Leisure reading

'The Cubicle Survival Guide'

By James F. Thompson

Villard, $12.95 (softcover)

This is just the book to help 40 million cubicle dwellers get through their work day — by slacking off and reading this little book.

This humorous book really nails the subject matter. James Thompson says the cubicle was invented in the '60s by Bob Probst, a University of Colorado professor.

They were originally designed, Thompson says, "so that office workers could freely discuss and trade ideas without being tempted to shake hands or exchange pictures of their children."

The author then proposes a number of cautions to help anyone who works in a cubicle to cope. In the first place, it is unwise to gossip in a cubicle — because "a cubicle wall is not a real wall." Secondly, if you decorate your cubicle, be prepared to explain every item in detail. It is advisable to bring your colleagues postcards or small trinkets they can use to "spice up their cubicles."

Don't reveal anything too personal on your screensaver! Most important, be careful what you say on the phone. Especially if you're talking to your physician - try to respond to his/her queries with one or two word answers and never, ever mention a disease or a specific medical condition from which you are suffering. — Dennis Lythgoe

'Ten Days in the Hills'

By Jane Smiley

Knopf, $26

Jane Smiley is a prolific novelist — sometimes that is a good thing — as when she wrote her first four or five novels — even when she wrote about "Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel."

But when she started moving into real estate ("Good Faith") and this one about movie stars, she started getting tiresome.

Novels about Hollywood are already too prevalent, and this one has the same predictable cliches about how rich people lose their values and make messes of their lives. (Not that they don't!)

Shouldn't Smiley be doing something more important? — Dennis Lythgoe

'Women Don't Ask'

By Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever

Bantam, $14 (softcover)