Reading About Work - Book Recs
Stories about passionate professionals inspire me. There's something magnetic about watching people excel at their craft, whether it be Tina Fey in 30 Rock, Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada, Michael Jordan in The Last Dance, or Sam and Sadie in Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Kicking ass at any job is hard, and characters who won’t stop / don’t stop captivate me.
Because my work-in-progress is a novel about women working, I am reading every book I can find about working or with workplace settings. Turns out, it’s a small slice of the literary/upmarket pie compared to domestic dramas, but there are several that have stuck with me.
Must-Read Works About Working
In no particular order, here are four standout novels about work, featuring ambitious, unforgettable characters.
"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow"
A masterpiece about creative partnership and friendship, this novel perfectly captures the intensity of collaborating with your best friend. The way it portrays the intersection of friendship, ambition, and artistic vision is unparalleled. Plus, it gave me a huge new appreciation for video games, and made my 1,000s of hours playing Animal Crossing during the pandemic feel quite literary.
by Gabrielle Zevin
"Glossy"
Before reading, I knew little about Glossier or Emily Weiss, only that she started Into the Gloss and a beauty company. This nonfiction book taught me a lot about modern entrepreneurship and the rise of the “girlboss” in the 2010s. And I admit I purchased Glossier lip balm and Boy Brow after finishing the book.
by Marisa Meltzer
"Playground"
Each of the main characters are dedicated to their fields (and perhaps even workaholics). From tech entrepreneurs and artists to oceanographers and writers, the novel explores how passion for work can both drive innovation and strain personal relationships. See my book review here.
by Richard Powers
This book made me want to be a writer. While the romantic plot isn’t my jam, I loved the story of a novelist with writers block, and the Lake Michigan setting. I use it now to study how Henry writes dialogue and weaves together so many subplots while balancing lightness and darkness. She is a genius.
by Emily Henry
What works about work do you like?
Are you drawn to stories about work? I'd love to hear about your favorite workplace narratives in the comments below!
