While Waiting was not a boring book, the summary I read online beforehand – the reason I picked the book up in the first place – made it sound a lot more interesting than it really was. Ginsberg is a talented writer and her perspective is unique, but I can’t say afterwards that I particularly feel like it was an enjoyable read. Still, it was good for passing the hours away at work.

I honestly would recommend reading Nickel and Dimed first, even though only a third of the book is devoted to the author’s waitressing experience.

Antonia “Ant” MacPherson is a sixth-grader who is convinced that her real parents have, for whatever reason, left her with the MacPhersons, and will someday (soon!) come back for her. Ant is sandwiched between two perfect blonde feminine sisters and has a hard time getting her parents (the ones she lives with) to commend her for anything. Her chihuahua, Pistachio, is the reason behind most of Ant’s lies – her parents don’t want the dog, who is old and needs to see a vet.

I really enjoyed the book, but it seemed to be a little somber for a children’s book, in that Ant’s parents seem so uncaring and harsh toward their daughter. However, I can concede that this may be simply because it’s written from Ant’s point of view, and she sees her parents as uncaring and harsh.

Either way, I think it’s worth reading. Also check out Al Capone Does My Shirts by the same author.

I first saw this book in the “Recommended” section of People magazine (someone left a copy lying around the office). And last time I was at the library I happened to see it on the shelf while I was looking for a different book. So, the Romgi and I checked it out to read together.

It’s definitely a fun book. The author does a really good job of capturing the middle school mentality. Even better, the drawings are hilarious. I guess the whole thing is adapted from a web comic. You can find the first few pages of the book at http://www.funbrain.com/.

Even though it was a quick read, it was well worth an hour of laughing. Read it…and remember why you’re glad to not be in middle school anymore.