Several People Are Typing

Gerald, an employee at a New York PR firm, becomes trapped inside the company's Slack workspace with his consciousness separated from his physical body. While his coworkers initially treat his messages as a joke, they soon realize Gerald's predicament is real and must figure out how to help him. The story takes place entirely within Slack channels, unfolding through messages, emoji reactions, and DMs between employees. As Gerald adapts to his digital existence, his colleagues deal with their own workplace dramas, client demands, and personal relationships - all while trying to maintain productivity and professionalism in increasingly bizarre circumstances. The novel functions as both workplace satire and exploration of digital identity in the modern era. Through its examination of remote work culture, corporate communication, and the blurred lines between online and offline existence, the book raises questions about consciousness, connection, and what it means to be "present" in an increasingly virtual world.

Readers found the experimental format - told entirely through Slack messages - either captivating or gimmicky. Many noted the book captures modern work culture and remote office dynamics with accuracy and dark humor. Liked: - Quick, entertaining read that can be finished in 1-2 sittings - Realistic portrayal of workplace chat dynamics and office politics - Effective blend of horror and comedy elements - Creative use of emojis and Slack conventions Disliked: - Plot becomes confusing and hard to follow - Character development feels limited by the format - Ending left many readers unsatisfied - Some found it too short for the price Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) "Like a Black Mirror episode in Slack form" - common reader sentiment "The format is clever but wears thin" - recurring criticism in 3-star reviews

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📚 Calvin Kasulke wrote the entire novel in Slack messages, maintaining authentic formatting and features of the platform throughout the book. 🌟 The story explores a unique premise where a character's consciousness becomes trapped inside Slack, blurring the lines between digital and physical existence. 💻 The book was inspired by Kasulke's own experiences as a remote worker and the increasing role of workplace messaging platforms in modern office culture. 🏆 Several People Are Typing was named one of the Best Books of 2021 by NPR and was praised for its innovative format and commentary on digital workplace culture. 🎭 The novel seamlessly blends multiple genres, including horror, comedy, and workplace satire, while examining themes of identity and human connection in the digital age.