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The Dining Car
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal for Popular FictionSan Diego Book Award Gold Medal for Best Published Contemporary Fiction
Readers' Favorite Book Award Silver Medal for Literary Fiction
In his second novel, author Eric Peterson dishes up a riotous spectacle of self-absorbed chefs, backstabbing politicians, and devious publishing magnates, set against a backdrop of haute cuisine, presidential politics, and an endless supply of top-shelf liquor and wine.Fresh from a public humiliation and in search of his true calling, former college football star Jack Marshall enlists as bartender and steward aboard Horace Button's vintage private railroad car, the Pioneer Mother, which is transporting the legendary food writer and social critic across the country in opulent style.Decked out in a white jacket, mixing perfect cocktails, Jack is immersed in a style of living--and dining--he'd assumed was extinct. While striving to appease the eccentric, finicky Horace, and Wanda, the Pioneer Mother's enigmatic chef, Jack falls under the spell of Giselle Lebeau, a gorgeous celebrity chef whose designs on him test his self-control and his loyalty.But when tragedy rocks Horace's insulated white-linen world, Jack must take charge of a simmering stew of quirky yet powerful personalities--all while staying in Wanda's good graces and keeping an eye on their newest passenger.A story of service, serendipity, and second chances, The Dining Car is more than a mouthwatering read--it's a marvelous, exuberant work of fiction.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2016
505 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Eric W. Peterson
3 books36 followersEric Peterson’s debut novel, Life as a Sandwich, was a finalist in the San Diego Book Awards. His second novel, The Dining Car, won the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award for Popular Fiction, the San Diego Book Award Gold Medal for Best Published Contemporary Fiction, and the Readers’ Favorite Book Award Silver Medal for Literary Fiction. Publishers Weekly’s BookLife named The Dining Car a “Book to Watch.” Sunshine Chief is his third novel.
A third-generation Californian, Peterson attended the University of California at San Diego. He completed his Communication degree at Stanford, majoring in journalism. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Teresa..
A third-generation Californian, Peterson attended the University of California at San Diego. He completed his Communication degree at Stanford, majoring in journalism. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Teresa..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
June 8, 2017
I really liked the characters in this book and so even though the plot wasn't that great I still kept reading. Jack was a college athlete who got drafted by due to an accident he had to reinvent his life and the book is about him going to work for a magazine writer as a bartender. Jack's growth and movement forward could have been more subtle but I still really enjoyed his character. I even liked Horace who is basically just an offensive drunk and Jane is so sweet. It's a good book to read if you're looking for something well written with complex characters.
March 28, 2017
The narrator of this novel is a once-famous college football star whose career ended after an accident. Once he recovers, he is employed as a bartender on an elaborate, old-fashioned railroad dining car owned by a rich, alcoholic, eccentric man. This character is modeled after legendary Lucius Morris Beebe (1902-1966). Beebe, as our protagonist, was an American author, gourmand, railroad historian, syndicated columnist and a notorious socialite. Reading about the absurdity of this sort of insanely rich life through the eyes of a regular Joe, our football player, will give the reader many a chuckle.
The book is called “The Dining Car” because our gourmand, the protagonist, refuses to ride on an airplane. He writes that airports treat people like cattle, touching them in ways that one should be able to sue over. (I laughed many times over his opinionated statements he makes in his column). So instead he buys an old Pullman railroad car and travels solely on his vintage private luxury dining car which is straight out of the 1930s. He has his own personal top-tier chef and his own bartender who is always decked out in a white jacket. Both are at his beck and call twenty-four hours a day. Our quirky gourmand always starts his day with some kind of decadent breakfast that would clog anyone’s arteries. Of course, breakfast is served with a Bloody Mary. The food and alcohol continues until the end of the day, when he finally drops off in a stupor. He surrounds himself with the rich and famous who are beyond wealthy, as well as beyond obnoxious. We really should dislike them. Yet the writer somehow makes them into endearing characters to chuckle over. We also should dislike the protagonist because he is such a self-absorbed narcissist. But despite all his flaws, the reader will come to love him because his wit and charisma are as big as his appetites.
The farcical situations he accidentally finds himself in are so ridiculous one cannot help but laugh out loud with him rather than at him. When meeting his 11-year old niece for the first time, his magazine’s Board suggests he give her a teddy bear. They do not suggest this because it will be a kind gesture, but because it will be a good photo-op. First, they buy a talking Smokey the Bear doll by mistake. Then they try to feminize the bear with a hat and dress. When he hands the bear over to the child (of course, he is as drunk as a skunk), the hat is no longer on the bear’s head. Then the bear’s voice mechanism jams and he begins laughing uncontrollably. So what observers witness is a man laughing at Smokey in a dress. This is how he inadvertently manages to get himself in trouble with the LGBT community who think he is poking fun at transgender people. The scene reads like an updated “I Love Lucy” episode where everything goes wrong and is misinterpreted creating simply silly slapstick humor.
I could have happily read about the fictional Beebe’s overindulgent lifestyle and his hilarious antics throughout the whole book. But the author adds romance, chef spying, a sister in politics, murder, and an orphaned niece into the plot. The niece is written as if she is 6-years old instead of 11-years old. Her character felt rushed as a means to influence the bartender’s fate. I did not feel a connection to her at all. Nor, did I care if the football player falls in love with his co-worker or a celebrity chef. By adding in these other characters, I felt that the author is trying to write a bestselling book, not realizing that he already has one. For me, these characters with their subplots felt like filler. One sees the author putting his plot-driven fingerprints all over a delightful character-driven novel. Nevertheless, I recommend that you treat yourself to a delicious book with course after course of scrumptious meals served with signature cocktails that will leave you hungry for more travels on “The Dining Car.”
