Dishwasher by Pete Jordan
May 3rd, 2008Title: Dishwasher
Author: Pete Jordan
Publisher: Harper Perennial (2007)
I read about this book in a magazine, or something like that, and I thought it seemed really interesting. Basically, Dishwasher: One Man’s Quest to Wash Dishes in All Fifty States by Pete Jordan is exactly what the title says it is. Jordan didn’t really know what he wanted to do with his life, but he enjoyed washing dishes. And more importantly he enjoyed living a transient life.
Not wanting to be held down by a normal job and responsibilities, Jordan took off on his quest to wash dishes in every state in the US. Along the way he documented his journey in little magazines, building up a pretty decent following. Unfortunately he did not make all 50 states, as he decided to give up right near his goal. I guess after 10 years of doing dishes, he just wanted to stop.
When I first started reading the book I thought it was pretty cool. I love the style of writing that he uses. Very conversational…hip…and faux intellectual! (It probably actually is intellectual…maybe I’m the “faux” part!) The problem with the book was that it became a bit tiresome. I liked hearing the different stories about where he went and things he did, but eventually I just wanted him to get a real job. That’s probably pretty “old man” of me…but he just kind of seemed like a loser after a while.
Of course, because he seems to be a cool guy, he has turned being the dishwasher into a career…which is awesome.
I liked the book, although it dragged on a bit near the end. All in all, an entertaining book that is pretty easy to read.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
“One Man’s Quest to Wash Dishes in All Fifty States”
Okay, I thought I could gather my thoughts long enough to comment, but I’m still laughing…maybe when I stop I’ll come back and comment more…lol!
March 24th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I have to say I love the premise of this book. My first job after leaving high school was as a dishwasher. It was one of the most competitive jobs I have ever had. Everyone wanted to be the ‘legend’ dishwasher, I am afraid as hard as I tried I never reached ‘legend’ status.
I think the best dishwashing book is ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’ by George Orwell.
May 17th, 2009 at 10:20 am
I just finished reading Pete Jordan’s book and I loved every minute of it; I couldn’t put it down. It’s well written and has me looking forward to Pete Jordan’s next book.