Business as Usual is funny. It's funny in a laugh out loud way and funny in a biting truth way. For example, this passage on Jake observing his wife during a dinner party:
Marilyn's looks were maintained only through painful perseverance. An incalculable litany of hairdressers, nutritionists, personal trainers and plastic surgeons had been adopted, then abandoned after a change in fashion or mood. Jake detached his attention from their conversation and turned it, momentarily, to which of her body parts had cost him the most money over the years.
More than anything, Business as Usual is about being and feeling trapped in a world without any real need to exist: consulting.
He could not say at what point he decided it was all crap and if left alone, the pinheads were just as likely to stumble into the right answer as Jake was likely to find it.
Special Note: the corporate memos drafted by Jake sound really familiar and the conversation that occurs between Jake and his wife towards the end is lacerating.
Can you scam your way out of the corporate world and live happily ever after? Do you have to compromise yourself to advance? Is there any value to work if it doesn't create value? Can you create reality with words? Can you chuck it all and open a bar? Is wishing for death during a meeting really hyperbole? It is feasible to electrocute somone with vase water and a computer terminal?
Business as Usual may not have the answers, but you can at least have fun asking the questions.
Article comments
1 - David Mazzotta
I'd like to thank Chris for his kind words and for taking the time to read and review Business As Usual.
If you are interested, you can preview the first fifty or so pages at ReadBusinessAsUsual.com.
Let me also shamelessly point out that the book currently discounted at Amazon. ISBN 159299024X.
2 - Eric Olsen
Dave, the Amazon link is hee, it's jus tnot hsowing up because all Amazon links are currently not working due to their stupid new software.
Very glad we could help out with a review. Thanks Chris!