The Waiting Room

A place for unusual and compelling real-life stories that you can't find anywhere else. Each letter focuses on one interesting person and their story.

The hottest Substack posts of The Waiting Room

And their main takeaways

The man whose life was £1

536 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Memoir History
  1. Frank's Memories is a personal booklet that captures his life story, from his parents meeting to significant moments in his own life. It's a unique glimpse into one person's experiences and feelings.
  2. The author reflects on the ethics of sharing someone's life story, feeling a bit guilty about taking Frank's memories and reshaping them. It's a reminder that every story is complex and may not have a clear ending.
  3. Frank's journey highlights that life's moments can be both ordinary and special, like picking potatoes or sharing laughs. It encourages us to appreciate personal histories and the small details that make up our lives.

The man who collects lost pet posters

83 HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. Don Bolles is a collector of lost pet posters from the 70s and 80s.
  2. Don admires the unique artwork and heartfelt messages on the posters.
  3. The posters show a different, more personal approach to finding lost pets compared to modern methods.

The untold story of Gwyneth Paltrow’s body double

59 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
  1. Gwyneth Paltrow's body double from the movie Shallow Hal faced challenges while portraying the character due to fatphobia and negative societal views on weight.
  2. The body double, Ivy Snitzer, experienced difficulties and health issues after the film's release, including weight loss surgery and negative public reactions.
  3. Ivy's journey showcases the complexities of body image, including struggles with weight, disordered eating, and societal perceptions.