Not Bad for a Girl – A Lighthearted, Empowering Read for Women in Tech
Are you ready for a workplace comedy of errors that will have you laughing out loud? Look no further than Not Bad for a Girl by Anastasia Ryan. The story follows Indiana “Ana” Aaron, a talented IT specialist who doesn’t quite fit in at the office.
When she’s transferred to a remote team, Ana sees it as a chance to start fresh and keep a low profile. But when her new boss mistakes her for a man named Mr. Aaron, Ana doesn’t correct him and things spiral out of control.
This book tackles workplace discrimination against women, the gender divide in industries like IT, and the struggle for women’s empowerment in a hilarious and satirical way.
With plenty of hijinks, wild moments, and a dash of romance, Not Bad for a Girl is a fun and entertaining read that sheds some light on important issues – but was also silly enough to keep my interest without getting too heavy.
Not Bad for a Girl by Anastasia Ryan is a refreshing and entertaining read that effortlessly weaves together workplace comedy, feminist issues, and – you know it! – a dash of romance.
The protagonist, Indiana Aaron, is a talented IT specialist who constantly battles gender discrimination and misogyny in the workplace.
When her assertiveness gets her transferred to a remote team, she seizes the opportunity to put her nose to the grindstone and prove her worth. However, when her new boss mistakes her for a man, she decides to go along with it, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps.
One of the strengths of this book is its witty and humorous writing style, which made it a joy to read. The author has created a cast of relatable characters who add depth and authenticity to the story. From Ana’s supportive work besties to her father’s sweet romance in assisted living, every character has a role to play in building the narrative.
The author also does a fantastic job of tackling serious issues without taking away from the lighthearted, humorous nature of the book.
At its very core, it’s a comedy, but the book also takes a bold stance against workplace discrimination and the patriarchal system that permeates male-dominated fields like IT. The narrative is peppered with instances of gender bias and women being unfairly labeled as “emotional” when they assert themselves, which many female professionals can relate to.
That being said, there are some elements of the book that I felt could have been a bit stronger. While the historical examples of women who had to take on male identities for recognition were indeed informative, they felt somewhat disjointed from the main plot. I also felt that the writing style leans more towards “tell” than “show,” which may not appeal to all readers – there wasn’t a lot of description to help illustrate the author’s points.
I’ll also add that it’s not purely just a romance – the romantic subplot takes a backseat to the workplace story, but it adds a nice touch to the narrative.
So if you’re looking for something that’s pure hearts and roses, this book’s probably not for you – but if you’re looking for a fun and engaging book that will leave you smiling, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
Find a copy of this Workplace Romance from your favorite retailer.
What Other People Are Saying About Not Bad for a Girl
“Ryan’s debut is a slapstick blend of comedy and heart, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and strong female heroines.”-Kirkus
“Zippy banter, workplace shenanigans, and a heroine to root for make this book virtually unputdownable.” -Lucy Gilmore, author of The Lonely Hearts Book Club
“This workplace story had me laughing, getting angry at inequality in the workforce, and feeling emotional over the strong bond between a father and his daughter. Anastasia Ryan just became a must read author for me!” -Sarah, GoodReads
About the Author – Anastasia Ryan
Anastasia Ryan is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and cat enthusiast who believes that revenge is a dish best served with a side of humor. Armed with several self-described “useless” degrees and an affinity for true crime podcasts, Anastasia channels her irreverence and wit into her clever writing.
Want more like Not Bad for a Girl by Anastasia Ryan Book Review? Get the best love and romance novel recommendations, handpicked by our experienced editor, straight to your inbox each week. Sign up for little infinite’s Romance Newsletter, here.