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justreaditem's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I feel conflicted with this book. It shows the life of young Darren, who is offered an opportunity to leave Starbucks become a salesman for a start up in NYC.
He has to deal with A LOT of racism. I found myself feeling so upset and angry; shouting at the speakers because I wanted it to stop. I wanted him to take those racist bigots and sock 'em in the eye. The lack of diversity in the sales world was highlighted through this book. When you lack diversity of any kind, it creates a toxic environment.
His personality completely changed when he began to get successful but I found that was because his friends pushed him away first AND he didn't stay true to himself.
I did find his descriptions of women very misogynistic and uncomfortable. But that may have been intentional, to show the sexist view men have of women as a whole?
I'd recommend this book, especially as the author brings the daily microaggressions poc face, to light in such an obvious way even those who say they don't exist can't dispute it!
He has to deal with A LOT of racism. I found myself feeling so upset and angry; shouting at the speakers because I wanted it to stop. I wanted him to take those racist bigots and sock 'em in the eye. The lack of diversity in the sales world was highlighted through this book. When you lack diversity of any kind, it creates a toxic environment.
His personality completely changed when he began to get successful but I found that was because his friends pushed him away first AND he didn't stay true to himself.
I did find his descriptions of women very misogynistic and uncomfortable. But that may have been intentional, to show the sexist view men have of women as a whole?
I'd recommend this book, especially as the author brings the daily microaggressions poc face, to light in such an obvious way even those who say they don't exist can't dispute it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Racism, and Sexism
naturemamareads's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexism, Racism, Religious bigotry, Racial slurs, and Murder
cavernism's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It felt bizarre to read this book that's published in 2021, because it feels like it was written 5 years ago and so a lot of the details feel out of date - like the start-up company's "crazy" idea is basically BetterHelp/online therapy - not exactly groundbreaking or new. The "amazing" salary Darren is offered is $40,000 a year plus a bonus. I live in the Midwest and 40k is not a big salary...I can't imagine it would cover costs in New York City.
I'm pretty okay with things in satire being exaggerated/over-the-top - that's the point. I'm not okay with setting up promises to the reader - "This character is going to put these other character in situations where they'll have to use sales techniques" and then ignore them - "the characters will actually just panic and run away." This situation happens twice in the space of a few pages.
And then, there's the Supportive Girlfriend. Her characterization is basically being curvaceous and going to nursing school and supporting her boyfriend. I'm over it.
There were things I enjoyed - I definitely wasn't sure where the plot was going to go so that made it at a fast read, but overall it ended up being a frustrating read, and the fact that the marketing compared this book to the movie Sorry to Bother You made this feel even weaker, because Sorry to Bother You is a much more inventive, strange, and memorable story about race and capitalism.
And then, there's the Supportive Girlfriend. Her characterization is basically being curvaceous and going to nursing school and supporting her boyfriend. I'm over it.
There were things I enjoyed - I definitely wasn't sure where the plot was going to go so that made it at a fast read, but overall it ended up being a frustrating read, and the fact that the marketing compared this book to the movie Sorry to Bother You made this feel even weaker, because Sorry to Bother You is a much more inventive, strange, and memorable story about race and capitalism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Bullying
Moderate: Ableism, Xenophobia, Torture, Sexism, Mental illness, Islamophobia, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
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