Book Review: Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden

In Do Not Disturb, Freida McFadden takes readers on a hilarious and satirical journey through the world of corporate retreats and team-building exercises. With sharp wit and a keen eye for absurdity, McFadden delivers a refreshingly funny and entertaining read.

The story follows Janine, a middle-aged woman who reluctantly attends a team-building retreat at a luxurious resort. Janine, along with her eccentric coworkers, finds herself trapped in a series of ridiculous activities and forced camaraderie. As the retreat spirals out of control, Janine’s inner monologue and dry humor provide a constant source of laughter.

One of the strengths of the novel is McFadden’s ability to capture the essence of office life and the absurdity of corporate culture. From the overbearing team-building facilitator to the clueless upper management, each character represents a different facet of the corporate world, exaggerated for comedic effect. McFadden’s sharp observations and biting sarcasm will resonate with anyone who has experienced the corporate grind.

The humor in Do Not Disturb is cleverly crafted, blending situational comedy with sharp dialogue. McFadden’s writing style is reminiscent of authors like David Sedaris, with a touch of Tina Fey’s wit. The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments as Janine navigates through a series of absurd challenges, including trust falls, trust walks, and even a trust obstacle course.

What sets Do Not Disturb apart from other humorous novels is the underlying commentary on the importance of authenticity and genuine connections. As Janine and her coworkers navigate the forced team-building exercises, they discover the value of being true to themselves and forging real connections, rather than relying on superficial facades. This theme adds a layer of depth to the comedic narrative and elevates the story beyond mere satire.

While the pacing of the novel is generally brisk, there are a few moments where the humor feels a bit forced, and the plot could have been tightened to maintain momentum. However, these minor quibbles do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Do Not Disturb is a delightfully funny and insightful novel that will leave readers both chuckling and reflecting on the absurdity of the corporate world. Freida McFadden’s sharp humor and keen observations make this self-published gem a standout in the genre. With its relatable characters and hilarious situations, Do Not Disturb is a must-read for anyone looking for a lighthearted escape that also offers a subtle critique of modern corporate culture.