Official Review: The Underdog by Janette Hirst

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 23 Jan 2020, 13:50

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Underdog" by Janette Hirst.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Are you willing to go against an entire organization? Even if you’re in the right, can you keep fighting as the cards are stacked against you? What can an individual do in front of a massive structure that holds far more resources and knowledge? For Janette Hirst, these were no longer theoretical concerns but pressing questions that constantly tormented her for two long years. In The Underdog, she retells her story of overcoming the odds and fighting for her rights.

Janette Hirst taught in Kirklees College in the UK for twelve years, with an impeccable track record, until the college went through a restructuring and her department received a new manager. This manager was intimidating and demoralizing, forcing many people out of the section. One day, it became Janette’s turn to be a target for his wrath, which made her spiral into a terrible mental state. Undeterred, she decided to take action and initiate a Grievance Procedure, but it soon became clear the college had little to no intention of seriously addressing the case. She saw herself forced to quit her job, but not without building the resolve to take her former employer to an employment tribunal.

The book is based on the author’s real story, though most of the names have been changed. It follows Janette’s long journey from 2012 to 2014, covering the events in chronological order. Written as a diary of sorts, the book describes each important day in amazing detail and really engages the reader.

As you read through the chapters, you can vividly feel the author’s frustration, anxiety, and pain along the way. Despite being nonfiction, the book doesn’t lose against intense psychological thrillers when it comes to keeping you on the edge of your seat at all times. I often had the urge to reach out and slap my monitor or spit a bunch of obscenities, which goes to show how invested I was. If I have to point out a flaw, however, the writing sometimes overdoes it with the dramatic question and exclamation marks: "The main accusation made by me (bullying) has been totally ignored??!!"

A particularly striking feature of the book is that the author doesn’t portray herself as a superhuman made of steel. We witness her crying, having panic attacks, suffering from insomnia, and being tormented by anxiety in general. The fact that she perseveres despite her struggles makes her story particularly relatable and inspiring.

Sadly, there are many issues with punctuation and misspelled or missing words, so I can’t give the book a perfect rating. However, The Underdog’s gripping storytelling compels me to rate it 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to readers interested in “David versus Goliath” stories. There are a few profanities here and there, so the book isn’t suitable for young audiences. I don’t recommend it if you’re looking for a light read since the story will likely make you mad.

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The Underdog
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adamgreenrock · Post by **adamgreenrock** » 24 Jan 2020, 12:12

I know Underdog stories happens to a lot of people in real life. I might read this book just because this review convinced me to try it even if I'm not really into non-fiction books all that much.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 24 Jan 2020, 12:44

Pity that such a good book on a very important subject has all those issues. Hopefully the author fixes them all. Thank you for a great review!

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 24 Jan 2020, 13:33

Ellylion wrote: ↑24 Jan 2020, 12:44 Pity that such a good book on a very important subject has all those issues. Hopefully the author fixes them all. Thank you for a great review!

adamgreenrock wrote: ↑24 Jan 2020, 12:12 I know Underdog stories happens to a lot of people in real life. I might read this book just because this review convinced me to try it even if I'm not really into non-fiction books all that much.

It's a shame about the errors, but this book is definitely worth a read, even for those who don't usually read nonfiction. Thanks for the comments!

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 25 Jan 2020, 05:43

A fictional story based on real events that affected the author sounds interesting. Sorry about the errors you encountered. I might consider the book. Thank you for your review.

Zion Mesa · Post by **Zion Mesa** » 25 Jan 2020, 06:13

As a teenager I had to fight against a hospital in court. This sounds relatable. The system is seriously messed up. But it sounds like a good book.

Kanda_theGreat · Post by **Kanda_theGreat** » 25 Jan 2020, 06:39

I really love the storyline of this book and I guess I'll persevere the errors now that you pointed them out-all I have to do is ignore them.
Thank you for the review.

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 25 Jan 2020, 12:16

Zion Mesa wrote: ↑25 Jan 2020, 06:13 As a teenager I had to fight against a hospital in court. This sounds relatable. The system is seriously messed up. But it sounds like a good book.

Kanda_theGreat wrote: ↑25 Jan 2020, 06:39 I really love the storyline of this book and I guess I'll persevere the errors now that you pointed them out-all I have to do is ignore them.
Thank you for the review.

Nerea wrote: ↑25 Jan 2020, 05:43 A fictional story based on real events that affected the author sounds interesting. Sorry about the errors you encountered. I might consider the book. Thank you for your review.

It's a very interesting book I can recommend to everyone. Thanks for the comments!

Juliet+1 · Post by **Juliet+1** » 25 Jan 2020, 13:44

What a horrible situation for this poor author. I hope she won out in the end. A nice cash settlement and/or a better job would be a good outcome.

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 26 Jan 2020, 13:55

Juliet+1 wrote: ↑25 Jan 2020, 13:44 What a horrible situation for this poor author. I hope she won out in the end. A nice cash settlement and/or a better job would be a good outcome.

Well, I won't spoil the ending, but I can guarantee the book is worth reading to the end. Thanks for the comment!

Amy747 · Post by **Amy747** » 13 Feb 2020, 07:26

I have seen the reality of a situation like this, play out in a relatives life and the far reaching consequences of workplace bullying.

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 13 Feb 2020, 08:35

Amy747 wrote: ↑13 Feb 2020, 07:26 I have seen the reality of a situation like this, play out in a relatives life and the far reaching consequences of workplace bullying.

I hope things are better now for your relative, this is definitely an unfortunate situation. Thanks for the comment!