Unskilled

by A. Skoda

A day in grocery retail is like a box of chocolates. You never know what situation you're going to be thrown into.
At least that's how Lennox, the neighborhood grocery employee describes it. Throughout her career, she finds herself caught between corporate politics, demanding customers, and situations that are too bizarre to be made up. She navigates through celebrity sightings,unruly customers, and is faced with becoming essential during a global pandemic.
Yet, she still feels like she is slipping through the cracks. Is she more than a cashier memorizing product codes? Will management ever take her seriously? Or, did she find herself stuck in a dead-end job?
Trying to find a better answer to these questions, Lennox finds herself searching for her voice and the ability to stand up against the stereotype she was flung into. She knows she is more than just a number in the corporate machine. Her skill set goes beyond the job description society has placed on her.
Will her wit get her through? Will she find her voice and overcome each obstacle thrown at her? Only time will tell.

Genres: Nonfiction

324 pages, Hardcover

Published February 9, 2024

Reviews

[Emily Carrig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author writes about her time working in retail in a comedic way. The book has so much more to say though; there is no such thing as an unskilled job.

[Donna Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

First chapter starts book off funny with point on accuracy then flips to an abundance of common occurences at most workplaces. Agree that retail does rank high on the low wages including qualifying for benefits, product shortages and safety concerns.

[Amy S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick read - short chapters and insightful of the world behind all those hardworking humans who work in grocery stores - and any other retail venue. I promise that after you read this you will be more aware of how hard it is to work in retail. We expect those behind the counters and cash registers to meet us with a smile and kindness even though they may be getting horrible treatment by "Leadership." IT COST NOTHING TO BE KIND -

[Sam Brunswick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Anyone that has worked in retail or any sort of customer service has had some form of interactions that Lennox expresses. Additionally, if you have worked in retail, read this. It is so relatable and makes one (one being me) feel heard and seen in my customer service experiences.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unskilled by A. Skoda had so many things I wanted to talk about—the retail chaos, Lennox as a single mom powering through, her humor that kept me laughing—but honestly? I can’t get past the jars of piss. 😳💀 Like… retail is wild, but THAT?? I was shook.

[J.B. Velasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. Skoda’s Unskilled is a sharp, heartfelt, and darkly funny debut that pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked world of grocery retail. Told through the eyes of Lennox, a frontline worker navigating the chaos of customer service, corporate indifference, and pandemic-era pressures, the novel delivers both biting satire and emotional resonance.

Based on true events, the story follows Lennox as she endures bizarre workplace scenarios, from celebrity encounters to jars filled with unspeakable substances, all while grappling with the dehumanizing label of being “unskilled.” Her journey is one of self-discovery and resistance, as she challenges the stereotypes imposed upon her and seeks to assert her worth beyond the confines of her job description.

Skoda’s prose is infused with wit and authenticity, exposing the absurdities and injustices of the retail world with unflinching honesty. The novel also critiques broader societal issues, such as the lack of protection for essential workers during the #MeToo movement, highlighting the intersection of gender, labor, and systemic neglect.

In Unskilled, Skoda delivers a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt undervalued in their work. It’s a testament to the resilience of those who keep the world turning, often without recognition or respect.

[Sarah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After decades of working in customer service, covid hit. I kind of lost my entire personality just trying to keep it together, as agoraphobia and every other personality disorder hit our country.


Reading this novel helped me feel validated. The topic of unpaid emotional labor in customer service is so understated, and women take the brunt of it, while our male managers get raises and promoted and told they are doing great for minimal effort.

Seeing a woman self publish and write such a poignant and uncensored version of this very abusive industry was much needed. Thank you for your bravery and sincerity, A. Skoda. You are a rocketship.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written from the perspective of a retail employee, uses wit, satire and humor to help readers drop in on the helter-skelter world of customer service through the eyes of Lennox, the main character.

Laugh, weep, rub your forehead with disbelief, and raise your hands to celebrate her milestones, is what Lennox’s story will bring out in you.

Thank you, A Skoda, for sharing Lennox’s story!

P.S. I needed Lennox around when I worked in retail 😂

[Nicholas Sperti · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who worked grocery retail for 10 years myself, this book really captures the raw realities of that world. A lot needs to be said about our retail workers out there and this book sheds light on issues and challenges that are faced.

[Lori McLeaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful! It opens your eyes to the essential workers we interact with everyday. You will never look at. retail the same! Plus, I meant the author and she so authentic!!

[Amy Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book will strike a chord with anyone who has worked in the service industry. The way the author recounts the treatment of staff by upper management and customers alike is eye opening, but sadly, not surprising. The humor sprinkled throughout each chapter kept me turning the pages. Be kind to your service/retail workers!!

[Dee White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the beginning. It gave me great insight into essential workers and the author's story felt like I knew her personally. So well written, I laughed and cried, rooting for her all the way. Every women can relate to her experiences.

[Jane Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insight into what it’s like working in a retail grocery told from the perspective of a young woman with guts, determination, humor and the desire to succeed.