Hello and happy Saturday. As this month ends and so does my vacation, I want to tell you about a quieter, more character-driven novel. I wouldn’t say this is slow-paced, although it all takes place in the span of a few weeks, but it is one of those books that are great after busy periods. It is a good opportunity to wind down. I am referring to Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman.

Now, I’ve already told you that this is character-driven, that it takes place in a short time span, and it also is reduced to one setting, which is a superstore in New York. At the beginning of the novel we find out that the store’s general manager will be transferred, which leaves an opening for this position. The ‘movement’ (logistics) workers decide to push for the head of their department to get that position because they hate her and want her off their backs. We get the perspectives of different workers, their motivations and their doubts. This was an understated yet pleasant read. You can get the audiobook on Everand and, if you’re like me, you’ll be done with it in a day.