Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

ISBN: 9781542017503

A woman discovers the best way to save her job is to become more environmentally conscious. As she takes steps to convince her new boss that “green” is the only way she lives, she comes to realize there’s more in the balance than just a paycheck. Humor fiction author Nick Spalding returns with a story that doesn’t quite live up to the mark of his previous releases in Going Green.

Lately, going to work has become a real drag for Ellie Cooke. As one of the publicists at Stratagem PR, she and her colleagues used to love their jobs. The office would buzz with excitement and energy. It’s a small firm, but they all got along well and supported one another. 

Since the breakup of the couple who founded the firm, though, morale has nosedived. Then comes word that the remaining partner has sold the company to Nolan Reece, a man with a reputation of turning things around. While Ellie is struck by how handsome Nolan is, she’s also feeling a little bit of dread. 

Nolan talks about finding new clients whose companies make conscientious efforts at being environmentally sustainable. Who has time to worry about things like that? Ellie’s car is a few miles from dropping dead below her, and she’s still nursing a broken heart from a relationship with a former company client. The relationship imploded in the most spectacular way in the office, and Ellie wants none of that ever again. Never mind that she can’t keep her eyes off Nolan.

When he announces possible layoffs, Ellie knows she has to do what she can to impress her new boss. If he wants environmentally conscious employees, then she’s going to become so green people will wonder if she’s actually turned into a tree. She does her best imitation of a dying panda at a protest, buys potted plants for the office, and braves the indignities, both physical and psychological, of wearing underwear made of hemp. Before she knows it, not only has she secured her job she’s even gotten a promotion.

Which sounds great in theory—until Ellie realizes that the promotion means more work finding more ways to promote more companies that believe in sustainability. As Ellie goes on client calls and starts to get to know the people behind the movement, she learns about the harsh reality of climate change. The other change in the office is her increasing fondness for Nolan. Both come at her in unexpected ways, and both leave her wanting to make the world a better place.

Author Nick Spalding offers readers another humorous novel with a protagonist who finds herself in a position to undergo a major life transformation. Spalding’s strength comes in creating characters who are every-day people with relatable problems and issues. While she might come across as a little wacky at times, Ellie’s deep desire to do almost anything to keep her job rings true to life.

Unfortunately, Ellie’s voice does not. The writing is funny at times as are the situations, yet Ellie’s decisions and thought process don’t always come across as authentic to a woman’s experience. At her worst, she just sounds like a person. In some cases, this works because the sitcom-type nature of the book lets readers focus on the scene. In other cases, the narrative fails to capture the nuances of what Ellie is thinking and feeling as a woman attracted to a man.

Readers might find the profanity a little distasteful, and some of the circumstances Ellie manages to get into come across as a little too off-the-wall. Yet Spalding manages to surprise readers with the ending, and the good-natured tone he uses in every book is just as delightful in this one. I recommend readers Borrow Going Green.