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Bank
Every July, a fresh crop of college graduates clad in spiffy new suits fills the offices of investment banking firms, each newly minted analyst longing for big money while sacrificing anything that resembles a normal life.
In this enormously entertaining first novel, a lovable, stressed-out guy nicknamed Mumbles tells the story of how he and his cohorts not only struggle to survive corporate purgatory, but also find satisfying ways to strike back at the system. Fueled by a constant flow of Starbucks coffee, Mumbles and his friends take on such tasks as secretly filming a despised colleague's boardroom romp with an assistant, creating footage they plan to broadcast at the company's holiday party. But true gratification comes only when they actually start standing up to the bank's evil minions, those who have no qualms about piling on a weekend's worth of work on a Friday afternoon.
With sharp comedy, episodes of inspired hijinks, and its glimpse into a world of fleeting elevator romances and not-so-infrequent nervous breakdowns, Bank is a touching and lively novel that is, at its heart, about figuring out what really matters in life.
In this enormously entertaining first novel, a lovable, stressed-out guy nicknamed Mumbles tells the story of how he and his cohorts not only struggle to survive corporate purgatory, but also find satisfying ways to strike back at the system. Fueled by a constant flow of Starbucks coffee, Mumbles and his friends take on such tasks as secretly filming a despised colleague's boardroom romp with an assistant, creating footage they plan to broadcast at the company's holiday party. But true gratification comes only when they actually start standing up to the bank's evil minions, those who have no qualms about piling on a weekend's worth of work on a Friday afternoon.
With sharp comedy, episodes of inspired hijinks, and its glimpse into a world of fleeting elevator romances and not-so-infrequent nervous breakdowns, Bank is a touching and lively novel that is, at its heart, about figuring out what really matters in life.
294 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 10, 2016
The book, Bank, is a hilarious book about life as an accountant sitting at a desk all day, but it's a lot more entertaining than that. The book follows Mumbles, who works at the Bank with his colleagues: The Defeated One, Prodigal Son, Postal Boy, and Clyde, and his boss, the Sycophant (and yes, they all have nicknames). I recommend this book to people who enjoy comedy because this book is always making me laugh.
My favorite character would have to be The Defeated One, because I can relate so well to him. He's a smart aleck who doesn't know when to quit and is always making the Bank a more fun place. He even came up with a master plan to get the Prodigal Son fired, because the foursome all hate him for being a buttkisser to the Sycophant and loves to rub in their face how much better his life is. The Prodigal Son also stooped to a new low even for him later in the book, and Mumbles is not at all happy with what he did. The Defeated One is stubborn and can be rude at times, but he truly cares about his friends.
My favorite part of the book had to be at the beginning, when the foursome was in the elevator, Mumbles thought he heard Clyde singing Spice Girls under his breathe, and went on explaining about how Clyde is the odd one in the group. After about a page of explaining, mid-sentence, the book just says "Make it last forever, friendship never ends." The Defeated One starts judging Clyde for it and he just doesn't care one bit. Mumbles thinks, "Yup, that's the way of Clyde: he just doesn't give a sh*t." The author had me at the song line, I was dying laughing by the end of the page.
There wasn't much to not like about the book. The only thing I didn't like was that their wasn't much background about the characters. I loved their personalities and it was easy to care about them, but I feel like I didn't know enough about them. Also, the side plot that happened with Clyde was slightly confusing to follow, but I reread it a few times until I got it. Other than that, the book was AMAZING and I want to read more by the author!
My favorite character would have to be The Defeated One, because I can relate so well to him. He's a smart aleck who doesn't know when to quit and is always making the Bank a more fun place. He even came up with a master plan to get the Prodigal Son fired, because the foursome all hate him for being a buttkisser to the Sycophant and loves to rub in their face how much better his life is. The Prodigal Son also stooped to a new low even for him later in the book, and Mumbles is not at all happy with what he did. The Defeated One is stubborn and can be rude at times, but he truly cares about his friends.
My favorite part of the book had to be at the beginning, when the foursome was in the elevator, Mumbles thought he heard Clyde singing Spice Girls under his breathe, and went on explaining about how Clyde is the odd one in the group. After about a page of explaining, mid-sentence, the book just says "Make it last forever, friendship never ends." The Defeated One starts judging Clyde for it and he just doesn't care one bit. Mumbles thinks, "Yup, that's the way of Clyde: he just doesn't give a sh*t." The author had me at the song line, I was dying laughing by the end of the page.
There wasn't much to not like about the book. The only thing I didn't like was that their wasn't much background about the characters. I loved their personalities and it was easy to care about them, but I feel like I didn't know enough about them. Also, the side plot that happened with Clyde was slightly confusing to follow, but I reread it a few times until I got it. Other than that, the book was AMAZING and I want to read more by the author!
December 9, 2007
For a first novel, this one is pretty good. Essentially, it's a year in the life of an investment banking underling. Mostly I picked this book up because there is a dude flipping the bird on the cover and as I glanced at a couple paragraphs there was some witty banter tossed about, both of which I like.
Basically, if you liked the movie Office Space you'll like this book. Think: Office Space + Seinfeld = Bank by David Bledin.
The plot rolls around a bit. Fairly early in the book something big happens and based upon the pacing to that point I figured the fall out from this event would take course over the rest of the book. I was wrong. Within about 15 pages that event was done and other odds and ends were rolling toward the lead character's way. I got the feeling I was on an older roller coaster of sorts. A few big exciting drops along with some slower moving sections with not much going on.
All in all the banter between the characters and the very real feeling that things like this are happening in the corporate world all around me/us kept me entertained and looking forward to turning the page to see what happens next.
Basically, if you liked the movie Office Space you'll like this book. Think: Office Space + Seinfeld = Bank by David Bledin.
The plot rolls around a bit. Fairly early in the book something big happens and based upon the pacing to that point I figured the fall out from this event would take course over the rest of the book. I was wrong. Within about 15 pages that event was done and other odds and ends were rolling toward the lead character's way. I got the feeling I was on an older roller coaster of sorts. A few big exciting drops along with some slower moving sections with not much going on.
All in all the banter between the characters and the very real feeling that things like this are happening in the corporate world all around me/us kept me entertained and looking forward to turning the page to see what happens next.
September 11, 2007
I tore through the first half on a flight from SF to NYC, and finished on the way back. Like "The Devil Wears Prada", this book is uplifting in the cruel, someone-else's-job-is-more-guelling-than-mine sort of way. The story is relatively uncomplicated, the characters are charmingly brutal characitures of corporate stiffs. The world may seem a bit colder after reading "Bank", but at least you don't feel like you've been lied to, which is more than I can say for Mumbles, Postal Boy, and the Defeated One.
October 23, 2012
I discovered a sarcastic, clever read in this book. Mumbles is a likable character to begin with if you're into the whole sarcasm scene. While he doesn't change too much throughout the story, he still finds his way. His posse of friends is as endearing as he is, and the Woman With the Scarf makes for a dandy love interest. I was a huge fan of all the office nicknames floating around. Bank was a quick read for me, and I really enjoyed it as a whole.
October 7, 2022
An excellently creative narrative that describes the pitfalls of investment banking in a hilarious way.
May 26, 2009
Bledin's trying-too-hard style was pretty annoying until I learned to ignore it. I felt the same while reading this as I did while listening to a pretentious and untalented undergrad at my college read from his "novel," looking up every 3 seconds with this expectant grin on his face like he just KNEW we would be rolling in the aisles at his young, hip comedic genius. The story itself is ok, in the Office-Space-frustrated-employee-hijinks vein, but not at funny or as interesting as Office Space itself. The only thing I enjoyed about this book was that it got me to understand(?)/sympathize with(?) business-y types a little more. Despite the stylistic aggravations, I ended up liking the main character, who I'm 99% sure IS Bledin since Bledin has had experience as a peon in the banking world. In the end, though, when a 24-year-old (just one year older than I) learns the big lesson that working at a high-paying yet miserable job isn't worth it, I'm a little disappointed. I could see that one coming from page 1 - no surprises in this fairly cliched book.
May 5, 2025
It was a fun read. Took me only a couple days to get through it. The book is inspired by David’s experience at the bank I currently work at so maybe I had a vested interest in it.
Ultimately it’s a fiction book loosely based around being a banker. It hits all the highlights people want it to, colleagues having sex in the boardroom, cocaine in the bathroom, revenge on your evil boss by hooking up with his wife, etc.
Some realities amongst the stereotypes but I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily the truth unless banking culture has changed significantly between my time and his.
Ultimately it’s a fiction book loosely based around being a banker. It hits all the highlights people want it to, colleagues having sex in the boardroom, cocaine in the bathroom, revenge on your evil boss by hooking up with his wife, etc.
Some realities amongst the stereotypes but I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily the truth unless banking culture has changed significantly between my time and his.
September 25, 2007
This book actually had me feeling sympathetic towards the expensive suit-wearing Wall St crowd I usually curse on the subway.
The main character, Mumbles, goes through different rings of hell and shows the price one pays for a check (or a year-end bonus).
I had to read this book because the first chapter was titled #REF!
Quick, light read.
The main character, Mumbles, goes through different rings of hell and shows the price one pays for a check (or a year-end bonus).
I had to read this book because the first chapter was titled #REF!
Quick, light read.
November 9, 2011
As a cubicle dweller, I found myself nodding, smirking, and outright laughing at the hijinx in this novel. While I don't work in the financial industry (hello, IT), many things still cross industry lines and translate. For example, we've all dealt with the various co-worker archetypes that make Mumbles' daily existence either somewhat bearable or an absolute nightmare.
June 9, 2013
I laughed out loud more than once while reading this book, which for me takes it beyond a mere 'like'. For anyone who has ever worked in an office, I think it is particularly funny and meaningful. A quick, witty read, that somehow still manages to address one of the major questions that face modern lives, namely, what the hell are we doing?
December 10, 2007
Even though I don't work in a cubicle, this is a hilarious read about a 23-year-old who is drowning in his job as an analyst at Bank. All the characters have nicknames such as Unadulterated Sex, Utterly Incompetant Assistant, and the boss, Sycophant. Loved it in a sick and twisted way.
April 21, 2008
This book was entertaining and clever. If you like the movie "Office Space" then you will enjoy reading this book. I found it easy to relate to the story. Although I have never been an investment banker, it had characters that can be found anywhere work is being done.
January 20, 2012
Ok, I didn't actually finish this one (sorry!). I've been "reading" it for like three months now, but for whatever reason, I just can't connect. At ALL. So I'm giving up. My husband enjoyed it though!
August 12, 2009
Despite an epic cover...., ex-Banker...two years as an analyst...writes allegoric tell-all. Paper thin plot, cliche after cliche on investment banking. Story starts off with promise and quickly collapses into regurgitated stereo types.
February 7, 2010
A parody of the first few years as an investment banker -- long hours, office pranks, nervous breakdowns, sucking up to the partners, etc. Could just as easily have been about first year associates in a law firm.
July 17, 2013
as another reviewer said this is chick lit about guys, or I would say the devil wears Prada for Banking. This book never makes it to the top, it tries but from the beginning you know exactly how everything will play out. A waste of time. Definitely not a keeper!
May 25, 2007
It's not great literature, but its a good picture of my current lifestyle...
October 28, 2007
For Office Space fans.
January 6, 2008
Pretty good. Some funny parts, it would probably be better for someone who has worked in the "business world" but I think I got most of the jokes. Cute story. Nice ending.
February 19, 2008
Awesome!! If you 'love' corporate life, you will enjoy...
May 8, 2008
This book was pretty funny, a brainless read.
November 4, 2008
This was such a great book. Very true, hilarous! Couldn't put it down.
February 18, 2010
A nice attempt as a first novel, it was an enjoyable book. Was easy and fun to read through.
Want to Read
February 22, 2010Funny novel year in life of 20something investment banker.
April 13, 2010
A very quick and fun read. Quite humorous and shouldn't be taken to seriously.
April 28, 2011
Hilarious and cleverly insightful. A peek into the life of a low-level I-banker. I can picture Jake gyhlenhaal in the title role if they made this into a movie one day.
August 25, 2011
Def. a good read. Funny, a good look into the office antics of an investment banker. Loved it, the whole time!
September 8, 2011
I really liked it. Mumbles is snarky and has a wit about him that pulls you through the tough parts of the novel.
December 22, 2011
This book was apropos to what I was going through at the time so I really enjoyed it.
May 26, 2013
Its like Office Space with junior analysts at a bank instead of computer programmers. Very funny read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews