Books matching: mundanity of office life
18 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'The New Me' by Halle Butler follows the life of Millie, a disaffected millennial working as a temp in an office setting. The book delves into Millie's struggles with personal hygiene, social interactions, and her aspirations to become a better version of herself. Through a darkly humorous lens, the narrative explores themes of office life, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by young adults in finding their place in the world.
The author, Halle Butler, adopts a sharp and biting writing style to portray the mundane yet chaotic life of Millie. The novel offers a glimpse into the millennial experience, showcasing the protagonist's internal monologues, self-absorbed behaviors, and the subtle cruelties of everyday social interactions. As the story unfolds, Butler skillfully navigates Millie's journey towards self-improvement and self-awareness, painting a convincing portrait of a young woman at a crossroads in her life.
In the windowless back offices of a designer furniture showroom, women stand in a circle, stuffed into ill-fitting black jeans, gray jeans, olive jeans, the ass cloth sagging one inch, two, below wher... - #2
Save:'The Intern's Handbook' by Shane Kuhn follows the story of John Lago, an assassin who poses as an unpaid intern to get close to his targets. The company he works for, Human Resources, Inc., specializes in assassinations of rich and powerful individuals by training young men and women to insinuate themselves into the confidence of the target before eliminating them. The narrative is a mix of action, humor, and a touch of humanity, presented in a wry and entertaining style that keeps readers engaged.
If you’re reading this, you’re a new employee at Human Resources, Inc. Congratulations. And condolences. At the very least, you’re embarking on a career that you will never be able to describe as dull... - #3
Save:In "Jennifer Government" by Max Barry, the story is set in an alternate present where corporations wield immense power, influencing every aspect of society. The plot revolves around a world where taxes are illegal, employees take on the surnames of the companies they work for, and the government is reduced to a figurehead, unable to challenge the dominance of corporate entities. The narrative follows a cast of characters as they navigate a dystopian society where capitalism reigns supreme, exploring themes of consumerism, corporate greed, and the consequences of a world driven by profit.
The writing style of the book is described as satirical and fast-paced, offering a clever and entertaining look at a future where big businesses control the world. The author, Max Barry, creates a believable and thought-provoking world that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, all while maintaining a sense of humor and intrigue throughout the narrative.
Hack first heard about Jennifer Government at the water-cooler. He was only there because the one on his floor was out; Legal was going to come down on Nature's Springs like a ton of shit, you could b... - #4
Save:'How Not to Die Alone' by Richard Roper follows the story of Andrew, a man who works for the council investigating the lives of people who have died alone, all while maintaining a fabricated family. When Peggy joins his team, Andrew's perspective on life changes, leading to a heartwarming and hopeful tale of friendship and self-discovery. The writing style of the book is described as charming, quirky, and poignant, with undertones of loneliness and social isolation beautifully portrayed throughout the narrative.
Andrew looked at the coffin and tried to remember who was inside it. It was a man—he was sure of that. But, horrifyingly, the name escaped him. He thought he’d narrowed it down to either John or James... - #5
Save:'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata is a quirky and atmospheric novel that delves into the life of Keiko, a woman who has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. Keiko finds comfort and satisfaction in her job, despite societal pressures to conform and lead a more traditional life. The book explores themes of societal norms, individuality, and the struggle to fit in, all through the lens of Keiko's unique perspective. The writing style is described as fresh, simple, and emotionally charged, making it a quick and absorbing read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
A convenience store is a world of sound. From the tinkle of the door chime to the voices of TV celebrities advertising new products over the in-store cable network, to the calls of the store workers, ... - #6
Save:"Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell is set in the early 90s in a newsroom where an employee is hired to monitor emails, leading to a romance subplot. The main character, Lincoln, struggles to move on from a past relationship while reading the email exchanges of two friends, Beth and Jennifer. The story unfolds through a mix of email dialogues and third-person narrative, showcasing Rowell's unique storytelling style that balances humor and emotional depth. The setting just before Y2K adds a nostalgic touch, capturing the essence of the characters' lives and relationships as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth.
Would it kill you to get here before noon? I’m sitting here among the shards of my life as I know it, and you …if I know you, you just woke up. You’re probably eating oatmeal and watching Sally Jessy ... - #7
Save:'The Mezzanine' by Nicholson Baker is a short novel that delves into the minutiae of everyday life, focusing on the protagonist's lunch hour journey to buy a pair of shoe laces. The book is praised for its detailed observations and footnotes that explore mundane objects and experiences, turning them into thought-provoking reflections on human existence. The writing style is described as immersive, charming, and filled with existential explorations that make even the simplest activities fascinating.
AT ALMOST ONE O’CLOCK I entered the lobby of the building where I worked and turned toward the escalators, carrying a black Penguin paperback and a small white CVS bag, its receipt stapled over the to... - #8
Save:'The Pale King' by David Foster Wallace is an unfinished novel that delves into the world of IRS workers in the mid-1980s, focusing on themes of boredom, mindfulness, and attention in the face of mundane tasks. The book is a collage of banal bureaucracy, featuring a mix of fact and fiction, and explores the human condition through heartbreakingly real characters and their backstories. The narrative style is described as verbose and complex, often veering into stream of consciousness, with moments of brilliance amidst the tedium.
The book is a sprawling, messy, and incomplete masterpiece that captures Wallace's unique voice and signature themes, despite its unfinished state. It presents a series of linked stories and character studies that offer profound insights into human behavior, particularly in the context of performing tedious tasks repetitively. Through labyrinthine sentences and witty observations, 'The Pale King' prompts readers to ponder on the nature of memory, human existence, and the tragedy of boredom in modern life.
Past the flannel plains and blacktop graphs and skylines of canted rust, and past the tobacco-brown river overhung with weeping trees and coins of sunlight through them on the water downriver, to the ... - #9
Save:'Resume with Monsters' by William Browning Spencer is a darkly humorous novel that cleverly blends elements of the Cthulhu mythos with the mundanity of corporate life. The protagonist, Philip Kenan, is a troubled individual who believes in Lovecraftian horrors and struggles with his obsession while navigating the challenges of a tedious job and a lost love. The book delves into themes of existential dread, unreliable narration, and the fine line between reality and fantasy, creating a unique and engaging story that keeps readers guessing until the end.
The writing style of 'Resume with Monsters' is often described as witty, clever, and darkly humorous. William Browning Spencer skillfully weaves together elements of satire, horror, and absurdity to create a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The book's exploration of the protagonist's descent into madness, his interactions with Lovecraftian entities, and the surreal aspects of corporate life make for a compelling and engaging read that offers a fresh perspective on both the Cthulhu mythos and office culture.
Ralph’s One-Day Résumés was located in an industrial park that also housed insurance salesmen, auto mechanics, computer repairmen and a karate school. Philip Kenan accelerated to make the left into th... - #10
Save:'Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure' follows the adventures of Tara Holloway, an IRS investigator who goes undercover to catch criminals evading taxes. In the book, Tara finds herself in a series of humorous and action-packed situations, from trying to take down an ice cream salesman selling drugs to suspecting her new boyfriend of shady dealings. The writing style is described as witty, fun, engaging, and filled with colorful characters that keep the readers entertained from the first page to the last.
When I was nine, I formed a Silly Putty pecker for my Ken doll, knowing he’d have no chance of fulfilling Barbie’s needs given the permanent state of erectile dysfunction with which the toy designers ...
