If You Loved Nasty Work, Read These 9 Books

If graphic medical memoirs and raw social commentary are your thing, these unsettling yet thought-provoking reads will hook you.

Who these books are for

Nasty Work's unapologetic blend of dark humor and unflinching medical realities left readers hungry for more books that dare to confront the uncomfortable. If you're in the mood for similarly unsettling reads that delve into the human condition, medicine, and social commentary, these nine books are sure to satisfy your cravings.

The collection

  1. Do the Work! An Antiracist Activity Book

    "Ready to make a meaningful impact? DO THE WORK! reveals the insidious nature of systemic racism through engaging activities, games, and thought-provoking exercises. With everything from interactive puzzles to challenging conversation scripts, this innovative workbook equips you with the tools to critically examine and dismantle racism. Dive in and discover hundreds of ideas to amplify your antiracist actions."

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  2. Roots & Wrath

    "Prepare for a spellbinding thrill ride as five former friends-turned-witches are forced back together by a deadly pact. Nineteen years after their dark ritual in the woods, deceit and murder stalk them as they race to uncover the traitor in their midst. With a ghostly past hauntingly lurking, only the most ruthless can survive the treacherous path to break their magical bond - and the chance to escape their dark pasts once and for all."

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  3. How Fascism Works The Politics of Us and Them

    In this New York Times bestseller, philosopher Jason Stanley illuminates the insidious ways right-wing politicians erode democracy. By identifying ten pillars of fascist politics, from propaganda and anti-intellectualism to sexual anxiety and dismantling of public goods, Stanley lays bare the tactics breaking down our societies. From Hungary to the US, he examines the dangers of believing in an "us versus them" mentality. Boldly addressing our current national crisis, How Fascism Works is a critical guidebook for understanding and resisting the authoritarianism threatening our democratic ideals.

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  4. Fight Like Hell The Untold History of American Labor

    Discover the untold stories of labor heroes forgotten by history - from enslaved women fighting for protection, to immigrant workers braving deadly conditions, to prisoners advocating for basic rights. In this "thought-provoking must-read", journalist Kim Kelly unearths the courageous struggles of women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, and others that shaped America's labor movement and won lasting workplace reforms. Essential reading for anyone who believes workers deserve control over their fate.

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  5. The Dark and Other Scary Stories

    Delve into ten chilling tales from New York Times bestseller Max Brallier, perfectly crafted for sleepovers or campfires. With haunting illustrations and scary stories that will send shivers down your spine, this collection is guaranteed to keep you up all night. As a must-have for fans of Brallier's Mister Shivers Acorn series, it features nine spine-tingling series stories plus an exclusive new tale - the ultimate read for those who crave monsters and darkness.

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  6. This Book Is Anti-Racist 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work

    In this timely and powerful anti-racism guide, Tiffany Jewell offers 20 lessons to help readers awaken to racial injustices, understand their own biases, and take action for change. Through vivid storytelling, thought-provoking exercises, and inspiring examples of resistance, Jewell empowers individuals to unlearn racism and work towards a more equitable society. A must-read for anyone seeking to develop a deeper understanding of racial oppression and themselves, This Book Is Anti-Racist provides a comprehensive, accessible roadmap for personal growth and social change.

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  7. Construction Site: Firefight!

    Join the construction crew as they team up with a brave fire brigade to put out a blaze on the site in this exciting, rhyming tale. With its fast-paced action, relatable characters, and inclusion of fire safety tips, Construction Site: Firefight! is an empowering read-aloud adventure that will delight both little construction fans and anyone captivated by firefighting vehicles.

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  8. The Works of Vermin

    Step into the eerie city of Tiliard, where beauty and decay entwine, in Hiron Ennes' thrilling debut, "The Works of Vermin." When exterminator Guy Moulène takes on a job hunting a monstrous centipede devouring the city's art, he uncovers a sinister metamorphosis reshaping Tiliard's very future. This dark fantasy/horror masterpiece will draw you in with its lush, unsettling world and the gritty determination of its unforgettable protagonist. With praise from Gillian Flynn, you won't want to miss this gripping, imaginative tale.

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  9. Black Women Writers at Work Claudia Tate (Edited by)

    Experience the groundbreaking insights of Black women writers as Claudia Tate's 1985 classic Black Women Writers at Work brings you into intimate conversations with 18 influential figures, from Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison to Nikki Giovanni and Audre Lorde. Through their candid interviews, discover the personal inspirations, artistic choices, and societal responsibilities that shaped the work of these literary pioneers, who carved the path for generations to come. A vital, long-awaited return to print, this essential collection illuminates the connections between the lives and art of Black women writers, making it an indispensable read for anyone curious about the rich history and enduring impact of their voices.

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  10. Network Effect A Murderbot Novel

    In the seedy underbelly of the galaxy, security unit Murderbot seeks catharsis through hacking and surveillance. But when a high-stakes corporate mission forces it to grapple with its own humanity, Murderbot's digital walls begin to crumble. Martha Wells's 'Network Effect' is a gritty, thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that probes the depths of loneliness, loyalty, and what it means to be alive in a cold, uncaring universe. With its snarky AI protagonist and richly detailed world-building, this novel is a must-read for fans of innovative, emotionally charged space opera.

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Frequently asked questions

What genres or themes do these books share with Nasty Work?
Graphic medicine, memoirs, dark humor, social commentary, and unflinching portrayals of the human condition.
Are these books as graphic as Nasty Work?
Some are more explicit, while others focus more on storytelling and social critique.
Can I expect the same tone and style as Nasty Work?
While every book is unique, they all share a raw, in-your-face approach to their subjects