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Hotels are often the epitome of luxury, relaxation, and a well-deserved escape from reality. Hotels aren’t just complementary, plush robes and towels folded into the shape of a swan–there’s a whole interworking of valets, doorman, managers, and housekeepers that make it all possible–and author Jacob Tomsky tells all.
“Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality” follows the life of twenty-something Tommy Jacobs, Jacob Tomsky’s alias, as he climbs the rungs of power to make it to the the hotel industry’s most coveted position as General Manager. Starting as a valet, his journey is full of stolen tips, cover-ups, and authority mad with power. Tomsky tells the story in narrative, using a slew of pseudonyms, as he releases the very secrets the hold a hotel together.
Tomsky seamlessly weaves snippets of “hotel vocab” and housekeeping short-cuts compelling the reader to not only fuel his or her own curiosity, but relates to reader’s previous experiences staying at a hotel back to the story. Who knew the window-cleaner that’s also used on the mirrors and TVs in the room is used on the glass cups on the wet bar as well? I cherish the individually wrapped paper cups in a whole new way.
Besides the dirty secrets, Tomsky’s diary-esque language is what decidedly keeps this plot line so near and dear to the reader’s heart. It’s easy to relate to him because at first, he’s just your regular guy, looking to succeed, not knowing where to start, but later rising up through spiteful employees and power hungry bosses.
As a reader I feel for Tommy because his emotions, struggles, and triumphs are told to use just as if we are talking to an old friend. And just as importantly the cast of characters are easily loved, hated, and related to because they seem so real.
Tomsky’s raw and intriguing novel not only pulls in the audience with creative language and characters, but brings out the very terrible (best) secret-loving gossips in all of us.
Rachel Krusenoski | Editor-in-Chief
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