Help Wanted

DNF at 30%. Didn't hold my interest, and I wasn't in the mood for a more cynical Superstore without the humor.

I read this novel and in retrospect, I might have enjoyed it more if I'd listened to the audiobook instead. There are a number of characters and I didnt register their names enough so I didnt get the full effect of knowing who had which back story. The cast of characters are the early morning workers in the Movement department of a box box store which I imagined to be like a Target. When the General Manager gets a transfer away, the team in Movement - workers who unload the trucks and stock the shelves- plot how to get a certain manager promoted, so that each of them might advance as well. It's not a thrilling plot. Instead, it the means of entering these workers' lives to see the challenges which they face day in and out. This fact-based background allowed me to enter a world which is foreign to me - yet as close as the unloading dock at the big box store around the corner.

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of workplace relationships, shedding light on how individual lives shape attitudes, opportunities, and perceptions within a retail logistics department. While the narrative ambitiously attempts to offer glimpses into each character's life, the lack of depth prevents a strong emotional connection. Presented from a third-person perspective, the story provides a comprehensive overview of the department's inner workings, highlighting workforce inequalities and the significance of shared goals or adversaries in fostering camaraderie.

Although the setting is compelling, the absence of a central character leaves the plot feeling somewhat detached. The conflicts presented lack the necessary urgency to fully engage the reader, despite their potential significance to certain characters. Perhaps anchoring the story around a central protagonist, while still incorporating other key perspectives, could have heightened the stakes and increased reader investment.

While the narrative may resonate more strongly with those familiar with the retail industry, it still offers an insightful portrayal of workplace dynamics. Despite its shortcomings, the book remains an enjoyable read, albeit one that falls short of its full potential.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this audiobook.