Author : Michael Gates Gill
Date read : 30 July - 2 August 2010
Pages : 265 pages
Ratings : ***** (5 out of 5 stars)
Okay, yes.. I'm a big fan of Starbucks and it's not a big surprise that I read this book. I've put this book on my wish list ever since I saw it at the book store and finally got around to buying it after coming back and looking at the book for the 5th time, because the price of this book is a bit more expensive that my other reading, but I thought, hey, it's an interesting book and I wanna read it. So rather than just thinking about it, one fine day, I finally got out my credit card and buy it... what do you know, the credit card gave me a 10% discount for this book.. so I was quite happy..
Anyway, I loved reading this book. And reading the story of Michael Gates Gill's working experience at Starbucks makes me like Starbucks even more. And everytime I'm reading this book, all I can think about is my favorite drink there, a Hot Caramel Machiato with Extra Caramel Sauce ha ha.. it's so yummy..
This book tells the story of the author, Michael Gates Gill's fall from his empire I should say. He was the top paid successful advertising executive in New York, who suddenly lost his job because of the need of the company to regenerate with a younger executive, so he was pushed out of his job. And he was in the worst stage of his life, no job, almost broke, divorce, living in a small apartment in New York, and have just been diagnosed with a medical condition, with no insurance to cover it.
Starbucks used to be the place for Michael to do his work and meet with clients. I can imagine he used to go to Starbucks, order a coffee, and then sit at one of the tables and do some work, or read the newspapers, with the cell phone on the table constantly ringing.. that would be like me. But on that day, he was actually to buy a cup of latte, which used to be a necessity for him, now a luxury, when he was offered a job at Starbucks.
I can't sing my praises enough for this book or of Starbucks and how the company treats its employee, or partner, as it is called in the stores. Seeing as I am a regular visitor to my local Starbucks store, it's interesting to actually read about what goes on behind the counter, and to read about Michael's dedication to his work at Starbucks until he's known as the legendary service at Starbucks. I love to read about his interaction with his colleague as well as his excellent service to the customers every day. I would love to have Michael Gates Gill serve me at my local Starbucks :)
This book is also a reminder that the wheel of the world spins, and when you're at the top, you might not always be at the top, the world can spin you so fast that you wake up and suddenly your world is upside down and you're at the bottom, no longer at the top. Therefore you must cherish of your blessings everyday and be grateful for what you have, while still always strive to be the best.