Praise for The Book of Jobs: Poems About Work

Is there anyone who doesn’t have an opinion about the world of work? After all, work is so closely tied to core concepts of being human. With this in mind, I was confident that an anthology about work would be a popular concept. Still, the poems curated by Erin Murphy for The Book of Jobs exceeded my expectations. I’m honored to have a role in bringing this extraordinary body of work into the world.

—Mark Danowsky, Editor-in-Chief of ONE ART: a journal of poetry

The Book of Jobs, masterfully curated by Erin Murphy, is a labor of both love and respect. The diverse poems gathered here honor all kinds of work and workers, and they restore dignity to what it takes to make a living—from the Uber driver who “sings in a Mexican rock band,” to the server at a Polynesian restaurant. This anthology reminds us of the human beings behind the jobs and tasks we often take for granted, asking us to grant each other a greater mercy as we move through our daily lives.

—James Crews, co-editor of Love Is for All of Us: Poems of Tenderness & Belonging

As a hospital nurse practitioner during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was especially moved by “Good Friday, 2020” by emergency room physician Rachel Mallalieu, particularly the line “I no longer kiss my children.” These compelling poems will strike a chord not only with healthcare workers but with all workers who know what it feels like to give 110% to your job.

—Emily Miller, nurse practitioner & hospitalist

The Book of Jobs: Poems About Work is a surprisingly playful collection of poems that invite us to think about work in all its kaleidoscopic possibilities. There are poems of protest and witness--power lost to the machinery of extractive greed. But there are also poems celebrating the generative possibilities of work--the earned independence of a first job, a sense of belonging and purpose. The everyday social contracts we fulfill or betray. The Book of Jobs reminds us that work creates relationship, interdependence, and sometimes trust. Erin Murphy has a remarkable ear for the music and mechanism of good poetry, as well as a capacious fellow feeling. She has chosen well here. These poems are brimming with a compassionate curiosity about our fellow citizens of the world, a thoughtful meditation on our comrades in love and work.

—Kim Garcia, author of The Brighter House and Drone

This outstanding collection speaks to those of us in the workforce who hear that alarm, grudgingly recognize its call, and answer it as best we can. These poems address the drudgery, humor, frustrations, triumphs, and ultimately the dignity associated with work.

—Patrick Irwin, postal worker

An absorbing, inspiring collection. Each poem offers a glimpse into a life that might otherwise remain in the dark. One closes the book overwhelmed by a sense of how humanity can come from the occasional inhumanity of work.

—John Marsh, professor and editor of You Work Tomorrow: An Anthology of Labor Poetry, 1929-41

After 35 years of flying/working the friendly skies, I appreciate the changes the career—and society—have brought. Veronica Tucker’s poem “Coffee, Lipstick, Turbulence” speaks of an earlier era in flying. Those flights attendants dealt with different challenges for sure. (Heels and pantyhose are now optional.) With that said, I wish we could go back to the days of civilized air travel—when passengers dressed for the adventure rather than showing up in tank tops and flip-flops, miffed at TSA and the inconveniences of the whole experience. The flight attendant career has changed over the decades, greatly due to 9/11. Glamorous job—not so much—but still one that is a desired, free airfare included. I really enjoyed this fascinating collection of poems about all different career paths. The Book of Jobs would be the perfect in-flight read for your next trip—after you follow along with the flight attendant’s safety demonstration, of course!

—Stephanie Allison, flight attendant

“To the bartender who tends to more than just the bar” by Annie Marhefka offers melodic words that are a toast of appreciation and recognition for the services bartenders bring to the table that transcend drink making.

—Devon Kloth, bartender