Books

10 Books To Help You Unwind After A Long Work Day

by Melissa Ragsdale
LeoPatrizi/E+/Getty Images

Let's face it, today was really hard. But now that you're home from work, it's time to kick back, relax, and read a book that will make you feel good. A book that will help you wash the day away.

A good book is like an instant vacation. No matter how crazy your boss was, how rude your co-workers are, or how ridiculous your customers were being, you can always count on reading to make you feel better. It's time to put it all aside: that e-mail chain that was driving you insane, that copier that just wouldn't work, your never-ending to-do list. Do yourself a favor and relax!

From books that will show you the funny side of your day-to-day routine to books that will make you forget entirely about your job, this list is filled with reads that are the perfect way to unwind after a long, hard day. Different days call for different reads, so no matter what flavor of exhausted you are, you're sure to find your perfect book match here.

So draw yourself a warm bath, pour yourself a huge glass of wine, order your favorite take-out meal, and sink into one of these great reads. Really, you've been working so hard. You deserve this.

1. The Assistants by Camille Perri

This fun book is the perfect "revenge fantasy" for anybody who has ever worked an assistant level job. When Tina accidentally steals money from her company to pay off her student loans, the situation snowballs into a vast conspiracy that involves assistants across the city.

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2. The Metaphysical Ukulele by Sean Carswell

In this delightful book, Carswell writes fictional stories based upon real events in famous authors' lives. And here's the twist: every story features a ukulele. Trust me, you'll fall for this book from page one.

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3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

Funny, fresh, and fantastic, Kaling will make you feel like she's your BFF. No matter how awful your day has been, you'll be smiling from ear to ear as Kaling tells you about all of her adventures — from being a broke writer in Brooklyn to starting her own show.

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4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This book will sweep you up in the best of ways. Cath is a fanfiction writer obsessed Harry Potter-esque series called Simon Snow. When she goes to college, she and her twin sister, Wren, grow apart, and Cath begins to wonder if she can handle the real world. Filled with romance, friendship, and plenty of nerdy fun, this book is a home run in every way.

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5. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

This graphic novel is the definition of fun. Nimona is a bloodthirsty, shapeshifting teenage girl who has declared herself the sidekick to the not-so-evil villain, Lord Blackheart. As the two plot to take down the (actually evil) government, you'll find yourself giggling in utter enjoyment.

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6. My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff

In this memoir, Joanna Rakoff tells us all about her crazy (and frankly, horrible) year working at a literary agency where one of her main jobs was to answer the reclusive J.D. Salinger's fan mail. Either you'll relate to her strange job.... or find yourself feeling grateful that you aren't in her shoes.

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7. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

In this empowering memoir, Poehler gives you her best advice for making your way in the world. My favorite piece of wisdom: treat your career like a bad boyfriend.

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8. Three Scenarios in Which Hana Sasaki Grows a Tale by Kelly Luce

The writing in this short story collection is simply wonderful. Filled with magical realism stories that will crack your imagination like an egg, this is a book you won't want to put down until you've read the very last page.

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9. Two Years, Eight Months, and Twenty-Eight Nights by Salman Rushdie

This book is set in a magical Manhattan, where all kinds of strange events are happening, spurned by the workings of some tricksy djinn. You'll drink up every moment of pure imagination.

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10. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

This satirical book is just as good as the famous movie. This book of "true love and high adventure" has everything you could possibly want: romance, swashbuckling sword fights, and unending wit.

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Images: LeoPatrizi/E+/Getty Images; Giphy