Creating a Concierge

by Ren French, Joshua Carpenter (Illustrator), Gustave N. Bodungen (Illustrator)

Ren French leads you on his journey through life’s mistakes and triumphs to become an award-winning and very sassy hotel concierge in one of the most amazing cities in the world, New Orleans. Have you ever been placed in a situation where your thoughts override your voice? Met a grandma with a potty mouth? Or made a new best friend from an awkward conversation? Discover questions you shouldn’t ask a hotel concierge, and live the life of a guest as if you’re sitting next to him. Enjoy an intimate peek inside the mind of a regular guy with not-so-regular thoughts.

Ren regales us with stories of his life: the good, the bad, and the ridiculous guest encounters that should never be repeated but are now in this book. After his upbringing in a small north Louisiana farm town and a stint in New York City, he finally embraces a life of wonder in New Orleans. He touches on his experiences as a gay man in America, along with his many jobs and escapades, before finding himself in the last place he could have imagined—behind a concierge desk. Influences from society’s norms that affected his wacky creativity and the amazing people who loved him and hated him, all shaped the way he sees the world. His stories are relatable and easy to read, a fun-filled laugh riot that will leave you wanting more.

You might not find the secrets of the universe within the pages of this book or discover lost civilizations, but you’ll savor the tales of one man’s life well spent. Ren’s imaginative storytelling sets the stage for you to smile, smirk, cringe, fart, and giggle at your own pace. Experience the fantastical world of the Rensverse, a narrative not to be missed.

261 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2020

About the author

Ren French is a New Orleans based playwright, actor, and award-winning hotel concierge. His wildly successful old-time radio series, The Clifton Monroe Chronicles, has been performed on stages throughout New Orleans. His other series include Saints and Sisters: Nuns with Guns in Old New Orleans; The Chip Parker Journals; and A Crescent City Christmas. In addition, Ren has also written short stories, told many tall tales, and performed as a burlesque member of Picolla Tushy Presents: The Bluestockings.
Ren has bitten his tongue for more than thirty years in guest services and now shares his experiences with you, the reader. Enjoy outlandish personalities, dumb guest questions, crazy conversations, and glimpses of his life leading up to and through the lens of a concierge. The internal dialogue in Ren’s mind, as opposed to what Ren says to the guest, is a fun journey through the fantastical world of the Rensverse.
Ren currently lives in New Orleans with his family, actor Joshua Carpenter and their two amazing and gassy fur-kids, Jasper Pendragon and Namaste Panini.

Reviews

[Narjes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“From the moment I opened this book, I was hooked. Ren elevates his personal journey, work experiences and people interactions to a whole other level that can only be appreciated by those of us who have a sense of humor, awe and incredible courage to show up and speak up in this world. As Hospitality industry professionals for over 30 years my husband and I fully resonated with this book in so many ways! We are naturally drawn to be incredible hosts through this work, but some of what we see and must deal with is often left in a thought bubble that hovers over our head. Through his quirky and creative story telling Ren beautifully articulates and brings life to the challenges, funny moments and incredible surprises that we can encounter daily.
This book is funny, honest, relatable, caring and tender. It will have you crying, laughing and at times even picking your jaw up off the ground. It is a must read for anyone who is deeply connected to creating wonderful relationships and who can identify with those thought bubbles!”

Narjes & Don Rivers

[Josh Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren has a way with his words where it feels like your best friend is telling you a story about their day. He is extremely descriptive where you can picture how everything happened, from the surroundings to the characters of the story. I honestly read the book in an evening, it was just so entertaining that I could not put it down. I was laughing most of it and cried at some of it. How a person overcame their life to become such a witty and loving person is definitely worth the read. I highly recommend this book especially during this time because we all need love and laughs.

[Staci Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading this and I absolutely loved it! I laughed, I cried, I didn’t want it to end! It takes you on a journey that is well worth the read. I can’t wait to read it again!

[Jenna Chevier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is ... so many different things. I’ve read it. Like 5 times. And each time there is something else I pull out of it. Ren’s prose is hilarious, heartfelt, and high-spirited. For those unable to meet the author in person, this is the next best way! These stories and clips from some of his most memorable experiences are so refreshing in our current world climate. So, grab a copy, lather on some sunscreen, and go lounge in your nearest recreational water source (beach to puddle - all is fair). Can’t wait for the next book ....

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST BOOK EVER!!!!
I laughed out loud so many times
If you’ve worked in hospitality or even if you haven’t you will enjoy every moment of this book and being in Ren French’s Renverse. I love this book and I am so grateful to Ren for writing it. Creating a Concierge has brought such a beautiful light to what concierge and hospitality workers experience on a day in day out basis. Thank you for brining such joy through your writing Ren! It means so much to me and I’m certain everyone that reads it would surely feel the same.
Charlie Chaplin once said “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
I’ve enjoyed every moment reading Creating a Concierge book and has made my day and brought me joy every day I’ve read it.

[Cynthia Gatlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the best fartin' book I've read in a long while.
And I read a lot of books.
This kid had me laughing, crying, coughing, sneezing, and pert near crying my eyeballs out over one of the guests.
You'll just have to read it to figure out who I mean.
Anywho, y'all check out this goldarn good book. It'll be a hoot!!

[Kemmerly Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! I laughed, cried, literally laughed out loud and even snorted laughing a few times. Ren so eloquently and humorously described some of the thoughts I’ve had in my head dealing with the public myself. I count myself lucky and privileged to have been able to read this book. Thank you Ren for the entertainment, tears, giggles, laughs (and snorts)!!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have started reading this book and I can tell its all ready amazing I love it I will definitely tell my friends to buy this book ❤❤❤❤❤❤