Washing Cars & Wasting Time by John C. Oliva Published by Orange Hat Publishing on March 18, 2013
Genres/Lists: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Pages: 160
Read synopsis on Goodreads
I received this book for free from the author.
Buy the book: Amazon/Audible (this post includes affiliate links)
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, then search no further. Washing Cars & Wasting Time by John C. Oliva is a hilarious memoir about one man’s reflections on growing up and working in his family’s car washing business. From mishaps to crazy customers, Oliva paints a vivid picture that everyone will enjoy. As I have done my time in retail, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about crazy customers because, well, the general public never ceases to amaze me with their brazenness and stupidity. Unlike some of my time in retail, however, it was nice to read about a boss (the author’s father) that always sided with his employees, even if they received a scathing reprimand in private. But being raised in a family-owned business wasn’t all work, and Oliva delights the reader with tales of his escapades and hi jinx, as well as the lessons he learned that have lasted him a lifetime. While I don’t often enjoy epilogues, Oliva’s is interesting because he gives the reader instructions on how to use a self-service car wash. Turns out, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing! Which makes me wonder…. Have I ever been one of the clueless customers? Probably. And so, perhaps, have you!