Find all my reviews at https://books6259.wordpress.com/
The book is called “The Dining Car” because our gourmand, the protagonist, refuses to ride on an airplane. He writes that airports treat people like cattle, touching them in ways that one should be able to sue over. (I laughed many times over his opinionated statements he makes in his column). So instead he buys an old Pullman railroad car and travels solely on his vintage private luxury dining car which is straight out of the 1930s. He has his own personal top-tier chef and his own bartender who is always decked out in a white jacket. Both are at his beck and call twenty-four hours a day. Our quirky gourmand always starts his day with some kind of decadent breakfast that would clog anyone’s arteries. Of course, breakfast is served with a Bloody Mary. The food and alcohol continues until the end of the day, when he finally drops off in a stupor. He surrounds himself with the rich and famous who are beyond wealthy, as well as beyond obnoxious. We really should dislike them. Yet the writer somehow makes them into endearing characters to chuckle over. We also should dislike the protagonist because he is such a self-absorbed narcissist. But despite all his flaws, the reader will come to love him because his wit and charisma are as big as his appetites.
The farcical situations he accidentally finds himself in are so ridiculous one cannot help but laugh out loud with him rather than at him. When meeting his 11-year old niece for the first time, his magazine’s Board suggests he give her a teddy bear. They do not suggest this because it will be a kind gesture, but because it will be a good photo-op. First, they buy a talking Smokey the Bear doll by mistake. Then they try to feminize the bear with a hat and dress. When he hands the bear over to the child (of course, he is as drunk as a skunk), the hat is no longer on the bear’s head. Then the bear’s voice mechanism jams and he begins laughing uncontrollably. So what observers witness is a man laughing at Smokey in a dress. This is how he inadvertently manages to get himself in trouble with the LGBT community who think he is poking fun at transgender people. The scene reads like an updated “I Love Lucy” episode where everything goes wrong and is misinterpreted creating simply silly slapstick humor.
I could have happily read about the fictional Beebe’s overindulgent lifestyle and his hilarious antics throughout the whole book. But the author adds romance, chef spying, a sister in politics, murder, and an orphaned niece into the plot. The niece is written as if she is 6-years old instead of 11-years old. Her character felt rushed as a means to influence the bartender’s fate. I did not feel a connection to her at all. Nor, did I care if the football player falls in love with his co-worker or a celebrity chef. By adding in these other characters, I felt that the author is trying to write a bestselling book, not realizing that he already has one. For me, these characters with their subplots felt like filler. One sees the author putting his plot-driven fingerprints all over a delightful character-driven novel. Nevertheless, I recommend that you treat yourself to a delicious book with course after course of scrumptious meals served with signature cocktails that will leave you hungry for more travels on “The Dining Car.”
Find all my reviews at https://books6259.wordpress.com/
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February 28, 2017At the center of this unusual, thoroughly enjoyable novel is a thirties private Pullman car in which Horace Button, part of dwindling publishing empire, travels about and writes his columns about high end dining for the wealthy gourmand and taste-makers.
Our narrator is, Jack, ex-football player. We find out why "ex" along the way, with--thank goodness--very little about football. Now he's a bar-tender, and not too far into the beginning, he has to make another job change to majordomo for Horace Button on board the Pullman. Here, he is crewing with the prickly Wanda, a superb chef with very little trust and less communication.
Horace reminds me of my encounters through many early Twentieth Century letters, memoirs, reviews, and the like of Alexander Woollcott. He's irascible, sarcastic, unrepentantly snobbish, and begins drinking at an early hour. Peterson doesn't make drunkenness attractive, but neither does he permit the narrative voice to shake a scolding finger.
One of the many aspects I enjoyed about the novel is the author's handling of deeply damaged people, with money or without, with anger issues and without. As Jack gets into his job, we encounter high profile people from publishing and from Washington. Temptation to jump the train occurs roughly the same time as a tragedy, and how everything plays out kept me riveted until the (deeply satisfying) end.
I am always a sucker for certain tropes . Being very fond of train travel, I loved Peterson's vivid behind-the-scenes glimpses of trains I know well. And I've always wanted to travel on one of those private cars, occasionally glimpsed.
Altogether a vivid, enjoyable read, with a cast of unusual characters and some lavish descriptions of delicious meals.
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
Our narrator is, Jack, ex-football player. We find out why "ex" along the way, with--thank goodness--very little about football. Now he's a bar-tender, and not too far into the beginning, he has to make another job change to majordomo for Horace Button on board the Pullman. Here, he is crewing with the prickly Wanda, a superb chef with very little trust and less communication.
Horace reminds me of my encounters through many early Twentieth Century letters, memoirs, reviews, and the like of Alexander Woollcott. He's irascible, sarcastic, unrepentantly snobbish, and begins drinking at an early hour. Peterson doesn't make drunkenness attractive, but neither does he permit the narrative voice to shake a scolding finger.
One of the many aspects I enjoyed about the novel is the author's handling of deeply damaged people, with money or without, with anger issues and without. As Jack gets into his job, we encounter high profile people from publishing and from Washington. Temptation to jump the train occurs roughly the same time as a tragedy, and how everything plays out kept me riveted until the (deeply satisfying) end.
