Please Be Advised

Sneed’s perplexing satire in memos (after the collection The Virginity of Famous Men) runs on workplace drama at an office supplies manufacturer. Each memo convincingly apes the corporate voice of interoffice emails, with the added touch of highly personal details such as accounts of employees’ sex lives. Dr. Ken Crickshaw, the new office manager (formerly a county coroner), slowly becomes the designated rival of Bryan Stokerly, Esq., the company president. Meanwhile, an IRS audit is afoot, and Ken has designated himself the company matchmaker. For whatever reason, the first lucky couple is expected to send periodic dispatches regarding their relationship to the entire staff. In addition, employees are encouraged to take frequent wellness surveys. As each share their “Story of Personal Triumph,” the reader senses the author padding the manuscript with manufactured character development. When a recall of the company’s “collapsible paper cutter” causes financial trouble, everyone’s secrets begin to come out. Sneed nails the relentless falsity of corporate jargon and company creeds, but not for any clear purpose. Readers may very well put in their notice before this is over. (Oct.)