Working Girls, the second book from RuPaul's Drag Race alumnae Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova, is hilarious and offers, according to Katya, "the most innovative and cutting-edge techniques and practices for professional advancement, from two trustworthy titans of talent." Trixie and Katya (Trixie and Katya's Guide to Modern Womanhood)--the drag personas of Brian Michael Firkus and Brian Joseph McCook, respectively--are polished, clever writers and, with every book, gain a stronger foothold on Miss Manners's throne. They offer outrageously funny advice that is often surprisingly thoughtful and practical.
The duo covers all aspects of work, from job interviews to retirement. They offer delightfully droll responses to interview questions. "What is your biggest weakness?" could be met with "I can only hold my breath underwater for two minutes." And "in your chair, wearing your clothes, and asking these very questions" could be a response to "Where do you see yourself in five years?" They translate office lingo; provide advice for navigating discussions about raises; and profile notable "girlbosses," such as Miranda Priestly ("every gay masochist's Mommie Dearest fantasy") and Elvira ("basically the first mainstream drag queen"). And they explain office politics, remote work and firing someone (in a chapter subtitled "It's Not Me, It's You."). Trixie also walks readers through every job she's been fired from: "Pretty much the only job I haven't been fired from is this one, and that's because I'm self-employed," she writes.
Albert Sanchez and Pedro Zalba's vibrant photographs are a visual treat. Katya is especially chameleon-like when spoofing the looks of the leading ladies of Basic Instinct, Working Girl and Mad Men. --Kevin Howell, independent reviewer and marketing consultant