Okay. This barely made it to three stars and it’s only because I’m strictly following my own rating system (see below). There’s some genuine moments and some light office humor here, but most - if not all - potential gets bogged down.
Where it lacks, it’s unfortunately really obvious. Firstly, this reads more like a series of blog posts rather than a novella. I am convinced zero editing took place, including proof reading. I really wanted to rate it 2 stars for this alone because incorrect spelling and grammar simply jars me out of the story.
Secondly, several of the characters aren’t as likable as I think the author thinks they are, including the main protagonist. It’s actually depressing to think this would be the average experience in the office, and not because corporate life sucks, but it shows how coworkers suck. Bill gives off “nice guy” vibes, and the crew in general just come across as immature. They did, however, for the most part, feel like real people.
But as I said, I think there’s potential. It would take some modifications to the characters and also the presence of a plot, but this could’ve been so much more than essentially forgettable.
How I Use the Rating System
1: There is no 0 on the provided scale, so I use this as a 0. I find no redeeming qualities and would not suggest the title to anyone for any reason.
2: I hated the work and regret wasting my time reading it, but find or understand that it has some value.
3: Average. I don’t regret having read it, but what I received as an experience was nominal.
4: I enjoyed or found value in the title, but it’s not something I would recommend to everyone, or I would not consider rereading it, or there was a significant flaw that prevented it from being a 5.
5: I enjoyed it so thoroughly I would reread it and recommend it to just about anyone. Or I found it so valuable that I felt it deserved such a rating.