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The Waitress
Waitress Katie snaps back at café customers and repulsive boss. Rudeness surprises potential buyers. Her career choice changes as rapidly as her boyfriends. To get her ex back, Geraldine phones and sends Katie into a panic away from her first date with irresistible Dan - who becomes her new boss. Has Katie been waiting tables - and waiting for Mr Right - a little too long?
510 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
48 people are currently reading
1647 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Nathan
11 books247 followersMelissa Jane Nathan (13 June 1968 – 7 April 2006) was a journalist and UK author of popular "chick lit" novels in the early 2000s.
When working on Persuading Annie (2001), Nathan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She refused to let the illness dominate her life, and - in public anyway - was unfailingly positive. She had no time for most journalism written by cancer sufferers: "self-indulgent dirges without a helpline in sight", as she described them; she tried to joke about cancer's unoriginality in her Jewish Chronicle column and then added:
That was what you call laughing in adversity. It's what makes people smile mistily at me, as if I'm fading in front of their very eyes while telling knock-knock jokes. What they don't know is that I have daydreams about being the oldest person at their funeral.
Ironically, the characters in Nathan's first book, 'Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field', were starring in a play version of Pride & Prejudice that benefitted breast cancer research. The book was written prior to Nathan knowing about her own future diagnosis with the disease.
She died aged 37 from breast cancer in April 2006. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Saffron, and their son, Sam.
Her final novel, The Learning Curve, was published posthumously in August 2006. A writing award has been established to recognize quality comedy romance writers in her honor.
When working on Persuading Annie (2001), Nathan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She refused to let the illness dominate her life, and - in public anyway - was unfailingly positive. She had no time for most journalism written by cancer sufferers: "self-indulgent dirges without a helpline in sight", as she described them; she tried to joke about cancer's unoriginality in her Jewish Chronicle column and then added:
That was what you call laughing in adversity. It's what makes people smile mistily at me, as if I'm fading in front of their very eyes while telling knock-knock jokes. What they don't know is that I have daydreams about being the oldest person at their funeral.
Ironically, the characters in Nathan's first book, 'Pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field', were starring in a play version of Pride & Prejudice that benefitted breast cancer research. The book was written prior to Nathan knowing about her own future diagnosis with the disease.
She died aged 37 from breast cancer in April 2006. She is survived by her husband, Andrew Saffron, and their son, Sam.
Her final novel, The Learning Curve, was published posthumously in August 2006. A writing award has been established to recognize quality comedy romance writers in her honor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 22, 2016
This book is about a 20-something-year-old who refuses to grow up, and wonders aimlessly through life, doing a job she doesn't really like and can't decide what to do for her rest of her life. Turns out, she really did love her shitty waitressing job, and it only took a promotion and a hot boss to realise it. inspiring.
March 12, 2021
I’ve read this book several times now and I love I because it’s a fun, cute read. I first discovered it as a teenager and reading it as a 30 something woman in 2021 some parts make me cringe that in the past made me laugh (fat shaming jokes, lots of stereotypes etc) but it still retained the charm that drew me to Melissa Nathan’s books to begin with.
The story centers around Katie, a 24 year old Oxford grad who is waiting tables until she figures out what she wants to do with her life. She also wants a boyfriend but can’t seem to commit.
One day at a party she meets Dan and really hits it off with him and they agree to go out. Unfortunately for Katie, Dan is the ex of a frenemy of hers who sabotages their date.
Licking her wounds after the miserable date she enters work one day to find out that Dan had just taken over the cafe she works at.
It cute and has a predictable, chick-lit style ending but it’s enjoyable and perfect to read over a weekend at home.
For those who don’t know, Melissa died in her early 30s from breast cancer and had only written a handful of books before her death. This one, The Learning Curve and The Nanny are my favorites.
The story centers around Katie, a 24 year old Oxford grad who is waiting tables until she figures out what she wants to do with her life. She also wants a boyfriend but can’t seem to commit.
One day at a party she meets Dan and really hits it off with him and they agree to go out. Unfortunately for Katie, Dan is the ex of a frenemy of hers who sabotages their date.
