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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
emotional
funny
informative
fast-paced
Checking Out taps into a universally felt but seldom previously discussed rage and anger at modern pressures, the crushing weight of expectations.
Our narrator just lets her trains of thoughts run wild directly at us, the most absurd but oddly relatable musings. The unusual narration talks directly to the reader, addressing 'you' and coaxing you into feeling like a part of their world. Full of sharp, clever commentary on the drudgery of modern working life, corporate culture and societal expectations - this book technically only has the most mundane topics but shows just how absurd life can really be.
It wasn't the most structured story so it might not be your thing if you're not a fan of loose, thought-based narratives and there's a few too many HP references for 2025 but this is definitely a brilliant unconventional, witty read that's a little too relatable for comfort.
Our narrator just lets her trains of thoughts run wild directly at us, the most absurd but oddly relatable musings. The unusual narration talks directly to the reader, addressing 'you' and coaxing you into feeling like a part of their world. Full of sharp, clever commentary on the drudgery of modern working life, corporate culture and societal expectations - this book technically only has the most mundane topics but shows just how absurd life can really be.
It wasn't the most structured story so it might not be your thing if you're not a fan of loose, thought-based narratives and there's a few too many HP references for 2025 but this is definitely a brilliant unconventional, witty read that's a little too relatable for comfort.
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
Just not the right time in my life for a corporate book
I had to DNF this one. I was very interested in the premise and the setting of this book. I’m also always extra excited to find an upcoming translated book that hasn’t had much hype as I love being able to recommend more translated books to people.
Sadly, this book had multiple Harry Potter references. I let the first very brief one slide in the hopes the rest of the book would be worth the read, only to be met by a whole page about HP on page 32 of the ebook. It is 2025 and there is ABUNDANT evidence of the harm JKR actively continues to cause, this is not acceptable and I cannot recommend books with unapologetic HP references.
Note: I read this book around its release date but for various life-related reasons I am currently playing catch up with my review backlog.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stouhton for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.