I am always a sucker for certain tropes . Being very fond of train travel, I loved Peterson's vivid behind-the-scenes glimpses of trains I know well. And I've always wanted to travel on one of those private cars, occasionally glimpsed.
Altogether a vivid, enjoyable read, with a cast of unusual characters and some lavish descriptions of delicious meals.
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
June 20, 2018
I really wanted to love this book, and at first, I did. While the characters were mostly likeable, the location was thrilling. A contemporary story set aboard an elegant 1932 Pullman railcar, the story promised intrigue, with one of its’ main protagonists a fastidious culinary magazine writer named Horace Button. The story is told through the eyes of Jack Marshall, who’s come aboard to bartend for Button. Jack’s a former football player who is looking to turn his life around.
So, halfway through I grew to really dislike Horace Button; he's an old school alcoholic and erudite curmudgeon who drinks fancy schmantzy cocktails day and night, under the guise of sophisticated globetrotting gourmand. Button adores fine dining and etiquette of yore, including white glove service and dishes like beef bourguignon, oysters Rockefeller, quail and eggs, etc. He is appalled by modern day anything and refuses to get a cellphone. He spouts off whenever he wants to whomever he wants with nary a concern. You know. That kind of guy. Peterson does his best to suffuse Horace with charming buffoonery from being stuck in his ways, but in the end, I just pictured an embarrassing old coot. Excuse me - a drunken, embarrassing, Republican old coot. And I know this is crazy talk, and he’s nothing like him, but the cartoonish quality of this character reminded me of the dreadful and unfunny Ignatius from that awful novel. You know the one I mean.
Anyway, what’s this novel about? It’s essentially about having the power to turn one’s life around, no matter what the circumstances. While I won’t go into it all, there are a few plot lines happening simultaneously. The writing has a nice, flow and a believable style; I’ll give it that. But some of the details came off as way too contrived. I’m also not thrilled at how most of the women are portrayed in this story - either as boozy grande dames, callous career gals or kinda slutty. And personally, Peterson irked me with his habit of having to state every time a character came along when they were African American, along with their full physical description, which irked me. (He didn’t do that for Caucasians.) So, yeah, there was some slight sexism and racism going on here, which was a real turn-off.
As for Jack Marshall, he got on my last nerve as well. He’s essentially a decent guy, but he goes from one woman to the next during the course of the book. The most serious relationship, with no-nonsense Wanda, is the most ridiculous, as several pages prior to their getting together, she shows a strong dislike for him. When they do decide to hook up, he’s just called off flying from DC to Hawaii to rendezvous with sexy, ambitious, yet selfish, Chef Giselle at the last minute - and Wanda knows all about it. Bear in mind that the novel takes place over a a period of about two weeks, so either Jack was Superman or I’m very old-fashioned, but the whole thing was just silly.
I guess I'd characterize this as kind of a chick-lit book for men, filled with cognac and cigars, politics, old money, fussy dining, a yearning for love and an abundance of women.
So, halfway through I grew to really dislike Horace Button; he's an old school alcoholic and erudite curmudgeon who drinks fancy schmantzy cocktails day and night, under the guise of sophisticated globetrotting gourmand. Button adores fine dining and etiquette of yore, including white glove service and dishes like beef bourguignon, oysters Rockefeller, quail and eggs, etc. He is appalled by modern day anything and refuses to get a cellphone. He spouts off whenever he wants to whomever he wants with nary a concern. You know. That kind of guy. Peterson does his best to suffuse Horace with charming buffoonery from being stuck in his ways, but in the end, I just pictured an embarrassing old coot. Excuse me - a drunken, embarrassing, Republican old coot. And I know this is crazy talk, and he’s nothing like him, but the cartoonish quality of this character reminded me of the dreadful and unfunny Ignatius from that awful novel. You know the one I mean.
Anyway, what’s this novel about? It’s essentially about having the power to turn one’s life around, no matter what the circumstances. While I won’t go into it all, there are a few plot lines happening simultaneously. The writing has a nice, flow and a believable style; I’ll give it that. But some of the details came off as way too contrived. I’m also not thrilled at how most of the women are portrayed in this story - either as boozy grande dames, callous career gals or kinda slutty. And personally, Peterson irked me with his habit of having to state every time a character came along when they were African American, along with their full physical description, which irked me. (He didn’t do that for Caucasians.) So, yeah, there was some slight sexism and racism going on here, which was a real turn-off.
As for Jack Marshall, he got on my last nerve as well. He’s essentially a decent guy, but he goes from one woman to the next during the course of the book. The most serious relationship, with no-nonsense Wanda, is the most ridiculous, as several pages prior to their getting together, she shows a strong dislike for him. When they do decide to hook up, he’s just called off flying from DC to Hawaii to rendezvous with sexy, ambitious, yet selfish, Chef Giselle at the last minute - and Wanda knows all about it. Bear in mind that the novel takes place over a a period of about two weeks, so either Jack was Superman or I’m very old-fashioned, but the whole thing was just silly.
I guess I'd characterize this as kind of a chick-lit book for men, filled with cognac and cigars, politics, old money, fussy dining, a yearning for love and an abundance of women.
November 20, 2017
Annoying characters and a very thin plot sadly makes this a bit of a waste of a great concept and setting.
This has virtually nothing to do with luxury rail travel or fine dining - it's about an old, rich drunk journalist who writes a food column which is supposed to have a huge fan base although the extracts from it are nauseating.
There is some cliche-filled tension between the celebrity chef and the "proper" chef. And a half-hearted attempt to add depth through politics and murder. Bizarrely the nearly 12-year old orphan is presented like a 6 year old (e.g. feeding her teddy bear).
I easily put this book down for several weeks however mild curiosity on the ending got me and I finished it.
I received a review copy of this book.
This has virtually nothing to do with luxury rail travel or fine dining - it's about an old, rich drunk journalist who writes a food column which is supposed to have a huge fan base although the extracts from it are nauseating.
There is some cliche-filled tension between the celebrity chef and the "proper" chef. And a half-hearted attempt to add depth through politics and murder. Bizarrely the nearly 12-year old orphan is presented like a 6 year old (e.g. feeding her teddy bear).
I easily put this book down for several weeks however mild curiosity on the ending got me and I finished it.
I received a review copy of this book.
July 3, 2017
GNAB I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Eric W. Peterson and Huckleberry House (Indie) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
This was a wonderful novel, based loosely on the life and times of Lucius Morris Bebbe. Peterson's protagonist Horace Button brings to my mind Nero Wolf as well as Bebbe, his romance with food and drink the guiding factor of his lifestyle. The 1932 pullman car, named by Button The Pioneer Mother, really caught my fancy and I was deeply touched by Jane. Dr. Rose, Wanda and Jack would make excellent friends. I hope for many more from this author.
pub date Nov 1, 2016
This was a wonderful novel, based loosely on the life and times of Lucius Morris Bebbe. Peterson's protagonist Horace Button brings to my mind Nero Wolf as well as Bebbe, his romance with food and drink the guiding factor of his lifestyle. The 1932 pullman car, named by Button The Pioneer Mother, really caught my fancy and I was deeply touched by Jane. Dr. Rose, Wanda and Jack would make excellent friends. I hope for many more from this author.
pub date Nov 1, 2016
October 27, 2020
I’ll give the review this book deserves at a later time, but succinctly put: what’s not to love about seeing the world from your own private Pullman train car with the best of everything and interesting companions?
For now, here’s a list of some of the sumptuous sounding cuisine that was mentioned in the book that I direly wish I could afford. (Full disclosure: I’ve never heard of at least half of it):
Food:
-Bernaise Sauce
-Bœuf en Croûte (Beef Wellington)
-Cows tongue
-Cervelle de Veau (Calf's brains_
-Consommé Julienne
-Crème fraîche
-Crêpes Suzette
-Delta Smelt (fish)
-Duckling Quesadillas
-Eggs Sardou
-Escargot a la bourguignonne
-Filet de Bœuf Richelieu
-Frogs legs in a garlic Beurre Blanc sauce
-Grilled flattened quails
-Hazelnut Salad
-Lobster Newberg
-Lobster Thermidor
-Lobster Claw Salad
-Mousse of Sole Washington (fish)
-Oxtail Ragout
-Pheasant En Casserole
-Plovers Eggs
-Pommes Allumette
-Poulet Fumé
-Potatoes Au Gratin
-Pompano (fish)
-Roasted Guinea Fowl
-Sautéed lamb’s heart
-Scrambled eggs w/ quail
-Turtle Soup
Drink:
-1961 La Tâche Grand Cru Burgundy
-Armagnac
-Bloody Mary
-Bourbon Toddy
-Brunello
-Champagne Cocktail
-Château Lafite Rothschild
-Château Patris
-Château Margaux
-Cognac
-Dom Pérignon cuvée
-Gin Ricky
-Gin Sling
-Hennessy & Soda
-Kompot
-Perfect Martini
-Perrier Jouet
-Pouilly-Fumé
-Pousse-Café
-Rum Toddy
-Scotch
And while we’re at it, here are some fantastically nostalgic phrases:
-"He's a horse of a different color!"
-"It's Halloween in the madhouse!"
-(in reference to air travel) "Pestilential hell-cartridge of death"
-"You're a fine little moccasin"
-"Lime hotdogs and circus mustard!"
-"Cloudburst of Hennessy and soda to rival this downpour"
-“She’s a pistol”
-“Keep it under your hat”
-“In Dutch”
-“What in blazes?”
-“You might as well ask an animal to dance The Charleston”
-“Getting drunk as a lord”
-“Put some hair on it! [in ref. to a drink]”
-“Talking out of school”
-"Riding herd"
For now, here’s a list of some of the sumptuous sounding cuisine that was mentioned in the book that I direly wish I could afford. (Full disclosure: I’ve never heard of at least half of it):
Food:
-Bernaise Sauce
-Bœuf en Croûte (Beef Wellington)
-Cows tongue
-Cervelle de Veau (Calf's brains_
-Consommé Julienne
-Crème fraîche
-Crêpes Suzette
-Delta Smelt (fish)
-Duckling Quesadillas
-Eggs Sardou
-Escargot a la bourguignonne
-Filet de Bœuf Richelieu
-Frogs legs in a garlic Beurre Blanc sauce
-Grilled flattened quails
-Hazelnut Salad
-Lobster Newberg
-Lobster Thermidor
-Lobster Claw Salad
-Mousse of Sole Washington (fish)
-Oxtail Ragout
-Pheasant En Casserole
-Plovers Eggs
-Pommes Allumette
-Poulet Fumé
-Potatoes Au Gratin
-Pompano (fish)
-Roasted Guinea Fowl
-Sautéed lamb’s heart
-Scrambled eggs w/ quail
-Turtle Soup
Drink:
-1961 La Tâche Grand Cru Burgundy
-Armagnac
-Bloody Mary
-Bourbon Toddy
-Brunello
-Champagne Cocktail
-Château Lafite Rothschild
-Château Patris
-Château Margaux
-Cognac
-Dom Pérignon cuvée
-Gin Ricky
-Gin Sling
-Hennessy & Soda
-Kompot
-Perfect Martini
-Perrier Jouet
-Pouilly-Fumé
-Pousse-Café
-Rum Toddy
-Scotch
And while we’re at it, here are some fantastically nostalgic phrases:
-"He's a horse of a different color!"
