Sidequest: In Realms Ungoogled

by Frank J. Fleming

A computer programmer finds a sword in a clearing on his way to work. He takes it to the office and leans it against the wall of his cubicle. His friend pops by and asks about it – “Is it worth anything?” “I’m not sure.” “You should Google it.”

He starts noticing weird things, awakening to evil that’s going on around him (e.g., his boss is a demon, and his office feeds maidens to a horrible creature in the basement during “Empowerment Ceremonies,” while the office drones stand around drinking their coffee). The tone of the book is unique; strange encounters are accepted at face value, and the characters rarely reflect much on them.

It was funny, but it also had a deeper point about the wonders (and evils) that go on around us in this world, and how, if you are able to reflect on them, you will begin to notice that things we take for granted as normal can be pretty remarkable. A tiny seed gets everything it needs from soil, water, and sunshine to turn into a massive tree? This is incredible! But we see a tree and yawn.

Anyway, I can’t remember how I came across this book, but the title and premise seemed funny, and in the end it was even thought-provoking!