The Greatest Books of All Time on Career

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 402 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Career

The "Career" category of books encompasses a wide range of literature focused on professional development, career planning, and workplace success. These books provide readers with insights, strategies, and practical advice on various aspects of building and advancing their careers. Topics often include job searching, resume writing, interview techniques, networking, leadership skills, workplace dynamics, and personal branding. Additionally, this genre may cover industry-specific guidance, career transitions, and work-life balance. Whether readers are just starting their professional journey, seeking to climb the corporate ladder, or contemplating a career change, books in the "Career" category serve as valuable resources for achieving career goals and navigating the complexities of the modern job market.

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  1. 1. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

    The novel follows the story of a young woman who wins a guest editorship at a magazine in New York City and, after a series of personal and professional disappointments, suffers a mental breakdown and returns to her family, where she continues to struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. The protagonist's experiences in psychiatric institutions and her attempts to reclaim her life are depicted with brutal honesty, making it a poignant exploration of mental illness and the societal pressures faced by women in the mid-20th century.

    The 113th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

    The novel revolves around the lives of the Lambert family, an old-fashioned midwestern couple and their three adult children. The parents, Alfred and Enid, are dealing with Alfred's Parkinson's disease and their own marital problems, while their children are each facing their own personal and professional crises. The narrative explores the themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the struggles of modern life. The story climaxes with the family's last Christmas together at their childhood home.

    The 207th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

    The book is a poignant exploration of mortality and the human condition, focusing on a high-court judge in 19th-century Russia who lives a seemingly successful and conventional life. However, when he is confronted with a terminal illness, he begins to question the meaning and value of his life, leading to an existential crisis and eventual spiritual awakening. Through his struggle, he comes to realize the superficiality of his previous life and the importance of genuine human connection. His story is a profound commentary on the nature of life, death, and the pursuit of happiness.

    The 279th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis

    "Lucky Jim" is a comic novel that follows the life of Jim Dixon, a young and disillusioned lecturer at a provincial British university. Struggling with his job and his pretentious boss, Dixon navigates through a series of humorous and often absurd situations, including a disastrous public lecture and a chaotic weekend at his boss's house. The novel satirizes the snobbishness and hypocrisy of the academic world, and explores themes of class, ambition, and the struggle to find personal authenticity in a conformist society.

    The 337th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

    The Edge of Reason

    The book is a humorous and honest portrayal of a single woman's life in London. The protagonist, a 30-something year old woman, struggles with her weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption, all while trying to navigate her love life and career. The story is told through her personal diary entries, which include her daily calorie counts, number of cigarettes smoked, and other personal anecdotes. It's a modern take on romantic relationships and self-improvement, with a healthy dose of comedy.

    The 923rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Stoner by John Williams

    The novel follows the life of William Stoner, a farm boy turned academic, who becomes a professor of English literature at the University of Missouri. Despite his love for teaching and his passion for literature, Stoner's life is marked by a series of personal and professional disappointments, including a loveless marriage, an unsuccessful career, and a failed relationship with a fellow professor. Throughout his life, Stoner remains dedicated to his work, finding solace and purpose in his commitment to the life of the mind.

    The 1051st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Group by Mary McCarthy

    The novel follows the lives of eight female friends who graduate from Vassar College in 1933. As they navigate the complexities of adulthood, their stories intertwine and diverge, exploring themes of social class, sexuality, and women's roles during a time of political and social upheaval. The narrative delves into their personal and professional struggles, relationships, and the evolving landscape of women's independence, offering a candid and multifaceted portrayal of the challenges and expectations faced by women in the early 20th century.

    The 1084th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan

    This novel follows the lives of four African-American women living in Phoenix, Arizona, each of whom is "holding their breath" as they navigate their personal and professional lives. The women are all in their mid-thirties, successful, and single, struggling to find love in a world that seems to offer few prospects. Through their friendship, they support each other and learn to let go of their pasts, "exhale", and move forward.

    The 1431st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope

    The Irish Member

    "Phineas Finn" is a novel about a young Irishman who moves to London to become a politician. Despite his lack of experience, he quickly rises in the ranks due to his charm and charisma. However, he struggles to balance his political career with his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships with several women. As he navigates the complex world of politics, he must also grapple with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions.

    The 1702nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson

    A Modern Cinderella Tale

    "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" is a Cinderella-like tale of a middle-aged, down-on-her-luck governess who mistakenly gets sent to the home of a glamorous nightclub singer. Over the course of 24 hours, her life is completely transformed as she gets swept up in a whirlwind of high-society parties, romance, and glamour. The tale is a charming and uplifting story of friendship and self-discovery.

    The 1733rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Halbzeit by Martin Walser

    The novel explores the life of a middle-aged man named Anselm Kristlein, who is grappling with a sense of dissatisfaction and existential crisis. Set in post-war Germany, the story delves into his personal and professional struggles as he navigates the complexities of his relationships, career, and self-identity. Through introspective and often humorous reflections, the protagonist confronts the societal expectations and internal conflicts that define his midlife turmoil, ultimately seeking meaning and fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.

    The 1922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Heavy Wings by Zhang Jie

    "Heavy Wings" is a novel that explores the societal changes in China during the late 20th century. It follows the story of a group of innovative engineers striving to design and build China's first large-scale commercial aircraft. Despite facing numerous challenges such as lack of resources, political interference, and personal struggles, they remain committed to their mission, symbolizing the spirit of perseverance and innovation. The story is a reflection of China's journey towards modernization and technological advancement.

    The 2035th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa

    The novel is a semi-autobiographical tale of a young man in Peru who falls in love with his divorced aunt, Julia, while working at a radio station. Their scandalous romance unfolds amidst the backdrop of a chaotic radio station run by a brilliant but unstable Bolivian scriptwriter who churns out daily soap operas. The narrative alternates between the protagonist's real life and the melodramatic world created by the scriptwriter, blending reality and fiction in a humorous and poignant exploration of love and creativity.

    The 2170th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

    Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

    The book is an insider's account of the culinary world, revealing the harsh realities of restaurant kitchens. The author, a professional chef, shares his personal experiences, the good and the bad, in a brutally honest and witty manner. He provides an unvarnished look at the industry, from the chaotic kitchen environment and the high-pressure service, to the eccentric characters he has worked with. The book also includes his reflections on food culture, cooking techniques, and his own journey in the culinary field.

    The 2224th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Fortress Besieged by Qian Zhongshu

    The novel revolves around the protagonist, Fang Hongjian, who returns to China after failing to complete his studies in Europe. He fakes a doctoral degree to secure a teaching position and navigates through a series of comedic yet poignant social and romantic entanglements. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1930s China, the story uses sharp wit and satire to explore the absurdities and complexities of traditional and modern Chinese society, as well as the human condition, through the lens of marriage, education, and familial expectations. The title metaphorically compares life and marriage to a fortress that is simultaneously under siege and difficult to escape from.

    The 2862nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Anatomy Lesson by Philip Roth

    The book centers on a once-successful writer who, plagued by chronic pain and unable to continue his literary work, experiences a profound identity crisis. As he grapples with his physical agony and the disintegration of his personal life, he embarks on a desperate quest for a cure and a new sense of purpose. This leads him to consider a drastic career change, which takes him on a darkly comic journey through the medical community and his own tortured psyche. The narrative delves into themes of mortality, the meaning of suffering, and the search for redemption in the face of overwhelming despair.

    The 3032nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Radiant Way by Margaret Drabble

    "The Radiant Way" is a novel that follows the lives of three women, Liz, Alix, and Esther, who meet at Cambridge in the 1950s and remain friends over the next three decades. The book explores their personal and professional lives, their relationships, and the social and political changes that take place in Britain during this time. It offers a compelling depiction of the shifting roles of women and the changing landscape of British society in the second half of the 20th century.

    The 3100th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

    This poignant memoir is a reflection on life and death by a young neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He grapples with the role reversal from doctor to patient, and confronts the reality of his mortality. The narrative explores the intersection of medicine and philosophy, and the meaning of life when faced with death. Despite his deteriorating health, he continues to find joy in his relationships and work, leaving behind a powerful message about the value of every moment.

    The 3757th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Chronicles by Bob Dylan

    "Chronicles: Volume One" is an autobiography that takes readers on a journey through the life of a renowned musician and lyricist. The book provides an intimate look into his early years, his rise to fame, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. The author's unique narrative style and vivid storytelling bring to life the various experiences that shaped his music and his perspective on life. The book also provides a glimpse into the music industry, the cultural changes of the 1960s, and the author's creative process.

    The 3823rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. It's Not How Good You Are, Its How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden

    The World's Best-Selling Book by Paul Arden

    This motivational guide offers a unique insight into the world of advertising and the mind of a creative genius. It challenges conventional wisdom with a plethora of pithy, often paradoxical advice, aiming to inspire readers to break the rules, think differently, and embrace failure as a necessary step towards success. The book is filled with bold typography, distinctive illustrations, and anecdotes from the author's own illustrious career, making it a compact but impactful read for anyone looking to excel in their professional life or personal endeavors by realizing that ambition and passion can be more critical than talent.

    The 4089th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Pat Hobby Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    This collection of short stories revolves around the character Pat Hobby, a down-and-out screenwriter in Hollywood during the 1930s. Once successful during the silent film era, Hobby struggles to adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry and to find work in the talkies era. The stories humorously and sometimes poignantly depict his various misadventures, schemes, and attempts to regain his lost prestige within the studio system. Through Hobby's experiences, the narrative offers a satirical glimpse into the Hollywood film industry, highlighting the fickleness of fame and the desperation that often accompanies creative endeavors.

    The 4595th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

    In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy, two literary-minded individuals—a cutthroat literary agent and a brooding editor—find themselves repeatedly crossing paths in a sleepy North Carolina town. While she's on a mission to support her sister and he's escaping the city's bustle, their professional rivalry and personal banter lead to an unexpected connection. As they challenge each other's firmly held beliefs about life and love, they must confront their own stories to write a new one together, discovering that their perfect match might be found in the most unexpected of pages.

    The 5069th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Young Newcomer In The Organizational Department by Wang Meng

    The book follows the journey of a young professional navigating the complexities of a corporate environment. As the newcomer adapts to the organizational department, they encounter various challenges, from office politics to the nuances of teamwork and leadership. Through a series of trials and personal growth, the protagonist learns valuable lessons about resilience, communication, and the importance of building strong relationships within the workplace. The narrative offers a compelling exploration of the dynamics within a modern corporate setting and the personal development that comes with it.

    The 5274th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Millstone by Margaret Drabble

    This novel explores the life of a young, single, and intellectual woman living in London during the 1960s, who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant after a one-night stand. As she decides to keep the baby, she faces the challenges of motherhood alone, in an era when single parenthood was stigmatized. The narrative delves into her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformation of her values and lifestyle. Through her experiences, the book offers a poignant commentary on societal expectations, the complexities of personal freedom, and the profound impact of motherhood on a woman's identity.

    The 5293rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Submission by Michel Houellebecq

    The novel explores the life of François, a disenchanted literature professor in Paris, against the backdrop of a near-future France experiencing political upheaval. As the country faces the rise of an Islamic political party, François grapples with his own existential despair, professional stagnation, and the shifting cultural landscape. The narrative delves into themes of identity, religion, and societal change, ultimately portraying a society at a crossroads and an individual searching for meaning in an increasingly uncertain world.

    The 5345th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download