I would enjoy that novel.

I can relate to “Casey, who has been raised to believe that education will lead to success, learns the cruel lesson that connections often matter as much or more than hard work”
Welcome to the real world. Off topic this reminds me of a place I used to work at. ;)

I suspect that a lot of people can easily relate to Casey's character. The world is so full of delightful challenge when we are young and idealistic, and we so quickly get it beaten out of us. This from one who no longer attempts to play the social/corporate game.