Work Is Work

by Franco Amati

Franco Amati’s debut poetry collection is all about what it means to work. Ask any creative person how they feel when confronted with the “So, what do you do for work?” Usually it’s a mix of uncertainty, shame, and maybe even downright anger. The poems in this collection take us beyond this thoughtless inquiry, giving us an intimate look at the soul crushing despair of the daily grind. Where time is traded for money. And identity is eclipsed by employment status. In his trademark raw confessional style, Franco documents his lifelong vocational struggles, attempting to reconcile the needs of his own art with the demands of what society considers “work” in the traditional sense. With direct, unadorned prose, Franco cuts through the bullshit, shining a critical yet hopeful light on the topics and themes of everyday working life most people are too afraid to even talk about.

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2026

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection!
Amati's poetry is both insightful and surprising. He always finds a way to balance intense, visceral descriptions of the body with gentle heart break.
Its like being warmly cradled in a prickly nest.
Couldnt recommend enough~~

[Blake H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become something I go to when I need comfort. There's just something about it where it's like the authors saying exactly what's on your mind, reading your own thoughts out to you—feelings you're too afraid to even acknowledge or give voice to. Almost feels like Amati is that like that friend you talk to late at night, when you need some real talks—a lot of stuff about life sucks, Work sucks, other people suck, but the words in this book are redeeming in a way that I can't even comprehend. I don't know how else to say it—this man is speaking from the soul. Do yourself a favor and give it a chance, you won't regret reading it.