Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Summer business-themed reading lets in the light

Vancouver Public Library picks offer welcome diversion from standard business tomes
vancouver_public_library_downtown_shutterstock
Vancouver Public Library | Shutterstock

It's summer – the ideal time to take a break from the dense business guides and dive into sunnier stories that give you a different perspective on business life.

From thrillers to mysteries to other works of fiction packed with interest, insight and humour, Vancouver Public Library’s reading and information experts have you covered.

Find the books at vpl.ca and get personalized recommendations at vpl.ca/readnext.

Dead and Breakfast by Kate Kingsbury

Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza, escape the city to start a new life running a bed and breakfast. When they find a skeleton in a closet and a body is discovered on the beach of their rustic mansion, renovations are put on hold. Set on the Oregon coast, Kate Kingsbury’s endearing mystery is a cosy mix of amateur sleuthing and life as a small-business owner.

1

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman

Tom Rachman takes you through the inner workings of a struggling English-language newspaper in Rome. Each chapter follows a different employee – from the top boss to the lowly copy editor. Their lives are both flawed and engaging, setting the tone for a very authentic and entertaining look at the rapidly changing publishing industry.

2

Pecking Order by Omar Tyree

If you love it when the underdog rises to the top, you’ll enjoy this book by bestselling author Omar Tyree. Pecking Order is a about an ambitious young accountant, who quits a stable company job to pursue a new career as a party promoter in the highly charged celebrity world of Southern California.

3

Startup by Doree Shafrir

This debut novel by Doree Shafrir is a satire on startup culture, focusing on the controversial male-dominated tech industry. Drawing from her experiences as a tech journalist, Shafrir takes readers to New York City and delivers a funny, fast-paced story about navigating the ups and downs of early startup life.

4

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

On the surface, The Alchemist is about a young shepherd in search of great riches. But at its core, the story is really about following your dreams no matter what stands in the way. Paulo Coelho’s book is relatable, inspiring and a must-read for all budding entrepreneurs.

5