Licking her wounds after the miserable date she enters work one day to find out that Dan had just taken over the cafe she works at.
It cute and has a predictable, chick-lit style ending but it’s enjoyable and perfect to read over a weekend at home.
For those who don’t know, Melissa died in her early 30s from breast cancer and had only written a handful of books before her death. This one, The Learning Curve and The Nanny are my favorites.
September 30, 2008
I am not quite sure what to say about this book. I enjoyed the book, but found it tough to get going. It isn't the best chick-lit option out there, but it had some good qualities that kept me reading until the end. I think the best part was the last few pages which helped tie it all together...it is OK to take your time to figure out what you want to do in life - the journey is just as important as the destination.
March 24, 2021
When I read this book, I wasn't so into reading thick books because I get impatient and most of the time ending up jumping to the last chapters after reaching the middle, but this is one of those books which I patiently read through all chapters.
I wasn't expecting anything about this book. I bought it on a whim actually while I was on a date with my husband. And yes, to be honest, it was more because of the cover than the blurb, hahaha :D
But after reading this book, I was amazed. I liked it. The story was written nicely and I smiled a lot. It was because of this book that I bought "The Nanny" but after 3 chapters I got tired of it and place the book aside (haven't touched it again) The Waitress is better.
I wasn't expecting anything about this book. I bought it on a whim actually while I was on a date with my husband. And yes, to be honest, it was more because of the cover than the blurb, hahaha :D
But after reading this book, I was amazed. I liked it. The story was written nicely and I smiled a lot. It was because of this book that I bought "The Nanny" but after 3 chapters I got tired of it and place the book aside (haven't touched it again) The Waitress is better.
March 23, 2025
Lengvai susiskaitė, buvo ir gero juoko.
Kodėl vertėjai verčia "meilužė". Mes lietuviai šį žodį tapatinamę su išdavystę ir pasileisusią moterimi. Kodėl ne mylimoji,... Juk turime daug žodžių antrajai pusei įvardinti.
Kodėl vertėjai verčia "meilužė". Mes lietuviai šį žodį tapatinamę su išdavystę ir pasileisusią moterimi. Kodėl ne mylimoji,... Juk turime daug žodžių antrajai pusei įvardinti.
January 23, 2017
A great laugh out loud book.
It was my first English book I ever read (being from Germany), and it was witty enough to keep me reading, even when I got stuck on a word now or then. I had a lot of fun, liked the characters, enjoyed the plot, and had a really good time being entertained.
I can really recommend it to all fans of chick lit like Kinsella!
It was my first English book I ever read (being from Germany), and it was witty enough to keep me reading, even when I got stuck on a word now or then. I had a lot of fun, liked the characters, enjoyed the plot, and had a really good time being entertained.
I can really recommend it to all fans of chick lit like Kinsella!
January 22, 2023
Very enjoyable. A bit Bridget Jones's Diary, but much more loosely connected to Pride and Prejudice. Take it for what it is, light fun.
My only quibbles are pacing and scope. It feels a bit drawn out, but with an ending that's a bit too hasty. I'm also not a big fan of too many story lines, but this book does it pretty well. Like Pride and Prejudice, there's a central story with minor stories for minor characters. However, in this book, the minor stories mostly don't really relate to or drive the central story. Eliminating Matt's storyline entirely would have been a good move. It's unnecessary, manages to be simultaneously predictable and confusing, seems quite implausible, and disrupts the pacing. However, the side stories about Hugh, Jon, and Sukie were acceptable and added a little to the story, though they weren't necessary.
But these are minor quibbles, and it's not exactly fair to compare it to Pride and Prejudice. It's an enjoyable read that I'd recommend to anyone who likes this genre.
My only quibbles are pacing and scope. It feels a bit drawn out, but with an ending that's a bit too hasty. I'm also not a big fan of too many story lines, but this book does it pretty well. Like Pride and Prejudice, there's a central story with minor stories for minor characters. However, in this book, the minor stories mostly don't really relate to or drive the central story. Eliminating Matt's storyline entirely would have been a good move. It's unnecessary, manages to be simultaneously predictable and confusing, seems quite implausible, and disrupts the pacing. However, the side stories about Hugh, Jon, and Sukie were acceptable and added a little to the story, though they weren't necessary.