-"It's Halloween in the madhouse!"
-(in reference to air travel) "Pestilential hell-cartridge of death"
-"You're a fine little moccasin"
-"Lime hotdogs and circus mustard!"
-"Cloudburst of Hennessy and soda to rival this downpour"
-“She’s a pistol”
-“Keep it under your hat”
-“In Dutch”
-“What in blazes?”
-“You might as well ask an animal to dance The Charleston”
-“Getting drunk as a lord”
-“Put some hair on it! [in ref. to a drink]”
-“Talking out of school”
-"Riding herd"
January 14, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this adventure.
March 25, 2021
Enjoyable
This is an interesting and enjoyable story about a small group of life-damaged characters who evolve into a loving family.
This is an interesting and enjoyable story about a small group of life-damaged characters who evolve into a loving family.
June 29, 2018
The Dining Car is a fun look at life aboard the private Pullman cars that ride America’s rails. Jack and Wanda staff the car that tows Horace Button, magazine writer extraordinaire to his speaking engagements. When Horace’s politician sister dies, and he inherits care of his 11 year old niece, the retinue multiplies. Jack and Wanda are the true adults here, and with humor and sensitivity, they take over the circus and away we go.
March 6, 2017
Fun story
Very entertaining. It kind of reminded me of the Annie play. All's well that ends well. Silly, funny, farcical. Fun, fast read.
Very entertaining. It kind of reminded me of the Annie play. All's well that ends well. Silly, funny, farcical. Fun, fast read.
January 10, 2017
The Dining Car” is definitely one of those novels that you’ll remember for a long time and which you’ll keep re-reading; I for one got to know and came to love main characters of this highly compelling novel so much that I felt like I knew them personally and witnessed the events unfold firsthand. Not too many novels do this to you, pull you right in from the very first page and don’t let go even after the last one is turned.
“The Dining Car” is a very unusual story told by a young bartender Jack, who, after a renowned food critic and an eccentric journalist, Horace Button, offers him a position on board his personal train car, The Pioneer Mother. And that’s where Jack gets introduced not only to the world of fine dining and quirky whims of his truly extraordinary boss, but also to the kill-or-be-killed world of magazine publishing, intrigues, corrupt politicians and profiteering editors.
I absolutely love reading these kinds of “insider” books, which show the reader the world that they’d normally never see and reveal true faces of certain public figures. What I also enjoyed immensely was how the small Pioneer Mother crew – Horace, Jack and Wanda, Horace’s personal chief, – grew on each other and became basically a family by the end of the novel.
Horace’s character was absolutely fascinating and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at certain times; despite all his flaws you’ll come to love him, I promise! And as for Jack, I won’t give away any spoilers here, but the way he handled the matters by the end of the novel earned my utmost respect for him.
An amazing novel which you certainly don’t want to miss. Beautifully written, interlaced with humor and sarcasm in all the right places, discussing all the sensitive subjects that we’re still facing daily – “The Dining Car” is definitely a must-read. Five huge stars!
“The Dining Car” is a very unusual story told by a young bartender Jack, who, after a renowned food critic and an eccentric journalist, Horace Button, offers him a position on board his personal train car, The Pioneer Mother. And that’s where Jack gets introduced not only to the world of fine dining and quirky whims of his truly extraordinary boss, but also to the kill-or-be-killed world of magazine publishing, intrigues, corrupt politicians and profiteering editors.
I absolutely love reading these kinds of “insider” books, which show the reader the world that they’d normally never see and reveal true faces of certain public figures. What I also enjoyed immensely was how the small Pioneer Mother crew – Horace, Jack and Wanda, Horace’s personal chief, – grew on each other and became basically a family by the end of the novel.
Horace’s character was absolutely fascinating and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at certain times; despite all his flaws you’ll come to love him, I promise! And as for Jack, I won’t give away any spoilers here, but the way he handled the matters by the end of the novel earned my utmost respect for him.
An amazing novel which you certainly don’t want to miss. Beautifully written, interlaced with humor and sarcasm in all the right places, discussing all the sensitive subjects that we’re still facing daily – “The Dining Car” is definitely a must-read. Five huge stars!
January 25, 2020
An interesting premise which held my interest for the duration of the story despite disliking several of the main characters. A wealthy bon vivant (loosely inspired by Lucius Beebe) crisscrosses the States from California to the East Coast in a vintage, luxuriously furnished railway carriage, which allows him to travel in style without having to mingle with the common riff-raff. To cater to his elaborate, self-indulgent whims are a personal chef and a young bartender.
I found Horace Button, legendary food and wine writer, to be a disgusting character, whose obscene behaviour is only partly moderated at the very end. Apart from his lamentable world views, he is a horrible human being, treating a talented chef and a broken-down ex star footballer like modern-day slaves. In glaring contrast to his own lavish and capricious lifestyle, these two are forced to work around the clock in their appointed roles, but also in demeaning janitorial cleaning and stocking capacities. And he has the gall to refer to them as “a family” when trying to garner their sympathy! On top of his many character flaws, Horace is an unrepentant alcoholic and pathetic drunk who does not deserve a fraction of the good fortune he enjoys. By a genetic miracle, he manages to stay alive eating for four and taking no exercise.
The main themes of gastronomic excellence and luxurious living are little more than painted on. I expected a bit more passion, given the author’s credentials. The salient merit of the story is how thoroughly the experience of travelling by train is described. In my case, it wasn’t all good since it made me feel claustrophobic, and I found the grimy backdrop of railway service areas less than inspiring.
At twenty-five Jack Marshall, the narrator, is recovering from a devastating career-ending accident while desperately trying to find a new direction for his life. Pushed by events, he summons hidden talents and an admirable moral core, however, his personality is sacrificed in order to make Horace Button the focus of the book. Wanda, the ultra-loyal chef, is a strong and underused player, but she seems to go bonkers in the last chapter. Jane, the almost-twelve-year-old niece Horace never knew existed, is a very likeable character. Her interactions with her Uncle Horace turn him into a much nicer person in the end.
The writing is very good, but there is a lamentable lack of depth in people’s emotions. Even the tangential love story feels gratuitous, and the final resolution is utterly ridiculous. The promising subplot of two broken people with the potential to make each other better is inadequately suggested and ultimately wasted in an off-stage wrapping up that does not square with their previous behaviour. Despite all the positives, the overarching political preaching ruined the story for me. I felt it was unnecessary to the plot and only added a level of irritation and the sense of having been hijacked by a zealot.
I found Horace Button, legendary food and wine writer, to be a disgusting character, whose obscene behaviour is only partly moderated at the very end. Apart from his lamentable world views, he is a horrible human being, treating a talented chef and a broken-down ex star footballer like modern-day slaves. In glaring contrast to his own lavish and capricious lifestyle, these two are forced to work around the clock in their appointed roles, but also in demeaning janitorial cleaning and stocking capacities. And he has the gall to refer to them as “a family” when trying to garner their sympathy! On top of his many character flaws, Horace is an unrepentant alcoholic and pathetic drunk who does not deserve a fraction of the good fortune he enjoys. By a genetic miracle, he manages to stay alive eating for four and taking no exercise.
The main themes of gastronomic excellence and luxurious living are little more than painted on. I expected a bit more passion, given the author’s credentials. The salient merit of the story is how thoroughly the experience of travelling by train is described. In my case, it wasn’t all good since it made me feel claustrophobic, and I found the grimy backdrop of railway service areas less than inspiring.
At twenty-five Jack Marshall, the narrator, is recovering from a devastating career-ending accident while desperately trying to find a new direction for his life. Pushed by events, he summons hidden talents and an admirable moral core, however, his personality is sacrificed in order to make Horace Button the focus of the book. Wanda, the ultra-loyal chef, is a strong and underused player, but she seems to go bonkers in the last chapter. Jane, the almost-twelve-year-old niece Horace never knew existed, is a very likeable character. Her interactions with her Uncle Horace turn him into a much nicer person in the end.
The writing is very good, but there is a lamentable lack of depth in people’s emotions. Even the tangential love story feels gratuitous, and the final resolution is utterly ridiculous. The promising subplot of two broken people with the potential to make each other better is inadequately suggested and ultimately wasted in an off-stage wrapping up that does not square with their previous behaviour. Despite all the positives, the overarching political preaching ruined the story for me. I felt it was unnecessary to the plot and only added a level of irritation and the sense of having been hijacked by a zealot.
July 5, 2024
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. It's well written, there are good and clear redemption arcs for the main characters, and it didn't hurt that I knew most of the places mentioned early on in the book (Santa Cruz, San Jose, Emeryville, Donner Pass, Reno, Elko, Winnemucca, and Denver including Union Station and the Terminal Bar).
I picked up this book as research for our trip to DC because it was mentioned in the Strong Sense of Place podcast and references DC where we are going in August. We recently launched a travel channel and as part of our research, we are reading books and listening to podcasts about the places we are traveling to get a sense of the places before we go. Conveniently, we are going to Chicago in September and it was nice that it was referenced in the book as well.
During the first 2-3 chapters I was concerned that I was not the right audience for this book and prepared myself for a book about men, not good men, and was delighted to discover that one of the main characters, Jack, is in fact a good man. And there are strong women characters that appear to be written by a man who loves, respects, and appreciates women and what we have to offer society besides being objectified and in service to men.
I have the author's second book, Sunshine Chief on my desk to read next. It looks like I won't be doing much of anything else the rest of the day.
I picked up this book as research for our trip to DC because it was mentioned in the Strong Sense of Place podcast and references DC where we are going in August. We recently launched a travel channel and as part of our research, we are reading books and listening to podcasts about the places we are traveling to get a sense of the places before we go. Conveniently, we are going to Chicago in September and it was nice that it was referenced in the book as well.
During the first 2-3 chapters I was concerned that I was not the right audience for this book and prepared myself for a book about men, not good men, and was delighted to discover that one of the main characters, Jack, is in fact a good man. And there are strong women characters that appear to be written by a man who loves, respects, and appreciates women and what we have to offer society besides being objectified and in service to men.
I have the author's second book, Sunshine Chief on my desk to read next. It looks like I won't be doing much of anything else the rest of the day.
