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Bottomless Cups
Teddy Greenwald and Ray Starck have known one another since the Truman Administration. What began as a mutual interest in sneak-reading comic books in class evolved into a friendship which has outlasted a great many Presidents and a whole lot more, besides.
Teddy and Ray, along with two other boys, formed the core of a group of kids who did everything together. As teenagers, they discovered that restaurants gave free coffee refills even if you didn't order anything else, leading to a lifetime's worth of bottomless cups and frustrated restaurant owners. Now in advanced age, Teddy and Ray still meet regularly to drink too much coffee and talk about the things old guys usually tend to talk about. In between, they flash back to various times and events which helped shape their lives.
One of their once-close group, who has enjoyed a modestly successful career in Hollywood, comes up with the idea of making a movie about their youthful experiences together and what came after for each of them. This would, of course, include starring the surviving originals as the present-day versions of their cinematic selves. For some, however, facing their past, present and inevitable future all in one sitting proves considerably more difficult than it looks on the silver screen.
Teddy and Ray, along with two other boys, formed the core of a group of kids who did everything together. As teenagers, they discovered that restaurants gave free coffee refills even if you didn't order anything else, leading to a lifetime's worth of bottomless cups and frustrated restaurant owners. Now in advanced age, Teddy and Ray still meet regularly to drink too much coffee and talk about the things old guys usually tend to talk about. In between, they flash back to various times and events which helped shape their lives.
One of their once-close group, who has enjoyed a modestly successful career in Hollywood, comes up with the idea of making a movie about their youthful experiences together and what came after for each of them. This would, of course, include starring the surviving originals as the present-day versions of their cinematic selves. For some, however, facing their past, present and inevitable future all in one sitting proves considerably more difficult than it looks on the silver screen.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2020
451 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Joel Bresler
6 books77 followersJoel Bresler was born and spent most of his life to date in and around Cleveland, Ohio. After earning a degree from Skidmore College, he worked briefly in social services before entering into a niche field of business consulting. His first published work, "Letters to be Read in a Heavily British Accent", established him as a humor writer with a unique voice. "Letters" was quickly followed up by "Sunderwynde Revisited", Sunderwynde Revisited, Again", "The Moskowitz Code" and "Bottomless Cups". In the tradition of such heavyweights as P.G. Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh and Douglas Adams, Bresler holds his own writing to a very high comedic standard. Which is not to imply that he is above throwing in any moderately-interesting pun that might find its way from pen to paper. He can lately be found deep in the desert Southwest, dodging snakes and cactus spines and "dry" heat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 13, 2020
Bresler offers up a heartwarming, rib-tickling, heavily caffeinated tale of old friends, good times, and plenty of refills. You'll definitely want to hang with this gang of old-timers.
July 11, 2020
Hilarious. I like a book that can me laugh out loud. This is both a coming of age and a coming of old age story. Discussions shared by sarcastic septuagenarians who have been friends since the age of 10 alternate with stories about their youthful exploits. As senior citizens, they have “comparative pharmacology exchanges” (boy, have I heard a lot of those. “I’m on more pills than the average ticket holder at Woodstock.”), and experience the vicissitudes of age (“Ray’s internal hydraulics suffered a temporary loss of pressure just then, causing certain mechanical malfunctions Nora could not have missed if she had instead been elsewhere.”) The one who was a widower described his experience going to a senior singles meeting exactly the way my father did after my mother passed: “When I got there, the male population immediately increased to a total of one. I was it for about twenty minutes, during which time the thirty or so ‘ladies’ –which term I use only politely –were milling around the perimeter in little groups sizing me up while pretending I didn’t exist at the same time.” The descriptions of their youth were great: “Whoever originally came up with the idea of going away to college was an unqualified genius. It was, as Ray described it, how a dog must feel after slipping the leash and making a clean getaway.” I like the author’s use of language; e.g., showing a lot of backbone is showing a “cavernous ossuary’s worth of vertebrae.”
At any rate, the one of their group who went to Hollywood and became a director/producer decided to base a movie on their lives, with young people playing them as teens, and them playing themselves in old age. “Watching it had been an experience akin to seeing one’s life pass before their eyes, in an end-of-the-road kind of way.” Poignant. Especially if one of your old gang has passed away, but there he is, adventuring with you as a youth once again. I was sorry when the book ended.
At any rate, the one of their group who went to Hollywood and became a director/producer decided to base a movie on their lives, with young people playing them as teens, and them playing themselves in old age. “Watching it had been an experience akin to seeing one’s life pass before their eyes, in an end-of-the-road kind of way.” Poignant. Especially if one of your old gang has passed away, but there he is, adventuring with you as a youth once again. I was sorry when the book ended.
