Book excerpt: The American diner. It's a mythical place romanticized in art, literature, and film. We've all stopped at the side of the road for a quick burger or a cup of coffee. And a slice of pie or two to keep that meal in our stomach. Whenever we walk out those doors, a part of us stays seated. Indulging in the slow pace and easy conversation. Daniel S. McTaggart has eaten in many diners. He has also worked in one or two. And in many ways, he still does. This book is the culmination of his immersion in classic Americana. Some of the stories in this book are real. Some live in a dreamworld where cute waitresses are always happy to see you. So open these covers, if you will. Sit down and stay a while.