8 Relatable Books That Perfectly Capture the Everyday 9-to-5 Work Life

By Harshit
November 12, 2025

Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville

A timeless workplace classic that beautifully captures silent rebellion and passive resistance through the iconic line, “I would prefer not to.”

Company by Max Barry

A sharp satire on corporate absurdity where an employee discovers his office might not sell anything, sparking chaos and exposing the emptiness of modern work culture.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor’s lonely office routine and awkward encounters reflect the struggles of feeling unseen at work—until a simple act of kindness transforms her world.

Severance by Ling Ma

Mixing dark humor with dystopian themes, this novel captures a millennial trapped in corporate monotony as a strange pandemic begins to dismantle the world beyond her office walls.

The Assistant by Bernard Malamud

A classic tale of ambition and moral conflict, this novel delves into the uneasy bond between a weary shopkeeper and his assistant, echoing today’s workplace hierarchies and power struggles.

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

A witty and biting look at the glittering but ruthless fashion industry, this novel perfectly portrays every intern’s nightmare boss and the steep cost of chasing ambition.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This heartwarming story follows a socially awkward genetics professor who approaches love like a scientific experiment, offering a smart and funny look at structure, routine, and workplace oddities.

Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

Set in a bustling Chicago ad agency, this sharp and hilarious novel lays bare the chaos of layoffs, gossip, and office camaraderie—capturing the messy heart of workplace life.

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