May 12, 2020
2.5 *
Elderly Teddy Greenwald and Ray Starck have been friends since childhood. In their youth, they were members of a group who used to hang out and get up to all sorts of mischief, such as annoying waitresses by loitering in restaurants and drinking free coffee refills. The pair have lived through it all – wars, recessions, the assassination of a president; and they have even shared a love interest, Nora, who has resurfaced after all these years. And now there is a film to be made of their lives, thanks to a member of their former group being involved in Hollywood.
Bottomless Cups is comprised for the most part of musings, quips, teasing and general banter. The text consists of interweaving timelines which vacillate between the present and the past. In the absence of chapters, it is somewhat confusing. While the characters are fairly likeable, this non-plot orientated, purportedly humorous offering is tepid and somewhat relentless.
Elderly Teddy Greenwald and Ray Starck have been friends since childhood. In their youth, they were members of a group who used to hang out and get up to all sorts of mischief, such as annoying waitresses by loitering in restaurants and drinking free coffee refills. The pair have lived through it all – wars, recessions, the assassination of a president; and they have even shared a love interest, Nora, who has resurfaced after all these years. And now there is a film to be made of their lives, thanks to a member of their former group being involved in Hollywood.
Bottomless Cups is comprised for the most part of musings, quips, teasing and general banter. The text consists of interweaving timelines which vacillate between the present and the past. In the absence of chapters, it is somewhat confusing. While the characters are fairly likeable, this non-plot orientated, purportedly humorous offering is tepid and somewhat relentless.
December 27, 2020
Bottomless cups is the story really begins with Teddy and Ray spending their life drinking endless cups of coffee at various restaurants that offer refills without you having to purchase any food. With coffee, many stories of discussions, memories, and challenges occur that shape this beautiful story. The uniqueness of the content made it all so enjoyable to read.
Their life is so intriguing that a friend offers to make a movie out of it, and the process, contrary to what they initially think, becomes more of a complicated endeavor.
I liked the cover design for the book. I thought it was well thought through and represented what the book embodied. The author’s descriptive nature of storytelling genuinely encouraged the reader not to put the book down. The characters were relatable, and their personalities clashed well together. The content was heartwarming and was filled with love, loss, and it had a unique voice to it.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fictional stories and like relishing through beautiful memories of what friendship consists of.
Their life is so intriguing that a friend offers to make a movie out of it, and the process, contrary to what they initially think, becomes more of a complicated endeavor.
I liked the cover design for the book. I thought it was well thought through and represented what the book embodied. The author’s descriptive nature of storytelling genuinely encouraged the reader not to put the book down. The characters were relatable, and their personalities clashed well together. The content was heartwarming and was filled with love, loss, and it had a unique voice to it.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fictional stories and like relishing through beautiful memories of what friendship consists of.
March 7, 2021
A book for all
I was unsure about whether I would enjoy this book, but WOW it is really wonderful reading. The author's writing is spot on and he captures the various characters perfectly. The book takes us through the lives, hitting highlights and low lights, of Teddy and Ray, who met in fifth grade and continue their friendship to their seventies.
We do not witness their demise but rather the way they deal with life, in all its aspects. They even star in a movie about themselves!
I highly recommend the book and !look forward to reading more by this previously unknown to me author.
I was unsure about whether I would enjoy this book, but WOW it is really wonderful reading. The author's writing is spot on and he captures the various characters perfectly. The book takes us through the lives, hitting highlights and low lights, of Teddy and Ray, who met in fifth grade and continue their friendship to their seventies.
We do not witness their demise but rather the way they deal with life, in all its aspects. They even star in a movie about themselves!
I highly recommend the book and !look forward to reading more by this previously unknown to me author.
March 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this story, possibly because I'm old enough to relate to it. The book was very well written, funny at times, sad at others. The characters of Teddy and Ray were well drawn. I would love to have coffee with them anytime.
My only wish is that the manuscript had been read by a qualified copy editor. There are so many mistakes as to be distracting.
My only wish is that the manuscript had been read by a qualified copy editor. There are so many mistakes as to be distracting.
October 7, 2021
It was supposed to be funny - it wasn’t. Was supposed to be about two lifelong friends, through the lens of their advanced years. Instead, it felt like dementia induced reminiscences due to poor literary transitions, and was really a triangle relationship that ended along with the book.
April 7, 2023
It’s a 3.5 stars.
