So Say the Waiters (episodes 1-5)

By: Justin Sirois

Narrated by: Pete Mutino

Now optioned for TV - this first book is one of three in a series.

White-collar Henry is hired by a successful software developer and college friend who has created kidnApp, a cell phone app and social network that allows people to kidnap each other for fun. The app is growing faster than they can handle. His friend wants to groom Henry as the Mid-Atlantic regional manager with part ownership of the company, but he will need to become a seasoned kidnApper first. The problem is, Henry is stuck in his conservative job, suffering from post-fiancée breakup depression, and he definitely sucks at kidnApping. But this is an opportunity he cannot refuse.

Danielle (Dani) Hardly is an aimless bartender at a rundown nightclub. She is barely scraping by, but she is one of the first users of kidnApp in Baltimore. She uses the app as an escape from the increasingly difficult world around her, often time pushing the limits of the experience. During a botched kidnApping, she is rescued by newly recruited Henry - someone she has nothing in common with until Henry opens up to her about his less than mediocre kidnapping skills. The last thing Dani expects is to start collaborating with Henry who needs all the help he can get. Throughout the series, Henry ties to balance his normal life and job while kidnApping on the side. Dani transitions from a hardcore kidnApp user to a nearly full time employee, confusing her already fragile sense of identity.

©2012, 2013 Justin Sirois (P)2014 Justin Sirois

Funny and engaging

A fun title to listen to. Characters are memorable (I love Dani) and the story is well thought out and paced. Narrator was great and added humor at the proper moments. Can't wait to hear the next episodes.

If William Gibson, & John Waters had a baby...

Would you listen to So Say the Waiters (episodes 1-5) again? Why?

I will certainly listen to this again. I expect, once I finish the series I'll listen again for more nuances and relationships between the episodes.

What other book might you compare So Say the Waiters (episodes 1-5) to and why?

William Gibson's character, Cayce Pollard from Pattern Recognition. It reminded me of my days in art school, and had me wondering if I ever bought a beer from Dani.

What about Pete Mutino’s performance did you like?

He has a good range of voices to bring the characters to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Go ahead, hit submit.

Any additional comments?

Being a native of Baltimore, I found myself visualizing the rides through town. Guessing which club they were at in a given scene.