Doorman Wanted

by Glenn R. Miller

Henry Franken has a problem with money-he has too much of it. When his unprincipled father dies, thirty-three-year-old Henry inherits a massive estate, including an Upper East Side residential building. He must confront the reality of his new financial status, directly conflicting with his well-honed identity as a "progressive liberal." When he shows up to collect the keys to his father's building, he notices a sign: "Doorman Wanted." Seeing a chance to stave off the complexities of his inheritance, Henry applies for the position under a pseudonym . . . and gets it. Now, no one in the building knows that Doorman "Franklin Hanratty" is the building's new mysterious owner.

Through interactions with residents and the homeless outside his door, Henry develops from an idealistic young person avoiding the demands of his fortune, into a man who accepts the opportunity to direct that wealth toward a broader good.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Humor, Audiobook, Contemporary

308 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2024

About the author

Glenn Miller launched his professional career by working on television soap operas and game shows on the back lots of NBC Burbank. He holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and has served as a CBS-affiliate news producer, an executive speechwriter, and creative director at production agencies within the Twin Cities. His novel, Doorman Wanted, will be published on March 26, 2024.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a fun read!

Doorman Wanted takes us along the journey of Henry Franken, whom we meet shortly after the passing of his very affluent father, who has left him everything. When he goes to sign the paperwork to accept his newly acquired Upper East Side building and penthouse apartment, he sees a sign in the window: Doorman Wanted. None too interested in his family's wealth, he chooses to accept this as a sign to instead apply for the job, and keeps his true identity hidden from the residents and employees.

What transpires is a witty, humorous and well-written story that leads us through life as Franklin Hanratty, a doorman imposter. We are introduced to several quirky, fun and interesting residents along with some wild co-workers.

Throughout his role as doorman, Henry/Franklin meets and befriends a few homeless artists which in turn places him on a quest to provide them with better opportunities in the world of art, and thus life.

Although I feel like this book doesn't have a very clear plotline, the way it's written just somehow works. I really liked engaging with each individual character, and getting to follow along with their daily adventures. Everyone had very different personalities and I enjoyed getting to know them all.

What I didn't love, was the ending of Wendy's storyline. It was completely fine until she finds out who Franklin truly is, and in my opinion, completely overreacts. (Ok pot, let's call the kettle black, shall we?) But then just basically acts like nothing happened? It was strange, and I just didn't get it, I guess.

I also wish there was a bit more of a reaction written amongst the residents when they learned the truth about Franklin/Henry. It seems like it was just kind of glazed over a bit, and slightly disappointing.

Overall though, this was an excellent story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Especially for a debut novel! I would absolutely love to read a sequel, so that we can continue getting to know all the characters and continue on this journey with them. Perhaps a storyline from Charlotte's perspective?

*Thank you to NetGalley, Glenn R. Miller and Koehler Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I wish I could remember who suggested it to me. Such a great subject. Being rich, and pretending that you are not. Being the doorman… learning about people.
I many times read about the author before I start reading the book, this time I didn’t. What a great surprise to read in the acknowledgment that he had studied at Minneapolis Loft Literacy center. And that he lives in Minneapolis! That is where I live also!

[Nan · Rating 1 out of 5]

A thirty-something man inherits millions and a fancy Upper East Side condo building from his estranged, recently deceased father. When he reluctantly returns to NY he walks into the building, is mistaken for the new doorman, and accepts the position. Well, okay. What follows is a tale of stereotypical characters, obvious lessons (be honest, care about homeless people, money isn’t everything, etc.) and worst of all, some of the most hackneyed dialogue I’ve ever come across. I finally started skimming so I could see if the ending made it all worthwhile. Nope. There’s lots of love from other readers for this book, but a hard pass from me.

[Angie Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a literary crush on Glenn Miller. He develops a playful narrative with a sense of humor that is engaging and draws in the reader, moving you quickly along the storyline. I enjoyed the many personalities I met, from those who live in the swanky upper east side apartment to the friends the doorman, Franklin, meets on the street. It all comes together with a clever metaphor for life that left me smiling and hoping for a sequel. Bravo!

[Lauren Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. I loved every single minute in these pages.
Imagine my disappointment when I thought "I need to read more of this man's books" then discover there is no more....yet.
So a message to Glenn R Miller....hurry up and write more!!
Tomata and Terry I loved you guys. Hoping Cadillac is going ok.

[Neil Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative, witty, fast moving and very satisfying. Makes you think, but not too hard. A very enjoyable read.

[Jon Koebrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doorman Wanted is a feel good read. The characters are fun and both the vocabulary and phrasing were treats. There is a satisfying fantasy element to a doorman actually being the wealthy building owner. Recommended for readers who enjoy a story where a wealthy person wants to help others in a non-conspicuous manner. 4 stars.

[Thomas Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous novel. Engaging and well drawn characters, sharp observations about society, and a playful use of language that makes it a treat to read. Do yourself a favor and read or listen to this book! I promise that you will not be disappointed.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

A work of humor, life lessons, humility and desire for life. Haven't we all wished we could live life differently for a short time to find ourselves.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5.

[Jane MacAlpine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different style novel than I would generally read but it was recommended to me. I truly enjoyed it! it was very well written, very funny at times, and also uplifting.

[Jelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is pretty implausible but once you suspend your disbelief, it’s an entertaining, heartwarming ride.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might just be the best read of the year. An absolutely delightfully spun tale that had me absorbed from the first page. What an incredible debut novel. Cannot wait to see what’s next from Glenn R Miller!

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more like a 3.5 - this book was a cute story and I enjoyed the plot and characters. I think my higher ratings generally go to books that engage me a little more emotionally.

[Caroline Rybicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever and refreshingly original storyline, unlike any I’ve read! Full of wit and empathy, this book will leave you both feeling good and turning the pages.

Henry is a young man whose life changes course when he receives a generous inheritance, including a massive estate, after his father suddenly passes. As he is left to face a lifelong moral struggle with the source of the wealth, he hides in plain sight as the doorman and becomes engrained in the community of the residential building, L’Hermitage. The residents adore him as do the two homeless artists he befriends when he chooses to see them as humans, rather than pests, and offers a cup of coffee. Henry’s kindness and openness to these two will make you question the stereotypes we have around various social classes and will make you want to strip people of all of their qualifiers to see them simply for who they are.

Glenn’s ability to make you feel Henry’s journey will suck you into the world within the covers of the “Doorman Wanted” - truly a gift, a must read!

[Derrick Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glenn R. Miller’s Doorman Wanted is a funny and heartfelt exploration of identity, privilege, and human connection, based in my own back yard of NYC’s Upper East Side. The story follows Henry Franken, a reluctant heir to his late father’s real estate empire, who assumes the alias Franklin Hanratty to work as a doorman in one of his own buildings. This whimsical premise sets the stage for a rich tapestry of characters and relationships that make the book both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Miller excels in character development, particularly with Henry/Franklin and his colleagues—Terry, Tomata, Charlotte, Jacob, Mr. Harrison, and Wendy—each of whom brings charm and depth to the story. The interactions between Franklin and the building’s tenants, as well as his friendships with a group of homeless artists, add layers of humor and poignancy. These relationships highlight themes of class disparity and the power of compassion without veering into sentimentality.

The narrative’s progression is engaging, with moments of comedy interspersed with deeper reflections on wealth and identity. However, one notable drawback is the inconsistent handling of time transitions between chapters. It can be challenging to gauge how much time passes over the course of the story, which slightly detracts from its pacing. Additionally, while the Upper East Side serves as an iconic setting, more vivid exploration of the neighborhood’s nuances could have enriched the novel further.

Overall, Doorman Wanted is a delightful debut that balances wit and warmth. Despite minor flaws in pacing and setting depth, Miller’s ability to craft memorable characters and an uplifting narrative makes this book a worthwhile read for fans of quirky literary fiction.

[Annie J (The History Solarium Book Club) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A newly inherited (yet, undesired) fortune presents a young man with the difficult task of trying to figure out what to do with his new status. Doorman Wanted by Glenn R. Miller kicks off with a creative premise, immediately setting the stage for a unique exploration of wealth and identity. The novel follows Henry Franken, a progressive liberal suddenly burdened by his unprincipled father's vast estate. To escape the complexities of his new financial status and reconcile it with his carefully constructed identity, Henry takes on a doorman position in his own Upper East Side building under a pseudonym. Readers get to know Henry aka Franklin through his interactions with residents and the homeless community outside. While the opening concept was inventive, I found it took a surprisingly long time for the narrative to fully engage my interest. However, I appreciated how it thoughtfully addressed significant societal challenges, such as issues of access, homelessness, and privilege. The book is marked as humor, but it wasn't a laugh-out-loud funny experience for me. Still, I enjoyed the witty lines scattered throughout.

Recommended for: Readers seeking a unique and thought-provoking story that blends contemporary social issues with a touch of lightheartedness, and those who appreciate subtle wit over overt comedy.

[Maureen Mahowald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the few books that would likely be better as a movie. Its strength is in the humorous characters. The plot line is thin.

[David Schwinghammer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised to see that author Glenn R. Miller had a connection with the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. I was a participant there as well.

Miller came up with an excellent idea when he has his major character Henry Franklin take a doorman’s position at an exclusive apartment building in New York City. Henry had actually inherited the building in his father’s will but wanted to remain anonymous until he got the lay of the land, so to speak. Henry takes on the alias of “Franklin” and develops personal relationships with some of the inhabitants as well as some street people.