A beautiful book to read about 2 friends who have shared a lifetime. At times while reading I asked myself - will I have such a friend when I am 75 to share my life . I hope I do.
Just read it for the friendship. For easy conversations for tender moments for the two people Ray and Teddy.
A beautiful book to read about 2 friends who have shared a lifetime. At times while reading I asked myself - will I have such a friend when I am 75 to share my life . I hope I do.
Just read it for the friendship. For easy conversations for tender moments for the two people Ray and Teddy.
October 28, 2022
A senior moment
Excellent story by an author with a sense of humor and future foreboding. Imagine reading about seniors who recall their past and star in a movie about their past and present , with past and friends. Recommended reading about how to contend with growing older.
Excellent story by an author with a sense of humor and future foreboding. Imagine reading about seniors who recall their past and star in a movie about their past and present , with past and friends. Recommended reading about how to contend with growing older.
October 15, 2022
Surprising
Really had no expectations for this book but quickly found myself thoroughly enjoying the characters and particularly their dialogue which rang so true.
Really had no expectations for this book but quickly found myself thoroughly enjoying the characters and particularly their dialogue which rang so true.
November 26, 2022
Dry Humour
It took a while for it to sink in that I was reading an American book by an American author, the humour was most reminiscent of dry, tongue in cheek British humour. Fantastic use of, and arrangement of words, I remembered Ray's "surprise" at Teddy's use of the word "fecundity". Quite touching was the portrayal of the friendship that existed between those two, it held together through good times and bad, it was a friendship that was not selfish, others were often welcomed but it was one which kept on evolving to suit the times.
If you like humour that must be understood to be considered humour and if you are of a certain age, i.e., the age that reality sets in, feel free to read, you will enjoy.
It took a while for it to sink in that I was reading an American book by an American author, the humour was most reminiscent of dry, tongue in cheek British humour. Fantastic use of, and arrangement of words, I remembered Ray's "surprise" at Teddy's use of the word "fecundity". Quite touching was the portrayal of the friendship that existed between those two, it held together through good times and bad, it was a friendship that was not selfish, others were often welcomed but it was one which kept on evolving to suit the times.
If you like humour that must be understood to be considered humour and if you are of a certain age, i.e., the age that reality sets in, feel free to read, you will enjoy.
January 7, 2020
Joel Bresler's newest novel, “Bottomless Cups,” is a bit of a departure from his previously written, very funny comedies. The comedic timing is, as always, and bar none, impeccable. And the word play and puns and illusions are all there. In this one we meet Teddy Greenwald and Ray Starck in a coffee shop drinking coffee together as they have for decades (and where the reader will often find them in this novel.) Theirs is a long and event-filled friendship we begin immediately to learn about in an ever revolving kaleidoscope of thoughts, actions, motives, friends, and escapades. How else to describe it? Perhaps a boat traveling downstream, intermittently going through locks, blown back upstream by storms, caught in swirling whirlpools, then off again, flowing along, blown back upstream and then off again. Pretty much unmoored in time and space.
Due to Bresler's deft skills, the reader is never lost or confused; instead he's highly entertained and laughing. Mostly laughing. Until the two friends' sojourn leads them into emotional depths both surprising and touching not only to them but to the reader as well. And therein lies the difference from his previous comedies. This one's a dramedy. A good one.
Due to Bresler's deft skills, the reader is never lost or confused; instead he's highly entertained and laughing. Mostly laughing. Until the two friends' sojourn leads them into emotional depths both surprising and touching not only to them but to the reader as well. And therein lies the difference from his previous comedies. This one's a dramedy. A good one.
August 28, 2022
Interesting book which I read from start to finish in a sitting. And yet, I wouldn't say I gripped with excitement.
The basic premise, 2 friends in their 70s get together for coffee fairly frequently and discuss things, over the course of the book you get an overview of their past selves from pre school to the present day.
All in all, I did enjoy the story, but it was recommended to me as funny and while I smirked in a few places, the funny is more bad dad jokes from time to time. Still I found the characters endearing and real.
Sadly, i saw a lot of truth in how they could all come together and grow apart so easily over the course of their lives. Still, I hope people pick this up and enjoy it for what I took it for.
Sitting down at the table at Tim Horton's (or someplace nicer) and having a good long chat with someone about their lives and absent friends.
The basic premise, 2 friends in their 70s get together for coffee fairly frequently and discuss things, over the course of the book you get an overview of their past selves from pre school to the present day.
All in all, I did enjoy the story, but it was recommended to me as funny and while I smirked in a few places, the funny is more bad dad jokes from time to time. Still I found the characters endearing and real.
Sadly, i saw a lot of truth in how they could all come together and grow apart so easily over the course of their lives. Still, I hope people pick this up and enjoy it for what I took it for.
Sitting down at the table at Tim Horton's (or someplace nicer) and having a good long chat with someone about their lives and absent friends.
April 27, 2021
Like Watching Two Old Comedians
Reading Bottomless Cups felt like watching two old-time comedians doing their schtick. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed. Reminded me of the show "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," with Jerry Seinfeld - the getting coffee part. The book was a delightful journey through the lives of two best friends and the bit players who rounded out their lives, and always over coffee and a bit of a nosh. What I did find odd though was that there weren't any chapters in the book, just one long rambling story, with a double space now and then to indicate a breath. Perhaps it was just the Kindle version. I couldn't say for sure.
Reading Bottomless Cups felt like watching two old-time comedians doing their schtick. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed. Reminded me of the show "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," with Jerry Seinfeld - the getting coffee part. The book was a delightful journey through the lives of two best friends and the bit players who rounded out their lives, and always over coffee and a bit of a nosh. What I did find odd though was that there weren't any chapters in the book, just one long rambling story, with a double space now and then to indicate a breath. Perhaps it was just the Kindle version. I couldn't say for sure.
February 1, 2021
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️ Beautifully heartwarming.
Comedic, light and charming read, a real character study. Didn’t quite grab me from the start but I learned to love this (slightly plot less) book filled with humour and wit. This is a great read for those times you want to fill your time with something comforting and non challenging yet still full of feeling and meaning. The characters are superbly written, I actually feel like I will miss them. I will certainly be searching out other works by this author.
Comedic, light and charming read, a real character study. Didn’t quite grab me from the start but I learned to love this (slightly plot less) book filled with humour and wit. This is a great read for those times you want to fill your time with something comforting and non challenging yet still full of feeling and meaning. The characters are superbly written, I actually feel like I will miss them. I will certainly be searching out other works by this author.
September 30, 2020
Interesting and well-written tale about friends, life and love
I enjoyed the humorous banter and well-written novel about a group of friends who embark on unique adventures, especially when they do so as seniors. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed the humorous banter and well-written novel about a group of friends who embark on unique adventures, especially when they do so as seniors. Highly recommend.
October 5, 2020
Teddy and Ray have been friends since elementary school. Now in their seventies, they reflect on their lives and get the gang back together when a once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself. Funny, poinient, and memorable.
July 30, 2021
Liked reading about the life-long friendship of these two guys, going back and forth between the past and present.
Took a minute to get into it, but once I did I was hooked, needing to see them through.
Took a minute to get into it, but once I did I was hooked, needing to see them through.
December 27, 2020
Great read
A funny yet touching story. The reader can capture their own lives through many passages. Very entertaining while being insightful.
A funny yet touching story. The reader can capture their own lives through many passages. Very entertaining while being insightful.
July 24, 2021
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. So many books seem very similar to each other. This book was truly a different storyline and I found to be very good.
I really enjoyed this book. So many books seem very similar to each other. This book was truly a different storyline and I found to be very good.
November 1, 2022
So good! It had me laughing and I almost cried at the end. All in all , very well done.
August 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book once I got used to the writing style. Way too many unnecessary adverbs to make the point. There were many, many times that I had no idea who was talking. That aside, I enjoyed listening to the on going conversations of the two main characters over their lifetime. It reminded me of a synopsis of the two main characters in Grumpy Old Men! Lots of humorous conversations that were either inside jokes to them or repetitive things they would say to one another. Teddy was an interesting character. I identified more with Ray and would have loved to understand more about Nora. Very enjoyable but not a quick read even though it is a relatively short book. I would recommend it!
February 27, 2020
bottomless cups is a story of two misfit ten-year-old boys who end up as “new kids” in adjoining backrow desks in the same fifth grade class at Zachary Elementary School. The two are Jewish but make them whatever you are as it is going to feel like your story by the end, and Zachary Elementary School could be in any small town in the US. The two have so much fun not fitting in that they become the “cool kids” and form a lifelong friendship spent mostly (once they are old enough) drinking coffee in places with free refills or “bottomless cups.”
In beautiful, but familiar, language the story weaves back and forth between their growing up selves and their current “old selves.”
Finishing this on New Year’s Day 2020, one of the last passages resonates. Teddy, one of the two formerly ten-year-old main characters, Ray being the other, has recently watched a DVD of the movie of their lives. During the first viewing, he wipes away tears and the second he can genuinely appreciate the funny moments. “But as the new year inched its way closer to the starting gate, Teddy grew unexpectedly ebullient. The biggest change of all, it suddenly dawned on him, was one of significance: going on seemed – for possibly the first time in his very long life – magnificently important.”
The story will have you checking all the corner tables the next time you happen to enter a deli, diner or café. Teddy and Ray might just be there, reminiscing and downing “bottomless cups.
In beautiful, but familiar, language the story weaves back and forth between their growing up selves and their current “old selves.”
Finishing this on New Year’s Day 2020, one of the last passages resonates. Teddy, one of the two formerly ten-year-old main characters, Ray being the other, has recently watched a DVD of the movie of their lives. During the first viewing, he wipes away tears and the second he can genuinely appreciate the funny moments. “But as the new year inched its way closer to the starting gate, Teddy grew unexpectedly ebullient. The biggest change of all, it suddenly dawned on him, was one of significance: going on seemed – for possibly the first time in his very long life – magnificently important.”
The story will have you checking all the corner tables the next time you happen to enter a deli, diner or café. Teddy and Ray might just be there, reminiscing and downing “bottomless cups.
July 8, 2020
Over the course of seven decades, Teddy and Ray have endured many trials but still remained friends. Over coffee, the two engage in past times and pleasant conversation. Like any pair of old men, they bicker and jabber, and, at times, go off on tirades that almost seem meaningless.
The writing was good. It was interesting how important historical events paralleled into their young lives. Story kind of takes the reader into a clever montage of “those were the days” parodies. At times, they can be aimless wanderings with no real direction. Reliving boys’ coming-of-age years was, by far, the most amusing.
A decent read.
The writing was good. It was interesting how important historical events paralleled into their young lives. Story kind of takes the reader into a clever montage of “those were the days” parodies. At times, they can be aimless wanderings with no real direction. Reliving boys’ coming-of-age years was, by far, the most amusing.
A decent read.
July 24, 2020
I have to admit, it was tough at times to keep going with this book. However, there were some funny times, and at others just 'life' happening in people's lives. In the end, it was a good story. And there were parts that I could identify with. All in all, it was realistic in that live happens, and some things we can control and some we can't. I was sad that Nora left so early. Ray had a lot of traits of a friend of mine, ironically whose name is also Ray. I'm wondering how closely this story portrays Bresler's life.
July 28, 2020
I liked the story. Actually, I thought it was a great story but not sure it would appeal to a younger reader. But I think most older readers would really enjoy it. Now having said that, I wish the front end of it would undergo a rewrite because I nearly gave up on it and if I had, would have missed the real essence of the story. I thought the characters were developed very well, to the point where you actually got a sense of who they were. They were likable and the relationships between the key people were perfectly represented. It is very apparent that the author had a solid sense of who these characters were, how they felt, thought, and lived their lives.
July 6, 2020
Wow! What can one say about such a wonderful story! It was truly an experience to go through the lives of these beautiful, funny and touching people. You felt like you were part of this group, going from past to present and back again. As you read you think about what you went through as a child, going to school, meeting kids, doing silly things, hanging out, just wonderful memories. The two lead characters in this story are people you would really like to know and by the time you are finished with this book you know their heart and soul and you will miss them. What a beautiful story! This book was written from the authors heart. I loved it.
July 12, 2020
Absolutely Entertaining
I honestly don't know how I came across this book, but I am so grateful I did. This was such a departure from my usual reads that I was skeptical at first. But after the first few pages I was hooked. I laughed (a lot), I cried and then I laughed some more.
Excellent read.
I honestly don't know how I came across this book, but I am so grateful I did. This was such a departure from my usual reads that I was skeptical at first. But after the first few pages I was hooked. I laughed (a lot), I cried and then I laughed some more.
Excellent read.
July 12, 2020
Bottomless Cups is a boat load of fun.
I would recommend this book for any age of reader as we can all look back to earlier times. The characters are so real I think I knew a few of them from my hometown. I loved the dialog between Ray and Teddy and how they stayed friends throughout their lives. Really good read. Thanks
I would recommend this book for any age of reader as we can all look back to earlier times. The characters are so real I think I knew a few of them from my hometown. I loved the dialog between Ray and Teddy and how they stayed friends throughout their lives. Really good read. Thanks
July 13, 2020
Teddy and Ray are seventy-year-old men who drink coffee with each other, quite frequently. They have some boring interactions, but I mostly blame that on the author’s penchant for expressing every word he knows. Despite that, it was fun to hear their stories of their youth and I was very interested to see what would happen with Ray and Nora.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews