“Monday morning and there’s one less donut than there should be.”

We continued to maintain the first lines page whenever we come across new gems. However, I thought it would be good to make a category and post them to the main blog since we don’t really have a way to notify readers when pages get updated. This one from Max Barry’s new novel Company.

Having worked for a defense contractor I know what it’s like to work somewhere and have no idea what the products really are. Jones (the protagonist) finds himself in a similar situation. He accepts a job offer straight out of school without questioning a mission statement which reads like some dot com mumbo jumbo that means exactly nothing. Ignoring the advice of his apathetic coworkers he seeks out the CEO. Chaos ensues. Like all his books, the plot progresses in crescendos of absurdity exposing marketing and capitalism run amok.

Honestly, I didn’t like it as much as Syrup or Jennifer Government but it could just be that I’m no longer dazzled by his style. I’ve also read enough to recognize repeated character archetypes and gather some insight into the authors personality, or at least his taste in women. It’s a great read though and I laughed every time the plot touched back on the donut. If you’ve already read Max Barry you don’t need me to recommend him. Otherwise, I suggest starting with Syrup unless you’re currently living the bowels of your own personal corporate hell, in which case Company may resonate more strongly.