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ms_chievous's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book fresh, witty, and real. Really easy read. Very fun book. I will be on the lookout for more by this author.
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
Maddy decides to come visit her friend Karsynn in Pocatello, Idaho for a mini vacation. Since, she has nothing better to do, as she is unemployed. Just her lot, she and Kar end up getting jobs as Customer Service Representatives for Lightning Speed Communications. Maddy and Kar had to go through about six weeks of training. Before you knew it, they were ready to take phone calls. It was not long before Maddy started rethinking if the money was worth the headaches...the cussing callers, the constant need to want to stick her head in an oven, etc. The only bright spot was Mika. He was Maddy's co-worker. Maddy had a crush on him.
My favorite moments were when Maddy was talking to customers and her diary entries. I could totally relate. I was a call center rep for five years. The irate callers, the urges to give up and wanting to throw your head into an oven, the required verification process that just seemed to make the caller that more upset and finally the "Not Ready Button". If you remembered nothing else from training as a call center rep, you did remember this button and where it was located. The "Not Ready Button" says it all. If you were not ready to take another phone call just yet, you hit this button and it was your life line. You could take a moment to catch your breath before the next demanding caller. While, I did appreciate the author sharing the behind the look of what a call center rep's day is like; on the other hand at times I felt that there was too much explanation. Also, I did not feel like the rest of the story line involving Maddy and Mika as strong as it could have been. They were suppose to have chemistry but it was like it was one sided with Maddy wanting more. Mika and Maddy did not hook up until about the last half of the book. Overall, if you are looking for some laughs than you should check out Confessions of a Call Center Gal.
My favorite moments were when Maddy was talking to customers and her diary entries. I could totally relate. I was a call center rep for five years. The irate callers, the urges to give up and wanting to throw your head into an oven, the required verification process that just seemed to make the caller that more upset and finally the "Not Ready Button". If you remembered nothing else from training as a call center rep, you did remember this button and where it was located. The "Not Ready Button" says it all. If you were not ready to take another phone call just yet, you hit this button and it was your life line. You could take a moment to catch your breath before the next demanding caller. While, I did appreciate the author sharing the behind the look of what a call center rep's day is like; on the other hand at times I felt that there was too much explanation. Also, I did not feel like the rest of the story line involving Maddy and Mika as strong as it could have been. They were suppose to have chemistry but it was like it was one sided with Maddy wanting more. Mika and Maddy did not hook up until about the last half of the book. Overall, if you are looking for some laughs than you should check out Confessions of a Call Center Gal.
kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
A hilarious comedy with some snark and punk. I fell in love with our maine character Maddison from the very beginning and just couldn't wait to find out where she was headed. Her fun adventure included curious characters, a prime location - the dreadful floor of a customer service call center and witty banter. I flipped right through the pages wanting to know what kind of caller would be on the line next or what insane corporate mandate would come down the pipeline.
I have some quasi call center experience from a previous job and boy was it fun, the characters that I spoke with on the phone. Just ask my cubie mate Maria, man we had some doosies! But I digress. I laughed completely out loud at some of the calls she took both from how crazy people can be to the reality that there are people out there who makes these kinds of calls every day. I gained some perspective on how far being nice on the phone can get you somewhere with a customer service agent.
Lim's characters were both funny and heartwarming. It was such fun to get to know each character and I loved how true and geniune they each were down to their bones. I think I have one of each in my life! I think she correctly described the people that we can all interact with on the job whether we want to or not!
Although I didn't read this at the beach, I think this would be a perfect addition to the beach bag this summer - a cute and light read that will keep you laughing throughout. I may have been reminded a little of Jennifer Lancaster's spunky humor, but I will never compare one author truly to another!
I have some quasi call center experience from a previous job and boy was it fun, the characters that I spoke with on the phone. Just ask my cubie mate Maria, man we had some doosies! But I digress. I laughed completely out loud at some of the calls she took both from how crazy people can be to the reality that there are people out there who makes these kinds of calls every day. I gained some perspective on how far being nice on the phone can get you somewhere with a customer service agent.
Lim's characters were both funny and heartwarming. It was such fun to get to know each character and I loved how true and geniune they each were down to their bones. I think I have one of each in my life! I think she correctly described the people that we can all interact with on the job whether we want to or not!
Although I didn't read this at the beach, I think this would be a perfect addition to the beach bag this summer - a cute and light read that will keep you laughing throughout. I may have been reminded a little of Jennifer Lancaster's spunky humor, but I will never compare one author truly to another!
readincolour's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, before I tell you about this hilarious read, I have to share with you a disclaimer I received from the author when she saw I was reading it on Goodreads.
It really did make me cackle that she felt the need to defend her work prior to me reading it. I can't tell you how many times I wished authors who've written horribly bad books would send me a notice of disclosure before I picked up their book. I'm not easily offended and though I don't watch The Office or South Park, I've read a few Chelsea Handler books and enjoyed them.
Recent college graduate Madison Lee can't find a job, though she doesn't seem to be trying too hard. So when her best friend, Karsynn Higginbotham, invites her to come visit her in the hotbed of excitement that is Pocatello, Idaho, Maddy takes her up on it. The modern day Laverne & Shirley find themselves jobs in a call center, of all things, and that's where the fun begins.
You might think that there's nothing funny about answering phones all day, but Lim does a great job of keeping the dialogue light, funny and moving at a pace reminiscent of The Gilmore Girls. Not only are the main characters well developed, so are the secondary characters. I don't think Lisa Lim has anything to worry about when it comes to finding an audience for Confessions.
What did you like about this book?
Reading this book was really like watching a sitcom. Though Lim doesn't go into a lot of detail about the character's setting, their voices ring through loud and clear giving you a full impression of who they are and allowing you to visualize the characters and the call center.
I also love how the author intertwines popular culture references.
What didn't you like about this book?
It didn't bother me, but there are some jokes that others might find slightly offensive.
What could the author do to improve this book?
I would have loved a synopsis at the end giving updates on Karsynn, Truong and the rest of the crew.
***DISCLOSURES: If you find politically incorrect shows like The Office, South Park and Chelsea Lately detestable, childish and offensive, then my book is probably NOT for you. But I don't write with malice, it's meant to be lighthearted, snarky and harmless.
I'm a Chinese gal and I lightly poke fun at all races, including my own. Growing up in Malaysia, people were a lot more tolerant and a little less sensitive about that topic. And sometimes I think it's healthy to be able to laugh at yourself, as long as it doesn't cross a line or go over the top.
It really did make me cackle that she felt the need to defend her work prior to me reading it. I can't tell you how many times I wished authors who've written horribly bad books would send me a notice of disclosure before I picked up their book. I'm not easily offended and though I don't watch The Office or South Park, I've read a few Chelsea Handler books and enjoyed them.
Recent college graduate Madison Lee can't find a job, though she doesn't seem to be trying too hard. So when her best friend, Karsynn Higginbotham, invites her to come visit her in the hotbed of excitement that is Pocatello, Idaho, Maddy takes her up on it. The modern day Laverne & Shirley find themselves jobs in a call center, of all things, and that's where the fun begins.
You might think that there's nothing funny about answering phones all day, but Lim does a great job of keeping the dialogue light, funny and moving at a pace reminiscent of The Gilmore Girls. Not only are the main characters well developed, so are the secondary characters. I don't think Lisa Lim has anything to worry about when it comes to finding an audience for Confessions.
What did you like about this book?
Reading this book was really like watching a sitcom. Though Lim doesn't go into a lot of detail about the character's setting, their voices ring through loud and clear giving you a full impression of who they are and allowing you to visualize the characters and the call center.
I also love how the author intertwines popular culture references.
What didn't you like about this book?
It didn't bother me, but there are some jokes that others might find slightly offensive.
What could the author do to improve this book?
I would have loved a synopsis at the end giving updates on Karsynn, Truong and the rest of the crew.
sandyfrancesca's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very insightful story about a call center and a girl. You sort of get the backstage pass to the other end of the line, I loved it. The book is more focused on the relationship between the heroine and her friend, boss, and co-workers alike, than the typical boy/girl love story, though there is that as well.
It was an easy book yo read, very captivating and wonderfully told. I enjoyed being lost in a different part of the reality i am hardly conscious of.
4.5 stars.
It was an easy book yo read, very captivating and wonderfully told. I enjoyed being lost in a different part of the reality i am hardly conscious of.
4.5 stars.
saltysiren's review against another edition
2.0
Overall Lim nails the call center dynamic.
The flaws of this book are definitely in the writing. Her mentions of sex are juvenile, and the last chapter becomes a rant against selling and lack of humanity.
Lim needs to stop while she is even remotely ahead, but the rant went on much longer than necessary.
The flaws of this book are definitely in the writing. Her mentions of sex are juvenile, and the last chapter becomes a rant against selling and lack of humanity.
Lim needs to stop while she is even remotely ahead, but the rant went on much longer than necessary.
wellreadblkgirl's review
5.0
Confessions of a Call Center Gal is a humorous (and politically incorrect) novel about complex friendships and the stress and stigmas associated with bad jobs. Maddie and Karsynn (how FAB is her name) are your typical 20-somethings, fresh out of college and searching for a job. Instead of sulking and going into debt they decide to work in a call center. What follows is a hilarious adventure with EXTREMELY realistic characters and life lessons.
I've personally worked in a call center for 5 years (I know how am I still alive.) Maddie's coworkers and rude customers actually left a huge grin on my face. See all this time I thought I was the crazy one, I was the one with the problem, hating my job just wasn't justified. *side eye* But now thanks to Maddie, Karsynn, and Mika I know that customer service representatives (such a fancy title for such a crappy job) everywhere feel the EXACT same way.
I recommend Confessions to anyone who has ever worked in a call center, had a relative that worked in a call center, or has ever called a call center (that should cover just about the entire global population.) Now I can't end this review without warning the prude to stay far far away from this book. There are several culturally and politically sensitive jokes throughout Confessions. If you are easily offend than this is not the book for you
I've personally worked in a call center for 5 years (I know how am I still alive.) Maddie's coworkers and rude customers actually left a huge grin on my face. See all this time I thought I was the crazy one, I was the one with the problem, hating my job just wasn't justified. *side eye* But now thanks to Maddie, Karsynn, and Mika I know that customer service representatives (such a fancy title for such a crappy job) everywhere feel the EXACT same way.
I recommend Confessions to anyone who has ever worked in a call center, had a relative that worked in a call center, or has ever called a call center (that should cover just about the entire global population.) Now I can't end this review without warning the prude to stay far far away from this book. There are several culturally and politically sensitive jokes throughout Confessions. If you are easily offend than this is not the book for you
erikawastaken's review
1.0
Finally, it's over. But only after the unnecessary wrap-up chapter.
This book was the epitome of "telling" rather than showing. It's rare for me to give a book one star, but the writing was that bad. It was like the author went "let me throw in as many pop-culture references as possible," and then spent the next two paragraphs explaining the jokes and remarks. She even had a scene on Michigan Ave at Thanksgiving that failed to evoke any emotion. Chicago is an amazing city and after they light Michigan Ave, the area is so vibrant. We were told there were lights but weren't put into the scene at all.
It could have started with "Dear Diary," because it was like reading someone's enhanced journal entries -- you know, when the bones of the incident are the same but the journaler puts down how they wish they would have handled it rather than the truth.
This book was the epitome of "telling" rather than showing. It's rare for me to give a book one star, but the writing was that bad. It was like the author went "let me throw in as many pop-culture references as possible," and then spent the next two paragraphs explaining the jokes and remarks. She even had a scene on Michigan Ave at Thanksgiving that failed to evoke any emotion. Chicago is an amazing city and after they light Michigan Ave, the area is so vibrant. We were told there were lights but weren't put into the scene at all.
It could have started with "Dear Diary," because it was like reading someone's enhanced journal entries -- you know, when the bones of the incident are the same but the journaler puts down how they wish they would have handled it rather than the truth.
amandacl's review against another edition
3.0
I read this so long ago, and I can't remember many details, but I do remember loving how much the main character hated her job. I worked in a call center for 2 years and I absolutely hated every second...I totally understood the crazy, ridiculous and utterly frustrating things that happen in a call center and Lisa made it funny.
michb's review against another edition
5.0
"How on earth did I wind up stuck here in Pocatello, Idaho?!?"
With that opening line I was hooked on Lisa Lim's debut novel. As a former resident of Idaho and a former call center employee, I knew from the synopsis that this book was going to appeal to me. I'm happy to say it did not disappoint. The lead character, Maddy, was completely likable and easy to relate to with what she was going through, both in her personal life and her professional life. The full cast of supporting characters are interesting and help bring the book together. It is definitely a fun read and I can't recommend it enough to anyone that has worked in a call center.
With that opening line I was hooked on Lisa Lim's debut novel. As a former resident of Idaho and a former call center employee, I knew from the synopsis that this book was going to appeal to me. I'm happy to say it did not disappoint. The lead character, Maddy, was completely likable and easy to relate to with what she was going through, both in her personal life and her professional life. The full cast of supporting characters are interesting and help bring the book together. It is definitely a fun read and I can't recommend it enough to anyone that has worked in a call center.