The street people turn out to be artists. Terry and Tomato go on a date with Franklin and Wendy who lives in one of the apartments. They help interpret some of the paintings. When Franklin learns Terry doesn’t have the money to purchase some of the paints he tries to give him money, but Terry is to proud to take it.

Eventually a jeweler leaves the retail space in the building and Franklin attempts to help the street people by opening a gallery for them. Terry has already gifted him with one of his paintings, and Franklin thinks it’s excellent. Franklin needs permission from the residents and they hold a vote.

Charlotte, the manager of the building is a sort of villain. She warns Franklin to stay away from the street people. We’re expecting an eventual confrontation if and when Henry reveals himself. Judith Guncheon serves as a financial advisor for Henry. She knows he’s really the owner of the building and was expecting Henry to report to her; instead he takes the doorman opening. She wants him to reveal himself.

I had some trouble accepting the premise of street people as artists. Certainly it’s hard for artists to make it in our society, but I don’t know any who are homeless, especially a group of them who live in the park. But Franklin is certainly believable as a doorman, and it’s reasonable that a doorman would develop friendly relations with the people who live there, even if they are wealthy.

Residents pop in and out of the book, but they’re not as eccentric as one might expect. They’re just what you’d expect from rich people. The only weirdos are the doormen. There are a couple of others besides Franklin.

[Anjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I choose books that don’t give away much, either on their cover and/ or their blurb. Most of the time I come away dissatisfied but I continue to do it anyway. As I was one chapter into the book, I was glad I took a chance because I loved this book.

The plot itself is not too unique, it’s been a central movie theme a couple of times. It is the presentation and the writing style that I had the most fun with. There are rambling incoherent conversations that are on the positive side of entertaining. People who read such books know what a thin line exists between the positive and the negative of such a style.

Henry Franken does not like to be associated with his father’s wealth and his ethical dilemmas have put him at odds with his father. When the latter dies and leaves all that wealth to him, Henry is unsure as to how to proceed. As he approaches the building which he now owns, he sees a Doorman Wanted sign and that’s when an idea strikes him. The rest of the plot is how he manages the balance between the two characters and what he learns on the way.


Found families are depicted in several ways. The subtle way that this sneaks up on Henry is quite interesting and the overall book had me chuckling while simultaneously being emotional at times. Overall I would highly recommend this book to people who like these kinds of stories. I would definitely want to read anything else the author writes next.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Anna Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed to get my reading routine back on track. A wonderfully quirky and charming read, 'Doorman Wanted' tells the story of Henry who assumes the identity of a doorman named Franklin who is, in fact, the owner of a very exclusive New York apartment building.
The novel, which is Glenn Miller's debut, reminded me a lot of Andrew Sean Greer's Pulitzer-winning 'Less' - a likable, charming protagonist, feeling a bit wayward in his life and undertaking something different in order to figure out what or where he needs to be.
Miller weaves a host of characters through the pages, from elderly socialites to a bunch of colourful homeless artists, whom Franklin befriends and who carry a large part of the main plot. In the wrong hands, and with a different type of protagonist, this plotline could have read as shmaltzy virtue signalling. But Miller's writing, and the wonderfully drawn character of Franklin help to elevate it beyond that.
I think perhaps we don't get as much insight as we should in relation to Franklin's unwillingness toward his inheritance, and I think the conclusion of the novel is slightly too convenient but, you know what? Sometimes you want to sit down with a charming book that makes you smile and laugh, and this is certainly that book.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doorman Wanted Audiobook

By Glenn R. Miller
Narrated by: Glenn R. Miller

Outstanding, entertaining, and fistpumping good!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-02-24

When Henry Franken strolls into the manager’s office of his recently inherited condominium building announcing “I’m here for the building” … Charlotte, thinking the employment agency sent him to fill the open doorman position, hands him a form to fill out! Henry, completely unprepared to take over his new responsibilities, grabs the lifeline … uh form, makes up an assumed name and … seals his immediate fate! Brilliantly narrated by the author, and featuring a stellar, character driven plot, “Doorman Wanted” is a beautifully done, throughly enjoyable, wonderful treat! The characters are unique, beautifully developed and kept busy by shenanigans a plenty! I laughed, I sighed, and I LOVED every single minute of this fabulously entertaining audiobook! THIS is the kind of story I’ll listen to time, and time again. Five fantastic, brilliant, beautiful stars! This one has it ALL!

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy Listening. Absorbing and Fun.

I listened to the audiobook version of this title, which I received for free.

The “blurb” is exactly what the synopsis is. An added bonus is that the Author as the Narrator really nailed it! (That’s rare).

This is humorous rather than hilarious, although I had at least one laugh out loud moment, which kept me chuckling for awhile. 😄

It’s a very character driven story and the characters therein are many, diverse, maddening, endearing, inquisitive, smug and engaging - to say the least - and were all portrayed in just the right manner as befitted their personalities.

It could have been boring; essentially it is the narrative of the daily life and activities of a Doorman. It definitely isn’t. This Doorman, ‘Scrape’, is a little different, everyone notices, but can’t quite put their finger on why… I enjoyed the Miss Haversham reference and various other oblique literary nods. Great art references, without going over one’s head!

All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and engaging read. I highly recommend it, even if it isn’t your usual genre.
I shall look out for more from this author.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted to have been able to read this fascinating, original book! The words that came to mind while reading it were: clever, intelligent, vibrant, witty, good story-telling, inspiring, thoughtful, and important. It's important because it's not just a book about a doorman and all the quirky inhabitants of his building... it's about a man who is finding his own way in the world, who is compassionate about others, and is a creative problem solver.

I admired the author's skill in leading us into the main story line, which is "the doorman's" relationship with two very special homeless artists and how their stories interweave. There's also a little romance which I appreciated. Just the right amount!

I will be looking for more gems of fiction from this author.... keep writing, please!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The central premise was awesome, but it leaned a little too heavily into the "billionaires are good" trope.

The friendship that develops between Henry/Franklin and two unhoused artists, as well as the rapport that he develops with the tenants of the building, is delightful. It features creative problem solving, appreciation of art and the individuality of people, a touch of romance, and a New York that felt true to New York itself. For those looking for a quirky, intelligent, compassionate character learning to grapple with his own adulthood: Henry is the man for you.

The last third of the book is where I kind of felt lost in the "yay rich people" message. In Henry's "big reveal" as the owner of the building, it felt like the people Henry was lying to were very quick to accept him and how good/generous he was. It was just a little much for me. C'est la vie. Good book otherwise!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Franken has a problem with money-he has too much of it. When his unprincipled father dies, thirty-three-year-old Henry inherits a massive estate, including an Upper East Side residential building. He must confront the reality of his new financial status, directly conflicting with his well-honed identity as a "progressive liberal." When he shows up to collect the keys to his father's building, he notices a sign: "Doorman Wanted." Seeing a chance to stave off the complexities of his inheritance, Henry applies for the position under a pseudonym . . . and gets it. Now, no one in the building knows that Doorman "Franklin Hanratty" is the building's new mysterious owner.

This book is filled with interesting characters... loved his Godmother, and his homeless Art friends. Henry has an interesting journey as he struggles to find his own path.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable kindle read about man whose rich father dies leaving him with 100s of millions and an upscale nyc upper east side condo building where he is expected to live in the private penthouse. Henry has always played down his rich family background, working in various social work jobs until he is forced to face he is very rich. he stumbles into a doorman job in his own building and hids his identity. the story revolves around his tenants, all wealthy, mostly retired and several homeless artists he helps eventually he has love interest in one of tenants, helps the Central Park homeless artist’s community and all life happily after
Interesting initial concept, some interesting thoughts on class and financial devide but predictable

[Robert A. Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! Wonderfully imaginative; thoroughly enjoyable; lots of great humor, at times LOL funny; wry and witty — and often subtle — wordplay throughout; sly and keen character development; touching in many places; skillful plot development, with appropriate twists and turns; thoughtful regarding a whole variety of social and societal issues, for example: wealth and all its many issues; homelessness; class distinctions; workplace conditions and the relationship of bosses and underlings; the little lies and deceptions that can creep into one’s life (and snowball); and — maybe most important of all — kindness.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I had this much fun having a cold! I crawled into bed to read author Glenn Miller 's new novel DOORMAN WANTED. This smart, witty, wry self discovery tale, full of heart, ode to NYC, nod to PJ Woodhouse, a poke at the swanky upper crust with a group of engaging characters that came alive with a dearness of details that had me happily in bed for a couple days, laughing out loud. Love the humanity and smarts of Central Park artists, the pretension of the "in the know" art world, the observant and smart senior residents. The personalities came through the author's voice so pitch perfect, the rich cast is ready for film or stage!

[Brenda Massman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easy to become smitten with Franklin Hanratty (aka Henry Franken) as a doorman and as a human. When Henry visits the high-end apartment building he has inherited from his uber-wealthy father—a 10,000-square-foot penthouse included—he finds himself unwittingly, and humorously, accepting the position. Franklin lives out his secret life, catering to and befriending the tenants and those in the vicinity with compassion and humility. Miller has created a treasure of a story that reminds us to open our hearts to the less fortunate, to the elderly, and to humanity in general, to better the world in which we live. An outstanding read!