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Isa Maxwell #1
Shizzle, Inc
Fifteen minutes of fame is all Isa Maxwell needs to solve her financial woes and win back Brad, the love of her life.
Thanks to her clumsiness, street smarts, and an unbelievable bit of luck, Isa lands her dream job, becoming the protege of Mr. Hue, the playboy billionaire owner of Shizzle, Inc. She even gets a number of new love interests, but all is not what it seems. In fact, absolutely nothing is what it seems.
Can Isa survive the tough world of corporate intrigue and constant looming bodily harm? Or will her efforts be the end of Shizzle, Inc and possibly her life?
Thanks to her clumsiness, street smarts, and an unbelievable bit of luck, Isa lands her dream job, becoming the protege of Mr. Hue, the playboy billionaire owner of Shizzle, Inc. She even gets a number of new love interests, but all is not what it seems. In fact, absolutely nothing is what it seems.
Can Isa survive the tough world of corporate intrigue and constant looming bodily harm? Or will her efforts be the end of Shizzle, Inc and possibly her life?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2015
71 people are currently reading
1946 people want to read
About the author
Ana Spoke
2 books279 followersAna Spoke calls Australia home, but you can always find her on anaspoke.com.
She is the author of Shizzle, Inc and Indiot and is working on the third installment of the Isa Maxwell series. She also manages #ComedyBookWeek - for more details, visit www.comedybookweek.com.
She is the author of Shizzle, Inc and Indiot and is working on the third installment of the Isa Maxwell series. She also manages #ComedyBookWeek - for more details, visit www.comedybookweek.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 16, 2019
I should start this review with a little admission: my Kindle is stuffed full of free books. I've always had an eye for a bargain, and if a book is on a free promo and looks even mildly interesting, I'll almost always pick it up. Do I always read these freebies? In truth, no. Many a free book is currently mired in the metaphorical mud at the bottom of my Kindle, probably never even to be glanced at again, yet alone read.
I picked Shizzle Inc. up for free. Unlike other freebies, though, I started reading it almost straight away; unlike many other freebies, I not only finished it, but loved it. It's not even the kind of book I'd normally read, which is a great lesson in the importance of trying things outside one's comfort zone. Sometimes, it really pays off. It certainly did so in this case.
The novel follows the gloriously dippy Isa Maxwell, whose life is changed forever when she applies for a job at the eponymous Shizzle Inc., a "global conglomerate of value creation processes", owned by one Mr Hue. Mr Hue has somehow managed to build up this company despite being an idiot of the first order, and despite the fact that he does no discernible work whatsoever. He's fabulously wealthy, and enjoys splashing his money around on things like private limos and a helicopter, which is "fitted with a thermobarbic warhead ... You have to be prepared for anything these days." He employs ditzy, uncoordinated young women on the basis of their personal appeal. "You never know where you might spot a Shizzle type," Hue says at one point. "I usually find them in exclusive bars, luxury resorts or private golf clubs, but every now and then one just walks in, like you did." He spouts dubious wisdom about business, such as this: "What I've learned, I've learned by doing stuff. And what I've learned is that we are in the business of doing stuff."
Wait a minute! If you've read one of the more surprising publishing sensations of recent years, all of this may be sounding a tad familiar. Is this a parody of Fifty Shades of Grey?
I think it probably is, in many ways. And yet it's not simply a parody. Isa Maxwell is not really anything like Ana Steele; she doesn't get involved in any borderline-abusive BDSM relationships, and she actually shows signs of growing and becoming a better person as the book progresses. She's also, surface dopiness notwithstanding, a resourceful young woman who once started a business "where I called the customer service number on the back of every food package and complained about the quality of their products. I had refund checks and coupons waiting for me in the mailbox almost every day."
Such inventiveness comes in handy during Isa's progress in Shizzle Inc. Given that she was employed for a job for which she has absolutely no training or experience, however, it's only a matter of time before things go uproariously wrong. Throw in a housemate who is not all she seems, a dysfunctional family, a disgruntled ex-employee and a policeman who appears to be stalking Isa, and you've got a recipe for hilarity. For once I'm not exaggerating when I said I laughed out loud on occasion and could hardly put the book down, and I think I'm generally quite a tough customer. Shizzle Inc. really is that good.
I'd like to conclude with a personal apology to author Ana Spoke. I feel bad that I got your book during the free promo, especially when it was worth every penny, and more, of the asking price. I'll buy the next one, I promise.
I picked Shizzle Inc. up for free. Unlike other freebies, though, I started reading it almost straight away; unlike many other freebies, I not only finished it, but loved it. It's not even the kind of book I'd normally read, which is a great lesson in the importance of trying things outside one's comfort zone. Sometimes, it really pays off. It certainly did so in this case.
The novel follows the gloriously dippy Isa Maxwell, whose life is changed forever when she applies for a job at the eponymous Shizzle Inc., a "global conglomerate of value creation processes", owned by one Mr Hue. Mr Hue has somehow managed to build up this company despite being an idiot of the first order, and despite the fact that he does no discernible work whatsoever. He's fabulously wealthy, and enjoys splashing his money around on things like private limos and a helicopter, which is "fitted with a thermobarbic warhead ... You have to be prepared for anything these days." He employs ditzy, uncoordinated young women on the basis of their personal appeal. "You never know where you might spot a Shizzle type," Hue says at one point. "I usually find them in exclusive bars, luxury resorts or private golf clubs, but every now and then one just walks in, like you did." He spouts dubious wisdom about business, such as this: "What I've learned, I've learned by doing stuff. And what I've learned is that we are in the business of doing stuff."
Wait a minute! If you've read one of the more surprising publishing sensations of recent years, all of this may be sounding a tad familiar. Is this a parody of Fifty Shades of Grey?
I think it probably is, in many ways. And yet it's not simply a parody. Isa Maxwell is not really anything like Ana Steele; she doesn't get involved in any borderline-abusive BDSM relationships, and she actually shows signs of growing and becoming a better person as the book progresses. She's also, surface dopiness notwithstanding, a resourceful young woman who once started a business "where I called the customer service number on the back of every food package and complained about the quality of their products. I had refund checks and coupons waiting for me in the mailbox almost every day."
Such inventiveness comes in handy during Isa's progress in Shizzle Inc. Given that she was employed for a job for which she has absolutely no training or experience, however, it's only a matter of time before things go uproariously wrong. Throw in a housemate who is not all she seems, a dysfunctional family, a disgruntled ex-employee and a policeman who appears to be stalking Isa, and you've got a recipe for hilarity. For once I'm not exaggerating when I said I laughed out loud on occasion and could hardly put the book down, and I think I'm generally quite a tough customer. Shizzle Inc. really is that good.
I'd like to conclude with a personal apology to author Ana Spoke. I feel bad that I got your book during the free promo, especially when it was worth every penny, and more, of the asking price. I'll buy the next one, I promise.
December 12, 2015
Ugh. I really wanted to like this book. It sounded like a good thing. Plus, I think the cover is great. Who doesn't love a good screwball comedy? I love Janet Evanovich and Jennifer Crusie (the queen of screwball romance). Maybe I set the bar too high for this one? Nah. The problem is this book thinks it's funnier than it actually is and instead of screwball comedy, you just get stupid, highly improbable events that are just too ridiculous even for someone willing to suspend reality in order to enjoy a good read (something I am more than willing to do, if this was actually a good read). There are just too many screwballs in this book. Everyone is a screwball or a screw-up. I slogged through it until about the halfway mark and I just don't think I can go any further. I kept waiting for it to get better. It didn't. I have so many other books to read, I just have no interest in wasting any more time on this.
July 24, 2016
I downloaded a copy of the book for an honest review!
Are you one who enjoys a light hearted comedy? Then you are sure to enjoy Ana's creation, Isabella Maxwell. Her first escapade is at Shizzle Inc. And what an escape!
The story is about a woman, unhappy about her life and out to set all things right for herself. Not in a philosophical way. Nooo! She just can't do it, even if she would try. 'Cause like all of us, she is one who is running for that which she believes is important to her. She wants a lot, yes a lot and a lot and a lot of money, who doesn't? And she wants a tiny shot at fame. A chance to be on television, seen by millions and famous as a celebrity, not for her own ego but to get back her boyfriend.
She attempts to join in Shizzle, Inc. a huge corporation and even before she knows why and what she has to do, the roller coaster ride begins for her. With a family adding more to her already rocking-rolling situation, she is prone to give us a fun filled experience. There were very few times I had no expression on my face. For the major part of the time that I read it, there was a smile and a "Oh my God!" on my lips!
Ana, someday your Isabella might just become the next Bridget Jones or the Princess' Diary or the Shopaholic protagonist kind! She is so adorable, that even trouble finds it hard to stay away from her. I had a really wonderful time as I read it.
Recommendation:
You should just go for it if you are in a mood for a fun filled light hearted pick. It is bound to leave you glad and smiling by the time you've turned the last page. The language and the situations around Isabella are just what we are living in. The descriptions are well written and do not load the reader with unnecessary information. The writer has really gone under the skin of the character or probably her life has seen such events for they seem like real life events. Though you'd doubt so much could just happen like that! Yet an amazing feel good reading experience!
Are you one who enjoys a light hearted comedy? Then you are sure to enjoy Ana's creation, Isabella Maxwell. Her first escapade is at Shizzle Inc. And what an escape!
The story is about a woman, unhappy about her life and out to set all things right for herself. Not in a philosophical way. Nooo! She just can't do it, even if she would try. 'Cause like all of us, she is one who is running for that which she believes is important to her. She wants a lot, yes a lot and a lot and a lot of money, who doesn't? And she wants a tiny shot at fame. A chance to be on television, seen by millions and famous as a celebrity, not for her own ego but to get back her boyfriend.
She attempts to join in Shizzle, Inc. a huge corporation and even before she knows why and what she has to do, the roller coaster ride begins for her. With a family adding more to her already rocking-rolling situation, she is prone to give us a fun filled experience. There were very few times I had no expression on my face. For the major part of the time that I read it, there was a smile and a "Oh my God!" on my lips!
Ana, someday your Isabella might just become the next Bridget Jones or the Princess' Diary or the Shopaholic protagonist kind! She is so adorable, that even trouble finds it hard to stay away from her. I had a really wonderful time as I read it.
Recommendation:
You should just go for it if you are in a mood for a fun filled light hearted pick. It is bound to leave you glad and smiling by the time you've turned the last page. The language and the situations around Isabella are just what we are living in. The descriptions are well written and do not load the reader with unnecessary information. The writer has really gone under the skin of the character or probably her life has seen such events for they seem like real life events. Though you'd doubt so much could just happen like that! Yet an amazing feel good reading experience!
July 3, 2016
Isabella Maxwell, Isa, for short, was ready to graduate from community college when her world flipped upside down. She had her future all planned out and then, Flip.
While looking at all her options, she stumbled upon an advertisement for a position that seemed to answer all her hopes for stardom. As luck would have it, Isa was able to fast talk, double talk her way into the position at Shizzle, Inc.
Even though her life is in chaos she bumbles along using all her tricky thoughts and ideas to do her job. She even uses some fuzzy ideas and help from her dad. Mr. Hue is ready to take her under his wing and she is trying to stay with him.
Situations keep cropping up that make her life even more crazy and she just bumbles along. Isa tries to help her parents with their situation and she just keeps getting deeper and deeper.
This is one of my most favorite lines in this book.
"With his messed up hair and bulging eyes, he looked like Jack Nicholson from The Shining. I half expected him to bust out in "Here's Johnny!" It was beautiful.
As she attempts to help stop a huge problem from turning any more ugly she gets even more deeply over her head. Oh this woman is crazy and I loved reading about her. She is a wonderful colorful character.
Yes, the whole book is just that crazy. I can truly say I have laughed from page one and I am still laughing (even as I second guess her actions and thoughts) throughout the last chapter.
This is really a great story. I am so thankful that I won this book. It made me laugh and cringe and everything a good story should. Five stars for this book and I eagerly anticipate the follow up book.
While looking at all her options, she stumbled upon an advertisement for a position that seemed to answer all her hopes for stardom. As luck would have it, Isa was able to fast talk, double talk her way into the position at Shizzle, Inc.
Even though her life is in chaos she bumbles along using all her tricky thoughts and ideas to do her job. She even uses some fuzzy ideas and help from her dad. Mr. Hue is ready to take her under his wing and she is trying to stay with him.
Situations keep cropping up that make her life even more crazy and she just bumbles along. Isa tries to help her parents with their situation and she just keeps getting deeper and deeper.
This is one of my most favorite lines in this book.
"With his messed up hair and bulging eyes, he looked like Jack Nicholson from The Shining. I half expected him to bust out in "Here's Johnny!" It was beautiful.
As she attempts to help stop a huge problem from turning any more ugly she gets even more deeply over her head. Oh this woman is crazy and I loved reading about her. She is a wonderful colorful character.
Yes, the whole book is just that crazy. I can truly say I have laughed from page one and I am still laughing (even as I second guess her actions and thoughts) throughout the last chapter.
This is really a great story. I am so thankful that I won this book. It made me laugh and cringe and everything a good story should. Five stars for this book and I eagerly anticipate the follow up book.
February 16, 2016
Ana Spoke’s Shizzle, Inc. is all that and more. Isa Maxwell. the protagonist, is not just any girl. She’s special, special in a way that must have the God’s looking out for her because of all the bewildering, harrowing incidents that befall her. What’s so funny is that she doesn’t even have the slightest idea what she’s getting into. But she is definitely the girl with the heart of gold, even though she doesn’t know it. After the first few paragraphs, I realized I wasn’t in Kansas anymore, and that was okay because the story swept me in up in a whirlwind of activity, a tornado of events! No problem though, because the cast of characters were just a madcap as Isa. They are all off the grid which makes this novel a singular work of hilarity.
What I love the most was how Isa makes every crazy thing seem just so normal, as if, hey, this is life and I’m living it, even if life itself is nonsensical. Basically, Isa wants Brad, her high school sweet heart who callously dumps her. Will this get Isa down? Nope, not by a long shot. She’s determined to have it all, if only she can get rich and famous. Just because she hasn’t the tiniest be of talent, absolutely no skills, a junky VW that is coughing up it’s last bilge of oil, and living, well squatting in a dump of a house with a roommate who is doped up and certifiably weird, and that’s putting it mildly, Isa remains undaunted. Her friend, Harden, a wannabe DJ who changes his name daily, is the most sane character and who is sweet and lovable.
Isa gets a job a Shizzle, Inc, owned by a billionaire who is totally certifiable, but he sees something in Isa and she gets the job, and boy, whoa, it’s a crazy undertaking, seriously.
Ana has delivered a fresh and completely novel, pun intended, novel. If you are up for a joy ride with all the bumps, crashes and with the characters running around like something right out of the Keystone Cops, this novel is for you. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who wants a slew of belly laughs! 5 Stars all the way!
September 27, 2015
Ana Spoke is a writer/middle manager who promised herself she’d finish a novel, and started a blog to keep her motivated and follow through on her goal. Her first novel, Shizzle, Inc. is a comedy that just hit shelves.
Isa Maxwell is a (sort-of) typical young adult: she managed to graduate community college by some miracle, she’s broke, and her boyfriend just dumped her because his dreams of a NFL career require someone more than Isa at his side. Isa is determined to be discovered, be able to pay off her bills, and show Brad just what he’s missing so he realizes he still loves her. Despite a nasty hangover and having no idea what she’s doing, Isa manages to win a contest and land a job as the personal assistant of the Mr. Hue of Shizzle, Inc. Finally, her plans are falling into place!
Being a billionaire’s go-to girl is nothing like Isa imagined. Soon she has a handful of new love interests, a bitter enemy who thinks Isa is out to steal her spotlight, and even less idea what she’s doing as Mr. Hue piles insurmountable job expectations on her plate. Between the corporate espionage, someone out to get her, and her own ineptitude, Isa wonders if getting discovered was really worth it. Between her own disasters and her family’s drama, being a grownup really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Shizzle, Inc. is a comedy of errors, with Isa stumbling from one disaster to the next with no idea what’s going on. Her cluelessness is an accurate portrayal of the entrance to adulthood, and readers will relate to her fumbling and frustration. Perfect for readers looking for a laugh, wanting to feel better about themselves, or just escape from reality a bit, Shizzle, Inc. is a great comedy choice.
Isa Maxwell is a (sort-of) typical young adult: she managed to graduate community college by some miracle, she’s broke, and her boyfriend just dumped her because his dreams of a NFL career require someone more than Isa at his side. Isa is determined to be discovered, be able to pay off her bills, and show Brad just what he’s missing so he realizes he still loves her. Despite a nasty hangover and having no idea what she’s doing, Isa manages to win a contest and land a job as the personal assistant of the Mr. Hue of Shizzle, Inc. Finally, her plans are falling into place!
Being a billionaire’s go-to girl is nothing like Isa imagined. Soon she has a handful of new love interests, a bitter enemy who thinks Isa is out to steal her spotlight, and even less idea what she’s doing as Mr. Hue piles insurmountable job expectations on her plate. Between the corporate espionage, someone out to get her, and her own ineptitude, Isa wonders if getting discovered was really worth it. Between her own disasters and her family’s drama, being a grownup really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Shizzle, Inc. is a comedy of errors, with Isa stumbling from one disaster to the next with no idea what’s going on. Her cluelessness is an accurate portrayal of the entrance to adulthood, and readers will relate to her fumbling and frustration. Perfect for readers looking for a laugh, wanting to feel better about themselves, or just escape from reality a bit, Shizzle, Inc. is a great comedy choice.
December 1, 2015
I give Shizzle, Inc 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Ever since I read Confessions of a Shopaholic for the first time over seven years ago, I’ve been looking for the next Rebecca Bloomwood, not because I’m anyone of import to discover the next Rebecca Bloomwood or anything, but because Shopaholic was the first “chick lit” I ever read and enjoyed. When I heard about Shizzle, Inc I just had a feeling about Isa Maxwell.
From the outset, Isa cracked me up. With an ego the size of the state of Texas, her one ambition is to be discovered. She lands a job with the seventh richest man in the southeastern United States, with the intention of riding his coattails to fame. Along the way, she’s convinced she earns his undying love, picks up a stalker, and starts getting a vibe from her best friend. She’s terribly out-of-touch, but endearing in her own way. At times she was uncharacteristically self-aware (she would talk almost sarcastically about herself, the way one might talk about someone they don’t like), and that pulled me out of the story from time to time.
Shizzle, Inc is larger than life, off-beat, and funny. It was written in such a way that I also suspect amidst the humor there was a subtle social comment on the United States, but I’m not going to analyze that, because obviously the whole world is in love with us.
Ever since I read Confessions of a Shopaholic for the first time over seven years ago, I’ve been looking for the next Rebecca Bloomwood, not because I’m anyone of import to discover the next Rebecca Bloomwood or anything, but because Shopaholic was the first “chick lit” I ever read and enjoyed. When I heard about Shizzle, Inc I just had a feeling about Isa Maxwell.
From the outset, Isa cracked me up. With an ego the size of the state of Texas, her one ambition is to be discovered. She lands a job with the seventh richest man in the southeastern United States, with the intention of riding his coattails to fame. Along the way, she’s convinced she earns his undying love, picks up a stalker, and starts getting a vibe from her best friend. She’s terribly out-of-touch, but endearing in her own way. At times she was uncharacteristically self-aware (she would talk almost sarcastically about herself, the way one might talk about someone they don’t like), and that pulled me out of the story from time to time.
Shizzle, Inc is larger than life, off-beat, and funny. It was written in such a way that I also suspect amidst the humor there was a subtle social comment on the United States, but I’m not going to analyze that, because obviously the whole world is in love with us.
November 21, 2015
The story itself is completely eccentric and utterly hilarious, a parody of a young woman starting her career in a giant corporation and the general shenanigans she gets up to as the protege of the even more eccentric billionaire owner of the company.
It’s exceptionally fast paced, so hang on to your hat – but despite the unconventional characters, you still find that Isa has a very recognisable kind of relationship with her family and friends. Her parents want what’s best for her but have no idea how to go about providing this, her sister wishes she was closer to her but is too busy raising her nutty twin sons and her best friend loves her, but is currently busy building fake bombs with ping pong balls. You know, standard stuff.
The last 15ish% of the book (I love Kindle stats) is a lot calmer, Isa has learnt a lot about the world and starts making things happen instead of just letting them happen to her, which I think means that any subsequent books she stars in are going to be very interesting!
It’s exceptionally fast paced, so hang on to your hat – but despite the unconventional characters, you still find that Isa has a very recognisable kind of relationship with her family and friends. Her parents want what’s best for her but have no idea how to go about providing this, her sister wishes she was closer to her but is too busy raising her nutty twin sons and her best friend loves her, but is currently busy building fake bombs with ping pong balls. You know, standard stuff.
The last 15ish% of the book (I love Kindle stats) is a lot calmer, Isa has learnt a lot about the world and starts making things happen instead of just letting them happen to her, which I think means that any subsequent books she stars in are going to be very interesting!
August 6, 2016
*This book was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This book looked promising but I was thoroughly disappointed. I didn't like the main character and didn't have any sympathy for her as she brought all the trouble onto herself and was quite a bitch. I also didn't enjoy the plot and was annoyed at how she used her friends and family without appreciating them. The only thing that brought this book's rating up was the ending in which Isa realises how much she has been mistreating her family and friends and realises how important they are to her. Overall this was a disappointing read.
This book looked promising but I was thoroughly disappointed. I didn't like the main character and didn't have any sympathy for her as she brought all the trouble onto herself and was quite a bitch. I also didn't enjoy the plot and was annoyed at how she used her friends and family without appreciating them. The only thing that brought this book's rating up was the ending in which Isa realises how much she has been mistreating her family and friends and realises how important they are to her. Overall this was a disappointing read.
September 17, 2015
This book was great! It kept me on my toes and also kept me laughing. Isa is such a unique character and it was just pure entertainment reading from her POV. Can't wait for more adventures of Isa Maxwell.
Full Review: The Daydreaming Bookworm
Full Review: The Daydreaming Bookworm
May 9, 2016
This is definitely a book for fans of high comedy/farce. It's fast-paced and piles on the ridiculousness almost without pause. Crucially, it's funny. I laughed out loud a couple of times and smirked many more. Even better, when I finished I realised I really want to know what happens in the next installment of the story. I'm looking forward to Indiot when it's published later this year.
February 17, 2016
This was a hilarious book. I loved it! This is my first Ana Spoke book and I want more from her now.
December 3, 2015
This humour novel is quite different from my normal reading material, but then that’s probably because it is quite different, full stop! Initially, I decided to read it because the author, Ana Spoke, connected with me via blogging and I admired her sense of direction re Indie publishing. Also, the world is pretty grim and belligerent at the moment, so I needed a good laugh to lift my spirits.
When I began to dip into Shizzle, Inc I thought that the main protagonist of the story, Isa Maxwell, fitted exactly the stereotype of a dippy blonde, and the picture on the book’s cover is a fair representation of her. But as I read on, I decided she had hidden attributes, in that she was kind-hearted, well meaning, and exceedingly eccentric. She was also ambitious and totally out of her depth – something perhaps many of us can identify with, re taking on a job that pushes one to the limit and all the self-doubt that goes with it. My heart went out to her in particular when she had to give an important business presentation to a group of Japanese businessmen. She knew nothing about her subject nor the etiquette involved, and it was one of those “No-o-o-o-o” moments that made me want to cover my face in embarrassment on her behalf. As for her boss Mr Hue, the playboy billionaire, what can I say? You need to read this story to believe his vanity.
This debut novel is the first in an intended series and I fully confess to looking forward to the next of Isa Maxwell’s escapades. Shizzle, Inc kept me so fully engaged for a long train journey, that my that my fellow passengers failed to annoy me with their mobile phones and loud talking. Normally, I get very easily distracted and tense under such circumstances. Instead, I ended up smiling … a lot.
Thank you, Ana Spoke, for cheering me up.
When I began to dip into Shizzle, Inc I thought that the main protagonist of the story, Isa Maxwell, fitted exactly the stereotype of a dippy blonde, and the picture on the book’s cover is a fair representation of her. But as I read on, I decided she had hidden attributes, in that she was kind-hearted, well meaning, and exceedingly eccentric. She was also ambitious and totally out of her depth – something perhaps many of us can identify with, re taking on a job that pushes one to the limit and all the self-doubt that goes with it. My heart went out to her in particular when she had to give an important business presentation to a group of Japanese businessmen. She knew nothing about her subject nor the etiquette involved, and it was one of those “No-o-o-o-o” moments that made me want to cover my face in embarrassment on her behalf. As for her boss Mr Hue, the playboy billionaire, what can I say? You need to read this story to believe his vanity.
This debut novel is the first in an intended series and I fully confess to looking forward to the next of Isa Maxwell’s escapades. Shizzle, Inc kept me so fully engaged for a long train journey, that my that my fellow passengers failed to annoy me with their mobile phones and loud talking. Normally, I get very easily distracted and tense under such circumstances. Instead, I ended up smiling … a lot.
Thank you, Ana Spoke, for cheering me up.
September 25, 2015
Shizzle, Inc. by Ana Spoke is a hilarious book. Right away, I was laughing out loud. Isa Maxwell is quite possibly one of the most unaware main characters I have ever read, but it is just that ignorance of herself and life in general that makes her such a funny character. I found myself drawn to Isa because she was so comedic. I cringed when she did something ridiculous or outrageous, and I cheered for her when things went her way. Mr. Hue is hardly more intelligent and aware than Isa, and the combination of the two of them was hilarious. Shizzle, Inc. is a light-hearted, entertaining read that I did not want to put down. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger—one that will have you cringing but looking forward to the laughs it will bring. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series, and I highly recommend reading Shizzle, Inc.
February 26, 2019
Dinosaurs? On a spaceship? Outstanding!
Ok, ok, this book had nothing to do with either, but that’s kind of what I felt like reading it.
It was actually a fun and exciting read, filled with absurd circumstances and time machines (that one was actually in there). I enjoyed it from start to finish. The writing style was light and smooth – there wasn’t a sentence I found out of sync. It’s a great debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a silly weekend read.
Ok, ok, this book had nothing to do with either, but that’s kind of what I felt like reading it.
It was actually a fun and exciting read, filled with absurd circumstances and time machines (that one was actually in there). I enjoyed it from start to finish. The writing style was light and smooth – there wasn’t a sentence I found out of sync. It’s a great debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a silly weekend read.
December 29, 2015
Fascinating book. Not my usual type of reading, but well worth it.
I am exploring different genres and authors as I continue to learn about Goodreads. Glad I did as Shizzle, Inc. is fast paced and made me laugh out loud.
I really enjoyed the snarky/humorous remarks made by the characters throughout the book.
I am exploring different genres and authors as I continue to learn about Goodreads. Glad I did as Shizzle, Inc. is fast paced and made me laugh out loud.
I really enjoyed the snarky/humorous remarks made by the characters throughout the book.
September 27, 2016
Great, funny little book, I'm so glade I find it - love the way author creates her characters, the grotesque of it all. Looking forward to #2
review-done
February 5, 2017This is the weirdest thing I think I have ever tried to read, and I got through 45% of it before I gave up on it. It is just too flighty for me.
October 9, 2016
It was cute and funny but drove me nuts at times. The main character, Isa, wants to be rich and famous but puts no time into doing anything to get it. It should just come to her.....This bothers me a bit. Now I know this book was designed to be silly and ridiculous but as a fan of strong female leads in books she was nothing of the sort. She was ditzy and unqualified but got a job by shear luck. Going back to the main point which was playful and still it at some times went to far with it and the story got to be too much. However if you love a well written joke around then this may work perfectly for you.
October 9, 2016
How I Got This Book
I received a free Kindle copy from Amazon. I bought the Kindle copy of the second book in the series.
The Pitch
Funny chick lit about quirky millennial trying to make it big in the corporate world.
Summary
Recent community college graduate Isa Maxwell got the break of a lifetime when she became assistant to Mr. Hue, the eccentric billionaire CEO of Shizzle, Inc. But, this dream job quickly turns out to be more than she can handle. Isa has to deal with scheming jealous coworkers, Mr. Hue's crazy antics, and negotiating a major corporate merger. Her personal life becomes problematic as well, with her parents separating and various love interests. Finally, with some spunk and some help, Isa managed to make her short tenure at Shizzle, Inc a success.
The Good
Pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I never read "chick lit" or a "humor" novel before and I wasn't sure about Shizzle, Inc as I'm not the target audience. But, after the first couple pages I was laughing out loud!
Shizzle, Inc is not just "chick lit" - it's smart, pertinent, and hard-hitting social commentary that captures perfectly the woes my generation, the millennials, face. The protagonist is a blonde woman while I'm an Asian American man, but I relate very well to all the craziness Isa experienced.
Burdensome student debt, increasing social-economic inequality, and broken families plague our generation. Shizzle, Inc provides a funny but thought-provoking take that's as good as a Daily Show or Last Week Tonight episode.
Mr. Hue perfectly embodies the exploitative and egotistic modern CEO and Shizzle, Inc. perfectly embodies the modern corporation. From seeing longtime employees replaced by cheaper, younger workers to dealing with foreign companies (loved the Japanese merger scenes!) to crazy police privatization schemes, the reader can clearly recognize the problems of our current economic system.
Isa is the perfect protagonist for such an imperfect world. She recognizes her own limitations and weaknesses, but nevertheless strives to succeed in her professional and personal life.
One other major plus for Shizzle, Inc. is the clever ways that it lampshades and subverts usual tropes. One of Isa's love interest turns out to be gay and the man that helped her with the big presentation was her father, not a lover.
The Bad
The only major thing I didn't like about this book was the ending. It wasn't much of an ending, but rather a hook for the second book. I totally understand the need for authors, especially Indie Authors who write such shorter "chick lit" books, to use the "first book free, buy second book" marketing strategy. Therefore, I won't complain too much (and definitely will read the sequel).
Overall Rating - 5 of 5
Very enjoyable read!
Social Satire Rating - 5 of 5
Smart, Last Week Tonight-esque social commentary!
I received a free Kindle copy from Amazon. I bought the Kindle copy of the second book in the series.
The Pitch
Funny chick lit about quirky millennial trying to make it big in the corporate world.
Summary
Recent community college graduate Isa Maxwell got the break of a lifetime when she became assistant to Mr. Hue, the eccentric billionaire CEO of Shizzle, Inc. But, this dream job quickly turns out to be more than she can handle. Isa has to deal with scheming jealous coworkers, Mr. Hue's crazy antics, and negotiating a major corporate merger. Her personal life becomes problematic as well, with her parents separating and various love interests. Finally, with some spunk and some help, Isa managed to make her short tenure at Shizzle, Inc a success.
The Good
Pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I never read "chick lit" or a "humor" novel before and I wasn't sure about Shizzle, Inc as I'm not the target audience. But, after the first couple pages I was laughing out loud!
Shizzle, Inc is not just "chick lit" - it's smart, pertinent, and hard-hitting social commentary that captures perfectly the woes my generation, the millennials, face. The protagonist is a blonde woman while I'm an Asian American man, but I relate very well to all the craziness Isa experienced.
Burdensome student debt, increasing social-economic inequality, and broken families plague our generation. Shizzle, Inc provides a funny but thought-provoking take that's as good as a Daily Show or Last Week Tonight episode.
Mr. Hue perfectly embodies the exploitative and egotistic modern CEO and Shizzle, Inc. perfectly embodies the modern corporation. From seeing longtime employees replaced by cheaper, younger workers to dealing with foreign companies (loved the Japanese merger scenes!) to crazy police privatization schemes, the reader can clearly recognize the problems of our current economic system.
Isa is the perfect protagonist for such an imperfect world. She recognizes her own limitations and weaknesses, but nevertheless strives to succeed in her professional and personal life.
One other major plus for Shizzle, Inc. is the clever ways that it lampshades and subverts usual tropes. One of Isa's love interest turns out to be gay and the man that helped her with the big presentation was her father, not a lover.
The Bad
The only major thing I didn't like about this book was the ending. It wasn't much of an ending, but rather a hook for the second book. I totally understand the need for authors, especially Indie Authors who write such shorter "chick lit" books, to use the "first book free, buy second book" marketing strategy. Therefore, I won't complain too much (and definitely will read the sequel).
Overall Rating - 5 of 5
Very enjoyable read!
Social Satire Rating - 5 of 5
Smart, Last Week Tonight-esque social commentary!
December 6, 2015
Let me start with a little caveat: I don't normally read humor novels and I never read over the top humor. I took a chance on Shizzle, Inc after I became familiar with Ana Spoke's writing solely because she is such an engaging writer. I won bank on that bet. Yay, instincts!
Shizzle, Inc. follows the trials and tribulations of its heroine Isabella Maxwell. We follow her calamitous and improbable adventures from getting dumped by her beau through successive upward failures that bring her to the brink of destroying an international mega corporation.
Isa is almost terminally ditzy but has a strong undercurrent of compassion that makes her quite endearing. You want to slap some sense into her while simultaneously giving her a hug and telling her it will all be okay. Her biggest failing, and Spoke plays this to great humorous effect, is that she sees the world primarily as it relates to her. She collects a bevvy of imaginary suitors because she interprets almost any interaction as interest in her.
The first half of the book builds continuous tension as Isa digs a hole for herself with successively larger shovels. It culminates in possibly the funniest extended chase scene I've ever read. She catches a clue in the latter portion of the book as she realizes how she has misinterpreted things and misjudged others and herself. Spoke somehow resolves all of the threads that Isa's misadventures started while setting up a third act. Well, all except for Isa's love life but I imagine that's going to be calamitous for the run of her novels.
This is definitely an Isa Maxwell story and the other characters are there to help her tell it. Some other reviews have pointed to flat secondary characters but I think this is just failure to catch Isa's almost crippling self-focus. The story from her POV paints the other personalities in caricature, the way Isa sees them through her Isa colored glasses. I found myself intrigued, trying to figure out what a scene might have been like from another POV, without Isa's unreliable narrative and "me" focus.
This was a very fun read and I happily recommend it to anybody who enjoys irreverent humor and over the top antics. You will have a great time with this story.
Shizzle, Inc. follows the trials and tribulations of its heroine Isabella Maxwell. We follow her calamitous and improbable adventures from getting dumped by her beau through successive upward failures that bring her to the brink of destroying an international mega corporation.
Isa is almost terminally ditzy but has a strong undercurrent of compassion that makes her quite endearing. You want to slap some sense into her while simultaneously giving her a hug and telling her it will all be okay. Her biggest failing, and Spoke plays this to great humorous effect, is that she sees the world primarily as it relates to her. She collects a bevvy of imaginary suitors because she interprets almost any interaction as interest in her.
The first half of the book builds continuous tension as Isa digs a hole for herself with successively larger shovels. It culminates in possibly the funniest extended chase scene I've ever read. She catches a clue in the latter portion of the book as she realizes how she has misinterpreted things and misjudged others and herself. Spoke somehow resolves all of the threads that Isa's misadventures started while setting up a third act. Well, all except for Isa's love life but I imagine that's going to be calamitous for the run of her novels.
This is definitely an Isa Maxwell story and the other characters are there to help her tell it. Some other reviews have pointed to flat secondary characters but I think this is just failure to catch Isa's almost crippling self-focus. The story from her POV paints the other personalities in caricature, the way Isa sees them through her Isa colored glasses. I found myself intrigued, trying to figure out what a scene might have been like from another POV, without Isa's unreliable narrative and "me" focus.
This was a very fun read and I happily recommend it to anybody who enjoys irreverent humor and over the top antics. You will have a great time with this story.
September 19, 2016
This is fun, fast-paced romp, perfect for when you are in the mood for a light read. The heroine has a strong voice (that I suspect is a bit love her or hate her without an in between). I found myself cheering for her, although at times, I wasn't sure if I wanted her to succeed or fail because she was spectacular in the way she failed.
August 6, 2016
All Isa Maxwell needs is her 15 minutes of fame to turn her life around and bring her ex Brad running back to her after realizing what a mistake he made breaking up with her.
Isa is about to graduate form Community College and still has no job and no prospects. And then she sees the ad for Shizzle,Inc. She knows nothing about the company and has no experience. Although she does have a degree from Harvard that she printed out on the internet.
Mr. Hue, owner of Shizzle, hires her on the spot but she isn't sure for what. She isn't even sure what Shizzle does. According to Mr. Hue his company is a ‘global conglomerate of value creation processes'. And he is a total idiot and I have no idea how someone so clueless got to be a billionaire!
Between the two of them I am not sure who was funniest. Hue, for his grandiose and totally idiotic ideas that make total sense to him, but leave Isa and the rest of us saying What??? Did he really just say that?? Or Isa, who seems to just make things up as she goes along but is really growing through the entire book.
As Isa tries to keep up with the man, as he discards people as easily as a used tissue, she fails to see the plot unfolding in front of her. Will she even survive this job?
From the title alone I knew this book was going to have some good laughs and it did not let me down! I am loving this new Comedy genre' and now I am on the way to read the next book just to see what Isa is up to. I read this one out loud to my fiance' and he said, "Well, that sounds a lot like you." I just want to state I would never wear a Gucci slip to a function!
Good Job, Ms.Spoke!
Isa is about to graduate form Community College and still has no job and no prospects. And then she sees the ad for Shizzle,Inc. She knows nothing about the company and has no experience. Although she does have a degree from Harvard that she printed out on the internet.
Mr. Hue, owner of Shizzle, hires her on the spot but she isn't sure for what. She isn't even sure what Shizzle does. According to Mr. Hue his company is a ‘global conglomerate of value creation processes'. And he is a total idiot and I have no idea how someone so clueless got to be a billionaire!
Between the two of them I am not sure who was funniest. Hue, for his grandiose and totally idiotic ideas that make total sense to him, but leave Isa and the rest of us saying What??? Did he really just say that?? Or Isa, who seems to just make things up as she goes along but is really growing through the entire book.
As Isa tries to keep up with the man, as he discards people as easily as a used tissue, she fails to see the plot unfolding in front of her. Will she even survive this job?
From the title alone I knew this book was going to have some good laughs and it did not let me down! I am loving this new Comedy genre' and now I am on the way to read the next book just to see what Isa is up to. I read this one out loud to my fiance' and he said, "Well, that sounds a lot like you." I just want to state I would never wear a Gucci slip to a function!
Good Job, Ms.Spoke!
September 4, 2016
What is not to love about this book?! Deceptively simple, it has a deep underlying message of hope and self-belief (and just breathe!). It made me laugh, smile and thank God it wasn't me the whole way through.
We get to see the world through self-absorbed Isa's eyes, to know the way she thinks and reacts to events beyond her capacity to understand. We know she's smart, sexy, funny and entirely in control of events going on around her.
But at the same time, because we can see and hear with Isa, we get to judge for ourselves what's going on. The result is pandemonium. How does this girl even survive? She has absolutely no idea about anything. We are constantly laughing at her.
And yet, she's so endearing. She's so young and naive and probably reminds us of ourselves at some point in our lives. We can't help but feel sorry for her. I especially love her imperfect character arc: as soon as she learns a new life lesson, she's out making ridiculous mistakes again.
I don't even think the events are beyond the realm of possibility - after all, everyone's getting their 15 minutes of fame in a culture that worships people for being popular.
This is the most incredible example of 'show-don't-tell' I've read in ages. Spoke has mastered the art and I'm in her debt. I only hope I can learn faster than Isa!
We get to see the world through self-absorbed Isa's eyes, to know the way she thinks and reacts to events beyond her capacity to understand. We know she's smart, sexy, funny and entirely in control of events going on around her.
But at the same time, because we can see and hear with Isa, we get to judge for ourselves what's going on. The result is pandemonium. How does this girl even survive? She has absolutely no idea about anything. We are constantly laughing at her.
And yet, she's so endearing. She's so young and naive and probably reminds us of ourselves at some point in our lives. We can't help but feel sorry for her. I especially love her imperfect character arc: as soon as she learns a new life lesson, she's out making ridiculous mistakes again.
I don't even think the events are beyond the realm of possibility - after all, everyone's getting their 15 minutes of fame in a culture that worships people for being popular.
This is the most incredible example of 'show-don't-tell' I've read in ages. Spoke has mastered the art and I'm in her debt. I only hope I can learn faster than Isa!
September 12, 2015
Full review can be read at www.booklovercircumspect4.com
This book is a view into the burlesque life of Isa Maxwell, which involves her parents, her sister and her husband, and her best friend. Isa's boyfriend, Brad, has just broken up with her because of his NFL dreams of becoming such a big football star that he can't be held back by the likes of mediocre Isa. Brad's got game!
Isa sees her opportunity for fame and fortune through a commercial for Shizzle, Inc. A giant conglomerate cooperation that is run by Mr. Hue, who is quite the character!
Isa, of course, get's the job with Shizzle, Inc. and she just keeps getting promoted because of her awesomeness that she displays to Mr. Hue. Isa gets invited to attend a Gala with Mr. Hue and all hell breaks lose. The story with Isa's job kind of unravels from there. In the end, Isa gets all that she has worked for and she is on to her next goal!
In reading this book, I have never laughed so hard in my life. Isa is quite a character and can be a little delusional at times, but that just makes this book all the more comedic. I read this book in one night because I could not put it down wondering why could possibly happen next.
I got this book for free through the lending library as an Amazon prime member.
This book is a view into the burlesque life of Isa Maxwell, which involves her parents, her sister and her husband, and her best friend. Isa's boyfriend, Brad, has just broken up with her because of his NFL dreams of becoming such a big football star that he can't be held back by the likes of mediocre Isa. Brad's got game!
Isa sees her opportunity for fame and fortune through a commercial for Shizzle, Inc. A giant conglomerate cooperation that is run by Mr. Hue, who is quite the character!
Isa, of course, get's the job with Shizzle, Inc. and she just keeps getting promoted because of her awesomeness that she displays to Mr. Hue. Isa gets invited to attend a Gala with Mr. Hue and all hell breaks lose. The story with Isa's job kind of unravels from there. In the end, Isa gets all that she has worked for and she is on to her next goal!
In reading this book, I have never laughed so hard in my life. Isa is quite a character and can be a little delusional at times, but that just makes this book all the more comedic. I read this book in one night because I could not put it down wondering why could possibly happen next.
I got this book for free through the lending library as an Amazon prime member.
August 1, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Ditzy, naive and fun!
Introducing Isabella Maxwell, freshly graduated from community college and ready for her 15 minutes of fame.
This is a quick and easy read about the adventures of Isa landing, literally, the coveted assistant’s position at Shizzle, Inc. Owned by the egotistical billionaire, Mr Hue. The first couple of chapters are absorbing, then it hit a bit of a plateau of unbelievable events and mind-boggling naivety, but then all of a sudden, stuff started happening and I could not put the book down. Absolutely glad I did not give up and read it to the end.
There is a very definite Bridget Jones vibe which made it a very fun read. Isa is a little bit more than slightly self-obsessed as she thinks everyone around her is in-love with her, except for the the person who obviously is. Her family’s antics also reminded of John ‘Spud’ Milton’s family in the Spud books series by John van de Ruit, loved this series tremendously.
This is a great addition to any chick lit library and I look forward to the next book, Indiot by Ana Spoke.
Ditzy, naive and fun!
Introducing Isabella Maxwell, freshly graduated from community college and ready for her 15 minutes of fame.
This is a quick and easy read about the adventures of Isa landing, literally, the coveted assistant’s position at Shizzle, Inc. Owned by the egotistical billionaire, Mr Hue. The first couple of chapters are absorbing, then it hit a bit of a plateau of unbelievable events and mind-boggling naivety, but then all of a sudden, stuff started happening and I could not put the book down. Absolutely glad I did not give up and read it to the end.
There is a very definite Bridget Jones vibe which made it a very fun read. Isa is a little bit more than slightly self-obsessed as she thinks everyone around her is in-love with her, except for the the person who obviously is. Her family’s antics also reminded of John ‘Spud’ Milton’s family in the Spud books series by John van de Ruit, loved this series tremendously.
This is a great addition to any chick lit library and I look forward to the next book, Indiot by Ana Spoke.
July 25, 2016
Isla Maxwell is a new graduate looking for a new job. She’s also the quintessential chaos magnet. The crazy is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. She wakes up after an epic night on the town with a raging hangover, a ransacked house (someone burglarized her place while she slept), and empty wardrobe, and a few minutes before she’s due for a job interview. She makes a dress out of curtains, puts on her lipstick, and lands a coveted personal assistant position with an eccentric billionaire at Sizzle, Inc.
That’s when things start to get weird.
Her boss is wacko and her job description is…shall we say flexible? Her family is batshit. Her friends try to impose some order, but the indefatigable entropic force that is Isla Maxwell cannot be contained. Things inevitably go from outrageously bad to incredibly worse. Through it al, Isla is charming, funny, and relentlessly optimistic. She reminds me of a millennial Mary Poppins, completely unfazed by all the craziness around her.
Overall, this was a funny, entertaining read with a charming protagonist.
That’s when things start to get weird.
Her boss is wacko and her job description is…shall we say flexible? Her family is batshit. Her friends try to impose some order, but the indefatigable entropic force that is Isla Maxwell cannot be contained. Things inevitably go from outrageously bad to incredibly worse. Through it al, Isla is charming, funny, and relentlessly optimistic. She reminds me of a millennial Mary Poppins, completely unfazed by all the craziness around her.
Overall, this was a funny, entertaining read with a charming protagonist.
December 23, 2015
This is a delightfully funny book. It reminded me a lot of Dave Barry's "Big Trouble": one ridiculous thing after another. The writing was crisp and clever and witty. The editing left something to be desired (it was set in the USA, but it was full of Australian idioms we don't use here; and the punctuation made me cringe sometimes). But I'm not going to lower the star rating for that, because it really didn't matter. I don't follow pop culture, but the references were brazen and obvious enough that even I understood them. I think the "Isa Maxwell" character is played out, so if the author writes another book, I kind of hope it isn't a sequel. And I hope next time she uses an American editor, or sets the story down under. But whatever comes next, I'll definitely read it. Ms Spoke is a real comedic talent, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 21, 2016
Instead of being a funny or satirical look at the corporate world, it ends up just being a ridiculous mess. The author just seems to have whipped out every overused plot device she can think of and mixes them all up to create a heaving pile that's hard to swallow. Poorly developed characters and an equally poorly thought out plot which feels rushed at the end (because I'm sure the author is planning an equally stomach-churning sequel). Churning out is a good description because it feels like the author just regurgitated her first draft onto the page and instead of spending time honing it, just clicked 'publish'.
September 6, 2016
Funny
Never has a heroine been so naive, as Isa blithely navigates the business world. She unexpectedly is hired by the CEO Billionaire Mr. Hue as his personal assistant seemingly one of those people who create disasters but come out smelling like a rose. Basically a good person, but lacking any experience with the real world, her mistakes are interpreted as brilliant maneuvers by Mr. Hue who is also lacking a connection to reality. Actually together they make quite a pair. This is not only a hysterically funny romp through corporate practices but a astute satire on current American culture. Looking forward to the next book. Love the cover art. Brilliant.
Never has a heroine been so naive, as Isa blithely navigates the business world. She unexpectedly is hired by the CEO Billionaire Mr. Hue as his personal assistant seemingly one of those people who create disasters but come out smelling like a rose. Basically a good person, but lacking any experience with the real world, her mistakes are interpreted as brilliant maneuvers by Mr. Hue who is also lacking a connection to reality. Actually together they make quite a pair. This is not only a hysterically funny romp through corporate practices but a astute satire on current American culture. Looking forward to the next book. Love the cover art. Brilliant.
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