January 6, 2013
It had some funny parts and it was a quick read. I thought the stories were going to be a little better, having lived in the area and seen some crazy stuff in Palm Beach.
April 18, 2013
HOnestly, one of the funniest books I have read in a long time! Check out the full review here: http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2013/04/...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews