Cool book, first time I ever read a fictional software development novel.
It’s a bit rough around the edges, the characters are mostly caricatures and it kind of bangs you over the head with the message it is trying to impart in a parable style. Kind of like the richest man in babylon but not as well done. It even has the wise sage character who miraculously knows everything and guides our humble protagonist. Those complaints aside I really enjoyed the book, it was a fun experience to go through an absolute worst case scenario fictional software project that has the worst parts of every project I’ve ever been on, all combined. And then use what have now become industry best practices to escape that horrible scenario.
I think everyone involved in software development or IT can read this book and see some dysfunction they’ve experienced in their career portrayed in the actions of Parts Unlimited and take away some good lessons.
Next up, i’ll be reading the sister novel the unicorn project