Seattle - July 21, 2009

None of Your Business

"Ground Up," by Michael Idov

Workin’ 9 to 5 is a way to make a livin’. No offense, Dolly, but these days it’s more like 8 to 7, and you’re still a step on the boss man’s ladder.

Time to give him the finger and start your own gig?

Before you pull the trigger (metaphorically, of course), consider the cautionary tale in Michael Idov’s debut novel, Ground Up.

Inspired by the author’s own experience, the story follows newlyweds Marc and Nina as they attempt to run Cafe Kolschitzky, a charming NYC spot serving authentic Viennese brews and perfect pastries. (What’s not to patronize?)

Turns out it’s not so easy going up against Big Coffee — and the passion project yields only a lack of funds, exhaustion, and, yep, marital strife.

Even if the book halts your biz plans, it packs enough humor and tenderness to surely be your cup of tea. Er, coffee.

Or, as Dolly would say, cup of ambition.

Available online at amazon.com or at your local bookstore.

Grab some more summer reads from our bookshelf.