But these are minor quibbles, and it's not exactly fair to compare it to Pride and Prejudice. It's an enjoyable read that I'd recommend to anyone who likes this genre.
January 7, 2019
“I-I think I know what I want to be when I grow up.”
Katie took up waitressing after college as something to do until she was sure of her dream job. The problem was that she couldn’t make up her mind and just kept on waitressing. Her aunt is going to change her will and leave her money once she finally figures out what to do with her life, but even with that, she can’t seem to make a decision. Then, the café she works for is bought out by two men – and one of them is Dan, whom she had one date with where she had an anxiety attack and left him alone at the restaurant with no explanation. She faces losing her job, but instead is made manager and has to work with Dan day after day. It proves to be the catalyst she finally needs to get her life moving somewhere.
I found The Waitress at our local library book sale and thought it looked interesting. I chose it for the December Online Book Club since it seemed like a light-hearted, fun book. It takes place in London and was similar in style to the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.
Katie’s flatmate, Jon, and friend and coworker, Sukie, help Katie face her triumphs and troubles as Dan shows interest in Katie, but then turns around and starts seeing his ex-girlfriend again. Jon is trying to write a novel and Sukie is chasing down auditions to become an actress. Jon gets an agent and book contract and Sukie gets a very big audition and Katie must finally face up to the fact that she’s been living a life with no risks – and finds herself finally willing to take a big one.
The Waitress was a fun read, especially since Katie and Sukie are known for being rude to customers getting coffee at the café and that’s what the café is known for. The characters are interesting and the theme is finding the courage to follow your dreams. The book is for adults due to language and romance.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/the-waitre...
Katie took up waitressing after college as something to do until she was sure of her dream job. The problem was that she couldn’t make up her mind and just kept on waitressing. Her aunt is going to change her will and leave her money once she finally figures out what to do with her life, but even with that, she can’t seem to make a decision. Then, the café she works for is bought out by two men – and one of them is Dan, whom she had one date with where she had an anxiety attack and left him alone at the restaurant with no explanation. She faces losing her job, but instead is made manager and has to work with Dan day after day. It proves to be the catalyst she finally needs to get her life moving somewhere.
I found The Waitress at our local library book sale and thought it looked interesting. I chose it for the December Online Book Club since it seemed like a light-hearted, fun book. It takes place in London and was similar in style to the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.
Katie’s flatmate, Jon, and friend and coworker, Sukie, help Katie face her triumphs and troubles as Dan shows interest in Katie, but then turns around and starts seeing his ex-girlfriend again. Jon is trying to write a novel and Sukie is chasing down auditions to become an actress. Jon gets an agent and book contract and Sukie gets a very big audition and Katie must finally face up to the fact that she’s been living a life with no risks – and finds herself finally willing to take a big one.
The Waitress was a fun read, especially since Katie and Sukie are known for being rude to customers getting coffee at the café and that’s what the café is known for. The characters are interesting and the theme is finding the courage to follow your dreams. The book is for adults due to language and romance.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/the-waitre...
August 10, 2023
Sweet book. Met my high dialogue standards. Comedy of errors elements. Takes place (mostly) in London.
Will read the rest of Ms. Nathan's books, as well. So glad she got to enjoy being published before she passed away so young.
Will read the rest of Ms. Nathan's books, as well. So glad she got to enjoy being published before she passed away so young.
June 14, 2025
dnf-ed it. This has been on my bookshelf for more than a decade and thought I could finally read it for some light, funny read. The first turn off for me was when I read a body shaming "joke". The second was this line "from here the boys could see their juicy prey well enough" 🤢
September 17, 2024
I struggled with this book, just couldn’t get enthusiastic about it.
August 12, 2024
Wel een lekkere doorlezer, maar vrij standaard verloop van de liefdeslijn. Blijft een beetje oppervlakkig.
September 27, 2015
This is the story of Katie Simmonds, a twenty-something who is figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up. I like finding-yourself stories and so thought I might like this one. Instead, halfway through the 500-page book, I felt like I was still waiting for it to start.
In the last hundred pages, Katie's friend Sukie tells her that Katie is always handed everything and doesn't have to do anything to earn it. This criticism is most definitely not unfounded. The scene works well, and would have worked better a few hundred pages earlier. The last hundred pages show Katie attempting to buy a cafe in her parents' village, only to be immediately cosmically rewarded by being able to buy the cafe she really wanted (the one she already worked for in London) and having her love interest Dan break his engagement and pour his heart out to her.
The theme of the book is supposed to be that taking risks is better than standing around doing nothing. Katie takes exactly one risk in the whole book, which is ostensibly to demonstrate her growth and maturity. While Katie is patting herself on the back for this risk, Sukie's criticism stands: everything in Katie's happy ending is because of someone else's actions.
In the last hundred pages, Katie's friend Sukie tells her that Katie is always handed everything and doesn't have to do anything to earn it. This criticism is most definitely not unfounded. The scene works well, and would have worked better a few hundred pages earlier. The last hundred pages show Katie attempting to buy a cafe in her parents' village, only to be immediately cosmically rewarded by being able to buy the cafe she really wanted (the one she already worked for in London) and having her love interest Dan break his engagement and pour his heart out to her.
The theme of the book is supposed to be that taking risks is better than standing around doing nothing. Katie takes exactly one risk in the whole book, which is ostensibly to demonstrate her growth and maturity. While Katie is patting herself on the back for this risk, Sukie's criticism stands: everything in Katie's happy ending is because of someone else's actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2010
after reading "the learning curve" by melissa nathan i thot tht any book wud b bettr thn this buk...but unfortunately this buk was evn worse...the only gud thng abt melissa nathan's book is tht the outlining plots or the storyline is gud...in ths book the outline "girls strands a guy in the restaurant on their first date and ends up owrking with him" is interesting n one might evn look forward to it wid excitement...but thr is absolutely NO chemistry between the lead pair...how cn they fall in luv without tlkng or evn spending tym wit each other...its frustrating...n the second most irritating thng abt this book r the stories revolving arnd the secondary characters...the story involving jon n sukie is still ok bt who cares abt matt or hugh...it ws highly irritating how the story kept shifting frm the main pair to these unimportant secondary characters...the book is also too long for me to bare n i wud recommnd this book to only those who r insomniac...it wud highly help u to fall asleep!!
September 13, 2012
Cómo hacía tiempo que no me leía nada de chick-lit, me decidí por esta novela que tenía buena pinta.
En realidad, he salido algo escaldada y no es que la autora escriba mal. El libro, al igual que mis favoritos de Marian Keyes, tiene puntos buenos de humor, temas interesantes de los que tratar y unos personajes que no podían ser m��s sacados de la realidad ni hechos a medida (yo misma me he sentido identificada con uno de ellos) pero aún con todo y eso, la historia no me ha terminado de convencer.
Me reitero en sus puntos buenos pues no ha habido nada flojo que le hiciera cojear. Lo divertido del libro es como la protagonista que trabaja en una cafetería y es agria con todo el mundo, sigue teniendo a los mismos clientes que la aceptan tal cual es. Para que luego digan que los ingleses no son raros...
Tal vez sea la saturación de tanto libro leído hasta la fecha y que algunos ya se me mezclan con otros, pero de este libro solo puedo decir lo que es evidente. Divertido para pasar una buena tarde entre risas pero nada más.
En realidad, he salido algo escaldada y no es que la autora escriba mal. El libro, al igual que mis favoritos de Marian Keyes, tiene puntos buenos de humor, temas interesantes de los que tratar y unos personajes que no podían ser m��s sacados de la realidad ni hechos a medida (yo misma me he sentido identificada con uno de ellos) pero aún con todo y eso, la historia no me ha terminado de convencer.
Me reitero en sus puntos buenos pues no ha habido nada flojo que le hiciera cojear. Lo divertido del libro es como la protagonista que trabaja en una cafetería y es agria con todo el mundo, sigue teniendo a los mismos clientes que la aceptan tal cual es. Para que luego digan que los ingleses no son raros...
Tal vez sea la saturación de tanto libro leído hasta la fecha y que algunos ya se me mezclan con otros, pero de este libro solo puedo decir lo que es evidente. Divertido para pasar una buena tarde entre risas pero nada más.
July 17, 2019
It took me about 100 pages to get into this book. Once I did, I was hooked. This reminded me a little bit of “Amanda’s Wedding” but it was much better. It is a story about Katie. Katie is a waitress and is trying to figure out what to do with her life. This book was had adjacent stories and expressions of feelings from the other characters. It made the book more interesting and unique. Although the main character was Katie, the author was very deliberate in detailing the lives of some of the other characters and what they were feeling about certain aspects of their lives and how it related to the main plot. Nathan did a very good job with this. As a reader, I didn’t feel like these tributaries were unnecessary. They added to the enjoyment of the book. I am definitely interested in reading more books by this author. Well done
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January 4, 2009I like the way The Waitress written by Melissa Nathan is written in. Following the format like a menu in a restaurant. With appetizers, main courses, desserts and of course don’t forget there is the bill. These subcategories are separated from her life. For instance, the main courses are what the protagonist- Katie’s ideals are such as her idea of romance is a goodbye kiss. However, the bill which she needs to pay up are her ex eager to find her. Nathan ended with the novel nicely. The mood she sets up for the reader at the end, “The sound of cheering drowned out her crying” (Nathan 367). She uses imagery to create the mood sounding cheerful to cover the protagonist's sadness.
January 17, 2013
Perfect!
i just love Melissa Nathan's style. Getting to know something about everyone in the book. You always find a way of identifying with at least one of her characters.
In my case that was the main character Katie Simmonds. In her twenties, not knowing what to do with her life, that job she really wants to do and having her parents at her back, trying to get her to make a decision. A decision, they would approve of.
Well at least her mother does. Her father only wants, what's good for her. He wants her to be happy.
i just love Melissa Nathan's style. Getting to know something about everyone in the book. You always find a way of identifying with at least one of her characters.
In my case that was the main character Katie Simmonds. In her twenties, not knowing what to do with her life, that job she really wants to do and having her parents at her back, trying to get her to make a decision. A decision, they would approve of.
Well at least her mother does. Her father only wants, what's good for her. He wants her to be happy.
February 14, 2017
This book was really just a filler to read over the Christmas break. I didn't develop any empathy for the characters so really didn't care what happened to them. All in all it was a pretty predictable story.
January 12, 2020
Superior rom-com, chicklit fodder from the wonderful Melissa Nathan. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and one-line zingers make this fluffy story worth reading. The characters are clearly defined and the situations twist and turn - you may know what the outcome will be but not how we're going to get there. You will have fun along the way.
September 14, 2020
For those of us who love to visualize the stories and environment, this is a perfect read. Once you get the rhythm of the story and humour, it's impossible not to laugh out loud. It has all the needed chick-lit ingredients, but large dose of cynicism creates the magic for me.
The scene with Katie navigating towards her childhood home, with her entire family on the phone, gets me every time.
The scene with Katie navigating towards her childhood home, with her entire family on the phone, gets me every time.
October 13, 2025
The starting was great; I seemed to develop great expectations about the rest of the big novel as I was laughing out loud!
The romance was going on nicely as well!
AND THEN ... Katie, FMC, comes from a date and well, the story turns way more drama than comedy/romance.
I mean, we get so many side plots; it gets so confusing at times.
The romance was going on nicely as well!
AND THEN ... Katie, FMC, comes from a date and well, the story turns way more drama than comedy/romance.
I mean, we get so many side plots; it gets so confusing at times.
September 12, 2008
This was an okay read. It dragged on a little too much about the ex-boyfriend but the waitress side of things was interesting. My favorite character was the dishwasher boy Matt. I enjoyed The Nanny by the same author much better.
July 20, 2018
Nearly gave up on this one halfway through the first chapter. I'm glad I didn't. Nice, funny, light read. Innuendo and swearing. It annoyed me that everyone was constantly getting massively drunk.
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June 1, 2019I love this book, it's light, easy and funny.
June 30, 2022
Es un libro entretenido,ligero fácil de leer.
La protagonista es bastante graciosa y hay algunas escenas muy divertidas. A mí me recuerda a la típica comedia romántica de los años 90 protagonizada por Jennifer Aniston.
El protagonista Adán,me ha parecido bastante insulso,con poca personalidad y bastante apocado en la vida.
Kate es justo lo contrario divertida,algo infantil, inmadura pero muy simpática. Su historia de amor bastante aburrida,tiene un par de momentos románticos y poco más,me hubiera gustado algo más de interacción entre ellos.
No he entendido el motivo por el cual también nos cuentan en primera persona las historias de secundarios,me parece innecesario.
He pasado un buen rato aunque los primeros capítulos no me han gustado mucho.
El final bastante previsible.
Ni fu ni fa la verdad
La protagonista es bastante graciosa y hay algunas escenas muy divertidas. A mí me recuerda a la típica comedia romántica de los años 90 protagonizada por Jennifer Aniston.
El protagonista Adán,me ha parecido bastante insulso,con poca personalidad y bastante apocado en la vida.
Kate es justo lo contrario divertida,algo infantil, inmadura pero muy simpática. Su historia de amor bastante aburrida,tiene un par de momentos románticos y poco más,me hubiera gustado algo más de interacción entre ellos.
No he entendido el motivo por el cual también nos cuentan en primera persona las historias de secundarios,me parece innecesario.
He pasado un buen rato aunque los primeros capítulos no me han gustado mucho.
El final bastante previsible.
Ni fu ni fa la verdad
May 6, 2017
"The Waitress" by Melissa Nathan is a warm, witty and entertaining book. Not only it makes you laugh out loud at some parts, but it also makes you think and search what's under the surface.
It's very close to real life, as it shows a woman who despite being well-educated is unable to make a commitment at work as well as in romance. Katie Simmonds, the heroine, has many dreams, but somehow, she fails to make them come true - this scenario repeats itself time and time again. However, there is something she wants more than ever.
Will she be able to reach and take control of her life .. and finally find happiness? Or does she even know what she is lacking? Read and find out. It's really worth your time.
November 27, 2018
Katie Simmonds' I-don't-know-what-I-wanna-be-next-season character is funny, cunning, equally charming and irritating--one that definitely isn't a stranger to most of us. The author's sense of humor will keep you flipping through the pages, but only until you get to the part when everything begins to plateau in a very predictable love story.
I don't normally pick up a chic lit, but I enjoy Nathan's sense of humor. Grab this book if you just want to be entertained and if you don't mind knowing how it all ends while you're just halfway through the book. The Waitress is the kind of story that won't stay in your head for a long time, unless you're a teenager about to fall in love for the first time.
I don't normally pick up a chic lit, but I enjoy Nathan's sense of humor. Grab this book if you just want to be entertained and if you don't mind knowing how it all ends while you're just halfway through the book. The Waitress is the kind of story that won't stay in your head for a long time, unless you're a teenager about to fall in love for the first time.
August 24, 2019
It took me two bloody years to read this book when it was already on my bookshelf. But it took only two days to finish the book (only cos i have to attend this thing called L I F E)
Funny, emotional, and girl power! Hahaha, there were lots of moment where i think that it is alright to take time. Take time in doing what you absolutely passionate about and love is definitely more important than trying to fit in by doing the 'normal thing' at that 'normal age'!
Male or female, we all have that silly moments, made mistake but hey, everyone grows up. Maybe not now, but little by little, we eventually will.
Funny, emotional, and girl power! Hahaha, there were lots of moment where i think that it is alright to take time. Take time in doing what you absolutely passionate about and love is definitely more important than trying to fit in by doing the 'normal thing' at that 'normal age'!
Male or female, we all have that silly moments, made mistake but hey, everyone grows up. Maybe not now, but little by little, we eventually will.
July 21, 2024
If only people had a good sense of honest communication this book would have been 300pages shorter. Also chapter 30 had more plot than chapters 15-25. And then all the sudden the book ends all “good and dandy” ._.
I wanted to read a cute cookie cuter book; but I can’t deal with adults who act like children.
I wanted to read a cute cookie cuter book; but I can’t deal with adults who act like children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews