The Unlikely Success of a Copy-Paste Developer

by Iris Classon

Leo Larsson is a change-averse software developer with a forgettable presence and a life as bland and dry as Swedish crisp bread.

Leo has three keep a low profile, avoid customer support at all costs, and deal with an obsessed dentist with a curious and possibly abnormal fascination with Leo’s teeth.

Unfortunately, David, the spandex wearing know-it-all, mandates that everybody in the company, except architects, must provide customer support services.

The unambitious Leo decides that if climbing the corporate ladder means avoiding daily human interaction, it’s time to scale. If only Leo wasn’t such a lazy developer with a plow-shaped smile.

Turns out, being lazy is hard work.

Genres: Fiction

234 pages, Hardcover

First published January 21, 2022

Reviews

[Anca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! Have you ever wondered about the quirky world of software developers? Well, this book is it. Whether you’ve heard about Linux, MS Certifications, coding, architects or not, this book is a must read. It is a well written contemporary novel, which will make you laugh out loud but also takes up topics such as the imposter syndrome most of us have felt at some point in our career. Leo, the main character is a delight, and the author ensures we really get to know the character through the numerous thoughts and conversations, and the vivid descriptions throughout the book. Perfect book to turn into a movie.

[Rab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and do believe there's a growing market for such content. Hoping to here more of Leo's exploits!

[Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's definitely very funny, with clearly anecdotes from the field. Has a couple of bugs (typos) here and there, but pretty enjoyable read.

[Corina Fanatean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a genuinely funny book with quips that will make you laugh out loud at times! The main character is not afraid of self-mockery, and the story exudes this engaging sincerity, and an endearing vulnerability that makes me want to hear (READ) more about it. So, I do count on more! 😊

[Adam Smith-Platts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly fun read, that at times will have you sweating with anxiety, and wanting to drown out the cringe.

You will laugh, you will double take.

Great first book Iris!

[H · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is about an underappreciated programmer, who is secretly famous. But isn't respected by her peers and struggles with her job and life.

The main character is made to look good because she is surrounded by idiots. Overal most of the book is cringy.
The author has an obsession with dentists.
The book is inspired on the author's life, which makes the whole story extra cringy

The story attempts to distract from the bad writing by dropping nerdy references, names of coding languages, descriptions of keyboards,...
Or cheap attempts at humor.

The second part of the book read a little smoother IMO.

[Dan Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a software developer, I related to so many of the different stories and characters in this book, and found myself laughing out loud many many times! 😂 There aren't very many fictional books about software development, and the ones that exist are normally more serious. If you are looking for a serious book, then you're in the wrong place. But if you're looking for a very fun light-hearted relatable and easy-to-read book about the life of a software developer - then this is it! 🙂

It's perhaps worth caveating that if you don't work in the software industry, then it's possible you won't understand a lot of the industry references in this book. It'll still be a fun read though, but some of the humour might be missed.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have a new born and don't have very much energy to keep up your old habit, this book is a perfect filler(to me at least), it's not hard to read but entertaining enough to keep reading, in fact I was worried this book is all about IT stuff which I may not understand fully, it turned out completely fine!

I usually don't like writing reviews but this one definitely drives me to do so.
Last but not least, I would fully agree with the "beta reader", the author's humour did make my current rough life feeling a bit easier.

[Tim Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book - there are so many parts that I could relate to.
My favourite description is the warmth of holding a cup of coffee.

[3vilguy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty funny and enjoyable read, but it ended too quickly.