1st Bingo!

While I don’t normally go in for the self-published or amazon-only published books, crystalclear listened to the audio version of Andrea Vernon & the Corporation for Ultra-Human Protection, and adored it, so I told her I’d give it a go. She loves me, and bought me the print copy since I don’t do audio books, and it was an absolute delight.

This book is just fun. Andrea Vernon is the most relatable millennial, struggling to find employment in NYC while also being true to herself and making a meaningful impact on the world, which has led to her sitting in her apartment and contemplating her life choices. Her world is (literally) invaded by CUP, the Corporation for Ultra-human Protection, after receiving her resume for a position as an administrative assistant.

Andrea’s NYC (and world) is full of super humans and super villains hell-bent on destruction, which obviously means there needs to be a bunch of superheroes to keep the world from being destroyed. Like any capitalist society, the people in smart suits with money to burn have privatized the superhero industry, creating competing companies vying for locations, government funds, and sponsorship.  Andrea joins Ms. Oh’s team as CUP’s new administrative assistant where she’s contractually not allowed to ask questions, but runs Ms. Oh’s office like a well oiled machine. As the heroes battle villains, Andrea and Ms. Oh battle senators and government officials to keep their supers on top. Part “The Boys” and part “the Office,” this book is a hilarious and fun loving romp through the world of corporate shenanigans where Andrea has to decide if she’s sold her soul to the corporate store, or if her skill set is the perfect one for making a difference, if not for the world, then at least for her coworkers.

Kane’s writing is delightful. If Terry Pratchett had written “The Boys,” you’d get Andrea Vernon. There are funny asides, witty characters, and the whole concept is refreshingly and jovially creative. After the dumpster fire that has been 2020, this read made me laugh out loud with actual happiness.

4 stars

Bingo Square: Happy

Bingo across: Cannonballer Says, Debut, Happy, Green, Adaption