Tales Of The Wide-a-wake Cafe

by Curt Munson

From the depression to the final days of World War II, Tales of the Wide-A-Wake Caf tells the story of a group of women who, by staying home to fight the war, changed America forever. The story begins in the Wide-A-Wake Caf, a tiny eatery at the intersection of Highway 77 and the famous Route 66, in Edmond, Oklahoma. The women working there didn't become famous, but their lives were anything but ordinary. Their stories crackle with passion, commitment, and real life. Janice, Clara, Cynthia, Tina, and the others are the women of the greatest generation in American history, and this is the story of what they did, and how they lived when war changed everything about their lives. Their loves and heartbreaks, successes, failures, fears and triumphs are chronicled in Tales with authenticity and an artist's understanding heart. Every page, every detail, every line of dialogue rings true and inspires in the reader their own commitment and emotion. If you're ready to believe, really believe in the characters you're reading about, to care about their lives and what happens to them, this is your book. You will never forget these women and how they make you feel.

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Uco Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled across this book while shelving and was immediately attracted to the book by the cover art. Everyone who grew up in Edmond prior to 1972 and the closing of the Wide-A-Wake Café knew about the Wide-A-Wake. Located at the corner of 2nd and Broadway or more famously at the corner of Route 66 and Highway 77, the Wide-A-Wake was open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 45 years.

This book is a fictionalized account of the waitresses featured in the cover art. But the places and people depicted in the story are true. Dr. Wynn was the doctor and yes, the hospital was above the Broncho Theatre (now Othello’s). The Conoco station cattycornered from the Wide-A-Wake still stands. The waitresses who were able to attend college went to Central State.

The time frame for this book is 1937 to the end of World War II in 1945 – tough times not only for our nation but also the little town of Edmond, Oklahoma. The author states “At every point in the preparation of this book I sought the highest level of authenticity I could achieve. This extended to the clothing, music, prices, pay, and tips and even what movie was playing on a particular night.” The book is well researched and a very enjoyable read for history buffs and readers of fiction.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little story from a new author that takes place in Edmond, Oklahoma. For a Rosie the Riveter fan this would be a book to read. A sweet love story with heartbreak and survival all in one.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up near this diner, although never ate there to the best of my memories. This book was an enjoyable read for me since I was so familiar with all of the settings mentioned. The protagonist, Janice, was the same age as my aunt, also a waitress, that just passed away at 100 years of age. These glimpses into the lives of a handful of people primarily during World War II was well done, maybe a little sappy at times, but still a pleasure to read. The Oklahoma City theater mentioned, Tower, was where I took my first date after I had my drivers license.

[Nancy Flack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps it is not the best written book, and it certainly was not a promoted or publicized book since it is self-published, so most people have probably never even heard of it. However, as someone who grew up in OKC, went to college in Edmond and ate at the Wide-a-Wake at least once when I was young, I loved reading this. Add in the fact that my parents met in small town Oklahoma during WW2, and that my father worked at Tinker AFB for 35 years, and I got all the feels from this book.