December 18, 2018
This often strange read is about a writer, his train car and the staff he hires to keep him fed/watered (with alcohol). Horace is a stuffy, elderly alcoholic to say the least. He demands perfection in his food and drink and Wanda (chef) and Jack (bartender) do their utmost to stick to his standards. When Horace's sister (powerful politician) is killed, the book got more interesting for me. Unlike many who have read this book, I just didn't connect to the characters. I found Horace to be utterly disgusting with his constant state of drunkenness. Jack seemed foolish and immature at times. Wanda was the only sane character. I loved the child that entered the picture towards the latter half of the book. Overall, it took me far longer to finish this one than it normally would as I didn't particularly care for the plot or characters.
January 2, 2018
The Finer Things in Life
This novel caught my eye as o have an interest in rail travel. I loved the idea that some lucky few could still travel in the luxurious manner of the heyday of rail travel, velvet upholstery, Venetian glass, and amazing food included. The idea of what constitutes a "family" is also considered in this story. A washed up footballer, an emotionally damaged fine chef, a pompous bon-vivant, and a precocious orphan, do, indeed, create a family. This is a "feel good" book, but one with some substance. Not only does delve into etiquette and fine dining, good drinking and quality cigars are also an element. You might just learn which knives and forks to use, too. Don't miss !
This novel caught my eye as o have an interest in rail travel. I loved the idea that some lucky few could still travel in the luxurious manner of the heyday of rail travel, velvet upholstery, Venetian glass, and amazing food included. The idea of what constitutes a "family" is also considered in this story. A washed up footballer, an emotionally damaged fine chef, a pompous bon-vivant, and a precocious orphan, do, indeed, create a family. This is a "feel good" book, but one with some substance. Not only does delve into etiquette and fine dining, good drinking and quality cigars are also an element. You might just learn which knives and forks to use, too. Don't miss !
June 3, 2018
Horace Button is a legendary culinary arts writer stuck in an era of fancy cigars, liquor, and style that seems out of place in contemporary society. But thanks to his personal chef and bartender, who have stories of their own, Horace manages to remain happily isolated in a world of his own making -- until tragedy suddenly thrusts unwanted change upon him.
What a gem of a book! I picked this up at a writers conference where Mr. Peterson spoke. I fell in love with Horace Button on the first page. While the book definitely has its touching moments, for the most part, it made me laugh out loud. First thing I did when I finished reading it was hand it to my mom to read. And I've already told many of my friends.
The Dining Car is simply a wonderful read.
What a gem of a book! I picked this up at a writers conference where Mr. Peterson spoke. I fell in love with Horace Button on the first page. While the book definitely has its touching moments, for the most part, it made me laugh out loud. First thing I did when I finished reading it was hand it to my mom to read. And I've already told many of my friends.
The Dining Car is simply a wonderful read.
November 18, 2022
This book couldn't decide if it wanted to be a political satire or a story about the redemption of two of the book's main characters (Jack and Wanda). Horace Button, the other main character, is about as unpleasant and unlikable as you could imagine. But the real problem with the book is that it's just not well-written. The dialog was clunky, and I had a hard time believing that the public cared about Horace Button to the extent that the plot would have you believe. To add to the annoying qualities of the book, the author decided about half-way through that it should be an apologetic for political conservatives. So, I would not recommend this book to anyone, and I'm baffled by the generally positive reviews here.
September 8, 2021
The Dining Car I believe takes place around present day. The book is told from the point of view of Jack, a once famous college football player who got a serious injury which sidelined his injury. Compound that with a broken engagement of some sort. We find him bartending to some elites and he gets hired by a Horace, grand socialite writer connoisseur of everything who happens to live on a railcar.
Quite an interesting tale, but the plot doesn't really go anywhere and the side stories seem to move super fast to make no sense. What normally would take months transpire overnight? I really enjoyed the Horace character. He definitely kept the book entertaining.
Quite an interesting tale, but the plot doesn't really go anywhere and the side stories seem to move super fast to make no sense. What normally would take months transpire overnight? I really enjoyed the Horace character. He definitely kept the book entertaining.
November 7, 2021
I had mixed feelings about this one. I loved the train stuff. I absolutely love train travel and you can tell the author knows what he's talking about. I also really liked that the under-represented (in literature) political conservatives got some attention. There were some funny moments and some touching moments, however, the touching moments just didn't go far enough for me. I never once felt even the slightest tear start. I never wanted to metaphorically hug the book to my chest. Also, the "romances" of our main character were absolutely ridiculous and unbelievable. I give this book 2 1/2 stars, but bump it up because of the things I really do like about it.
June 4, 2022
There was really no reason to dislike this book, unless one counts the unbelievable plot. And the bigger than life characters. And the rather predictable situations.
So, all these reasons to dislike, why did I rate this book so high (five out of five!).
Because it was good. I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow the author took unbelievable characters, plot, and situations and made them interesting and absorbing. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this one.
I would have liked it better if there had been a better resolution to the love interest--but even that was so unbelievable that good resolution was not that important.
All in all, one that I enjoyed. I hope you do as well.
So, all these reasons to dislike, why did I rate this book so high (five out of five!).
Because it was good. I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow the author took unbelievable characters, plot, and situations and made them interesting and absorbing. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this one.
I would have liked it better if there had been a better resolution to the love interest--but even that was so unbelievable that good resolution was not that important.
All in all, one that I enjoyed. I hope you do as well.
November 26, 2022
This is an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series. I noticed right off that the author dedicated this book to the memories of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg, two well-known (and well-heeled) writers and photographers. I believe potential readers would benefit by doing a bit of research on these two interesting individuals. It certainly would provide them with the inspiration for the author's main character - one Horace Button.
A number of years ago, I had the privilege to be aboard the "Virginia City" a private railroad car once owned by Beebe and Clegg. The "Pioneer Mother", Horace's private car, seems to be created in its image.
A number of years ago, I had the privilege to be aboard the "Virginia City" a private railroad car once owned by Beebe and Clegg. The "Pioneer Mother", Horace's private car, seems to be created in its image.
March 6, 2024
Boy, is this an indulgent book! The food! The beverages! The characters! What a fun ride on the Pioneer Mother.
I don't often remember where I hear about books, but I am 100% sure that I heard about this one from the podcast/blog known as "Strong Sense of Place". It's highly underrated (both the book and the blog).
Also, I couldn't find the audio edition of this book on goodreads, which is the version I consumed, courtesy of my local library's Hoopla subscription. Graham Hamilton was such a talented narrator with lots of voices and cadences perfect for each of the quirky personalities throughout the story, that it was more of a performance. He quickly became a new favorite.
I don't often remember where I hear about books, but I am 100% sure that I heard about this one from the podcast/blog known as "Strong Sense of Place". It's highly underrated (both the book and the blog).
Also, I couldn't find the audio edition of this book on goodreads, which is the version I consumed, courtesy of my local library's Hoopla subscription. Graham Hamilton was such a talented narrator with lots of voices and cadences perfect for each of the quirky personalities throughout the story, that it was more of a performance. He quickly became a new favorite.
January 28, 2018
An intriguing story set primarily in a private vintage railroad car with an array of colorful, well-developed characters against the backdrop of haute cuisine, publishing, and politics. Excellent writing with lots of humor and moments of tenderness. Especially fun are the elaborate descriptions of gourmet meals and top shelf cocktails. To be fully enjoyed/appreciated, this book must be listened to! Graham Hamilton’s narration is flawless. He nails each and every character with an impressive range of voices and accents and delivers exactly the right tone in every scene. So good!
September 23, 2019
You know when a friend recommends a book and you want to love it? That's what happened with "The Dining Car." It has a lot going for it. Trains. California. Romance. A mystery. There are some well written and interesting descriptions, but when the author could have described something with a few lines, he wrote a paragraph. I skimmed much of the book. There's an interesting story in there, I just couldn't get to it. But, I will say that my friend loves this book so much he's read it multiple times. It's evocative.
September 23, 2020
This was a very interesting read. It came packed with excitement despite being more of a relationship story. It gave appearances of becoming a spy thriller or a who done it murder mystery but always backed away; yet I read on with great interest. At it's core, the author focuses you on people simply overcoming trials by choosing to do more and live the best life they can. The scene sweeps you away and immerses you in an almost fantasy land but at the same time makes the characters all the more real.
January 1, 2022
Interesting characters and settings but way too much partisan politics
His principle character Horace is a wonderful rascal, mired in an opulent past, irascible and unapologetically opinionated. As long as he stuck to his topics of food, dress and over indulgence that harms no one but himself, he is a joy to behold. But too quickly and too often he pontificates on partisan politics with uninformed ignorance. It is out of place and off putting. His change of mind on children is not properly explained. Too bad.
His principle character Horace is a wonderful rascal, mired in an opulent past, irascible and unapologetically opinionated. As long as he stuck to his topics of food, dress and over indulgence that harms no one but himself, he is a joy to behold. But too quickly and too often he pontificates on partisan politics with uninformed ignorance. It is out of place and off putting. His change of mind on children is not properly explained. Too bad.
July 11, 2024
I must have picked up The Dining Car at the wrong time, because neither the characters nor the plot spoke to me. I found Wanda to be unconvincing and I didn't see much of an arc in Horace, who essentially continues his ways of irresponsible excess and leaves the actual adult work to Wanda and Jack. I will admit, however, that Jack's relationship with Jane is endearing, and I remember liking Shirley Temples as a kid, too. Easy and quick read, but I didn't particularly enjoy it and don't plan on reading it again.
July 1, 2018
The romance of rails is written into just about every scene in The Dining Car. Who wouldn’t want to live in a private railcar fitted up with bedrooms, an observing balcony and a kitchen for gourmet meals?
We are taken along on a very adventurous ride with Horace Button, a likeable and talented wealthy food and wine writer, who is also a self-centered gourmet alcoholic. The rest of the multi-layered characters are sometimes engaging, sometime infuriating. Be assured, stay on the ride until the end--it is well worth it. Eric Peterson is an absorbing and excellent writer. Bravo.
We are taken along on a very adventurous ride with Horace Button, a likeable and talented wealthy food and wine writer, who is also a self-centered gourmet alcoholic. The rest of the multi-layered characters are sometimes engaging, sometime infuriating. Be assured, stay on the ride until the end--it is well worth it. Eric Peterson is an absorbing and excellent writer. Bravo.
February 5, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about a feisty and unapologetic old tosspot and his antique pullman car life. As a bonus, I learned a lot about fine cooking, dining, and the fine cuisine magazine world. The romance between the former football star and the gourmet cook is a bit too "Hallmark Channel". Overall, this book is an easy, feel-good, smile-generating read that I will likely re-read several times in the future.
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