sarahsays's review
5.0
This book is so good. So human. Every once and awhile an author does an amazing job revealing how everyone's the hero of their own stories. How each character has different reactions and justifications for their actions. This is one of those books!
caseyjayner's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Racism
kittykornerlibrarian's review
4.0
I needed a break from a rather dark fantasy series that I'm reading, and this was perfect. It's about a small research company called Ellery and the people who work there. The main focus is on Rosa, the chief of human resources, who has spent her life moving up the ladder in corporate America, learning to balance her head and her heart as she becomes a leader and mentor. Other workplace characters' stories take turns at the forefront of the story; Rob, who is drifting aimlessly along; Lucy, who is always looking for the next opportunity both personally and professionally; Leo, whose life is his job; and Kenny, whose heart is in academia but who plays for money and status. The story is based in the workplace; but since nobody's life is always there, we get a look into their personal lives as well. This was authentic, thoughtful, and funny. We all spend so much time at work, and this is a perfect view of what most of us experience as professional people.
firedew's review
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sde's review
4.0
I received an Advanced Readers Copy at an event for librarians that the author spoke at. I picked up the copy because the author's remarks intrigued me. She said that even though we spend as much time at work as with friends and family, there are very few books that center around the workplace and our relationships there. Those relationships are usually in this odd space that is more than acquaintance but less than friendship.
The book is good at outlining that work relationship, although several of the characters do more for each other than is usual. At the beginning of the book, I really didn't like any of the characters. (I guess there is a reason I don't work in corporate NYC!), but as the book progressed the nuances came out more, and they seemed more 3 dimensional. I still don't think I would like to work for their company, though.
I read this book over a cold weekend traveling to and from the Twin Cities. It was a great travel book - complicated enough to hold my attention, but not so much that I wouldn't get what was going on if interrupted. I still don't completely understand the story of Peter, though, so may need to go back and reread.
There seemed to be too much sex talk, thought and action in the workplace, but I may be ultra sensitive to this since I read it right after the big #metoo movement, so it is at the forefront of my mind. It may very well be realistic.
The book is good at outlining that work relationship, although several of the characters do more for each other than is usual. At the beginning of the book, I really didn't like any of the characters. (I guess there is a reason I don't work in corporate NYC!), but as the book progressed the nuances came out more, and they seemed more 3 dimensional. I still don't think I would like to work for their company, though.
I read this book over a cold weekend traveling to and from the Twin Cities. It was a great travel book - complicated enough to hold my attention, but not so much that I wouldn't get what was going on if interrupted. I still don't completely understand the story of Peter, though, so may need to go back and reread.
There seemed to be too much sex talk, thought and action in the workplace, but I may be ultra sensitive to this since I read it right after the big #metoo movement, so it is at the forefront of my mind. It may very well be realistic.
little_red_dragon's review
1.0
DNF at 50%.
This Could Hurt is simply nothing special. The characters are formulaic: the leader who treats her team like family, the heir apparent who lets her down, the up and comer who's stuck and searching for more.... The plot is predictable and I felt no connection to any of it.
It absolutely wasn't worth the time.
This Could Hurt is simply nothing special. The characters are formulaic: the leader who treats her team like family, the heir apparent who lets her down, the up and comer who's stuck and searching for more.... The plot is predictable and I felt no connection to any of it.
It absolutely wasn't worth the time.
dany_v's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Didn't particularly enjoyed the book nor did it make me feel something different from boredom. Apparently it wasn't for me.
nukie19's review
4.0
Told from alternating viewpoints of HR staff at a downsizing company during the tail end of the financial crisis, this novel examines what it means to be a coworker, mentor, supervisor and friend in a unique but realistic way. Each character is messy and real, but relatable even when they aren't being very likeable. And the acidotes about office were spot on, from the secret nicknames to hideouts to covering for your friends. Definitely a novel to recommend especially for those elbow deep in office culture.
kreinard's review
4.0
This was a solid 4 star book.
It was an excellent character-driven novel about a large company dealing with the recession and all the repercussions of that. There wasn't a lot of action, but a ton of character development and a great story line surrounding those core characters.
I really enjoyed most of the characters, and at the very least, could appreciate their aspirations and motivations. It was enlightening to see these high level executives floundering, worrying about their lives and trying to figure out what they want to be when they "grow up". They were all lead by the wonderful character, Rosa, who is fierce and loyal and so kind.
I really loved Rosa and mostly the fact that while the sections from her point of view were limited, it was easy to see her in all the other sections as well. She was a character that had a lot of influence on the others, not only in her professional, working life, but in hers and her employees personal lives as well. It was inspiring to see the influence that she had on others simply by being their advocate and caring for them.
This was an excellent look at a modern workplace and the fears, anxieties and uncertainties that can come from simply being employed during a recession. It was great to see the growth of the characters and I especially loved the epilogue. A great read that I would recommend to anyone who loves character-driven books.
It was an excellent character-driven novel about a large company dealing with the recession and all the repercussions of that. There wasn't a lot of action, but a ton of character development and a great story line surrounding those core characters.
I really enjoyed most of the characters, and at the very least, could appreciate their aspirations and motivations. It was enlightening to see these high level executives floundering, worrying about their lives and trying to figure out what they want to be when they "grow up". They were all lead by the wonderful character, Rosa, who is fierce and loyal and so kind.
I really loved Rosa and mostly the fact that while the sections from her point of view were limited, it was easy to see her in all the other sections as well. She was a character that had a lot of influence on the others, not only in her professional, working life, but in hers and her employees personal lives as well. It was inspiring to see the influence that she had on others simply by being their advocate and caring for them.
This was an excellent look at a modern workplace and the fears, anxieties and uncertainties that can come from simply being employed during a recession. It was great to see the growth of the characters and I especially loved the epilogue. A great read that I would recommend to anyone who loves character-driven books.
lynnaeaowens's review
4.0
What a random but compelling novel! Medoff lets us explore the experiences of several employees working in HR. We follow them over several years as their lives and jobs change. I found the HR mumbo-jumbo hard to understand and follow, but it still felt necessary to contribute to the realism. What really kept me intrigued was the brilliant character development throughout. Each character grows as the story progresses, but none end up perfect. Their flaws and mistakes felt so real, yet Medoff still presents them as being valuable and interesting.
4/5
4/5