Diary of a Waitress - by Carolyn Meyer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A young working girl comes of age in the American West in this "fast and interesting" historical novel for fans of the Dear America and American Girl series (School Library Journal)

In 1926, droves of Americans traveled by train across the United States to visit the West. They ate at Harvey Houses, where thousands of well-trained waitresses provided first-class service. The Waitresses: The Journal of a Harvey Girl tells the first-person story of one spunky girl, Kitty Evans, as she faces the often funny and painful experiences she and fellow waitresses Cordelia and Emmy endure. As Kitty writes about her escapades, a loveable teenager emerges; she embraces adventure, independence, her position as a Harvey Girl, and a freelance writing career.

In this fast-paced novel, best-selling author Carolyn Meyer, who has visited and researched several Harvey Hotels, brings together an unforgettable heroine with the universal themes of friendship, identity, and young love.

Review Quotes

"A suitable fit for American Girl series graduates, this diary-style historical novel follows the adventures of independent-minded 16-year-old Katherine 'Kitty' Evans, who sets off on her own in 1926 . . . Kitty's diary entries express her growing confidence, her journalist's eye for detail, and her love of fun, and b&w period photographs bring additional ambiance to Meyer's (Beauty's Daughter) colorful portrait of a working girl." --Publishers Weekly

"A fast and interesting read about a part of history of which many readers may be unaware." --School Library Connection

"(Will) appeal to readers who have enjoyed but outgrown the Dear America and American Girl series." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Carolyn Meyer is an award-winning and best-selling author of over sixty books for children and young adults, more than twenty of which are historical. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where a Harvey Hotel and Restaurant was located.