Top 10 Workplace Fictional Novels by Vicky from Books, Biscuits and Tea
November is all about stories.
All over the world, people are participating in National Novel Writing Month and writing a full 50,000-word novel in a month.
Here at Euroffice, we’re running an #OfficeStory competition: share a short office story with us, whether it’sreal or fictional, for the chance to win a £100 M&S Voucher and some amazing posters from A Book On One Page.
After our special Writer’s Stationery Survival Kit blog, today we’re bringing you a special guest blog by book blogger Vicky from Books, Biscuits and Tea.
We asked Vicky about her Top 10 Workplace Fictional Novels, and she wrote this lovely list for your enjoyment. Offices can be full of life and adventures, whether you’re a TV reporter, a chef or a detective, so we wanted to bring you a list of fictional novels that take place in exciting workplaces.
If you’re looking for a book to read while curled up by the fire with a biscuit and a cup of tea, look no further.
1. Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
Bridget Jones’s Diary has been one of my favourite books for over a decade. I was in my early teens when I read it, but I can still remember certain parts of the book and certain lines of dialogue that made me laugh out loud. Although the film adaptation is brilliant and still makes me excited whenever it’s on telly, the book is even more hilarious. A lot of my favourite scenes haven’t made it into the film, and I think Bridget’s mum is a lot funnier and wittier in the book than her counterpart on screen. So, if you’ve seen the film but haven’t read Helen Fielding’s novel yet, do pick it up. I promise you’ll love it.
2. How to Eat a Cupcake by Meg Donohue
Donohue’s debut novel tells the story of Annie and Julia, two childhood friends who fall out after a series of events and don’t see each other for over a decade. When they finally meet, Annie finds herself in an interesting position: does she go with her original plan and try to put a painful past behind her, or does she forgive the one who made her life so miserable all these years ago in order to make her dream of becoming a chef come true? It’s a beautiful story of friendship and following your dreams and is a must-read for everyone who enjoys women’s fiction.
3. Lost and Found by Tom Winter
The story of an unlikely friendship between Carol, a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage with a daughter she doesn’t understand, and Albert, a widowed postman approaching retirement age who is slowly being pushed out of his place at work. Lost and Found is an honest and touching book you don’t want to miss.
4. Eye Contact by Fergus McNeill
Eye Contact focuses on Robert Naysmith, who might seem like a handsome and successful businessman from the outside, but who’s been playing a deadly game for years. He doesn’t choose his victims. Each one is selected at random – the first person who makes eye contact with him after he begins ‘the game’ will not have long to live. Their fate is sealed. I loved this book from start to finish and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes suspense or mysteries.
5. No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay
No Time for Goodbye is one of the most mind-boggling thrillers I’ve ever read and, with a bookcase overflowing with crime novels, that’s saying a lot. Barclay’s book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page as the main character turns detective to solve the mystery behind her family’s disappearance – and when you think you’ve seen it all and solved the mystery, the plot takes a 180-degree turn and you’re left wondering, ‘how did I not see that coming?’
6. Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
Meg Cabot used to be my favourite author as a teenager, and friends and I were obsessed with her Princess Diaries series. But, unlike most of her books, Size 12 is Not Fat – and the rest of the Heather Wells mysteries – is written for adult readers. Heather Wells used to be a pop-star – but, after she loses her record deal, her mum runs off with all their money. Heather breaks up with her boyfriend, and decides to find a new job and start afresh. This is how she ends up working in a freshman dorm in a NYC college… and that is only the beginning. Brilliant characters, and a plot full of twists and turns and laugh-out-loud moments… what’s not to love?
7. Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Although Landline is Rainbow Rowell’s newest book, it was the one that made me fall in love with her writing – and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the best book I’ve read this year. I loved Georgie’s character from the very beginning and found her very easy to relate to, despite her working in a very exclusive industry as a comedy TV writer in Los Angeles. Rowell’s characterisation is spot-on, and it’s definitely one of the reasons why her books are such a hit with adult and young adult readers alike.
8. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
The Devil Wears Prada needs no introduction – Weisberger’s novel was turned into an Oscar-nominated movie in 2006, and even if you haven’t read the book, I’m sure you’re familiar with its film adaptation. Both the film and the book are brilliant, and I think it’s safe to say The Devil Wears Prada is probably the most iconic workplace stories out there.
9. The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes
I’ve always been a big fan of Marian’s. Everything she writes is guaranteed to make me laugh – or cry. Or both at the same time. Although my favourite book of hers is The Brightest Star in the Sky, The Other Side of the Story was just as memorable a read. The book is written from three different women’s perspectives – Literary Agent Jojo Harvey, Author Lily Wright, and Event Designer Gemma Hogan. I’ve always been an avid reader, but reading Marian’s book, and hearing what goes into the publication of a book through Jojo and Lily’s voice, was the moment when I first became interested in the world of publishing. Budding authors and fellow bookworms will adore this story.
10. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Can You Keep a Secret? was the book that introduced me to Kinsella’s work, who has been one of my favourite authors ever since. I’ve read every single one of her books to date and, for me, this one was by far the funniest. If you’re looking for a light-hearted book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, Can You Keep a Secret? is your safest bet.
Thanks for sharing your love of books and stories with us, Vicky!
More About Vicky: Vicky is an inbound marketer and a book blogger, who runs the blog Books, Biscuits and Tea. Although she enjoys a great variety of genres, from women’s fiction and contemporary fiction to dystopia, crime fiction will always hold a special place in her heart. When she’s not working or reading she loves travelling and exploring what the UK has to offer – or curling up in bed with a nice cup of tea and catching up with her favourite TV shows.
Have you read any of these books? Are you adding any to your Goodreads To-Read list? Let us know in the comments!
And don’t forget you can also enter our #OfficeStory giveaway on the blog!
Do you like books and fiction? These blogs might be to your liking:
Hmm. I suspect my aunts – who love these sorts of books – will be getting a few new recommendations soon. 😉 Thanks Vicky. 🙂
And thank YOU for having me!
Our pleasure! We’ve got reading to do now!