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Danger, Man Working: Writing from the Heart, the Gut, and the Poison Ivy Patch
"Every writer has advice for aspiring writers. Mine is predicated on formative years spent cleaning my father’s calf Just keep shoveling until you’ve got a pile so big, someone has to notice. The fact that I cast my life’s work as slung manure simply proves that I recognize an apt metaphor when I accidentally stick it with a pitchfork. . . . Poetry was my first love, my gateway drug—still the poets are my favorites—but I quickly realized I lacked the chops or insights to survive on verse alone. But I wanted to write. Every day. And so I read everything I could about freelancing, and started shoveling."
The pieces gathered within this book draw on fifteen years of what Michael Perry calls "shovel time"—a writer going to work as the work is offered. The range of subjects is wide, from musky fishing, puking, and mountain-climbing Iraq War veterans to the frozen head of Ted Williams. Some assignments lead to self-examination of an alarming magnitude (as Perry notes, "It quickly becomes obvious that I am a self-absorbed hypochondriac forever resolving to do better nutritionally and fitness-wise but my follow-through is laughable.") But his favorites are those that allow him to turn the lens "My greatest privilege," he says, "lies not in telling my own story; it lies in being trusted to tell the story of another."
The pieces gathered within this book draw on fifteen years of what Michael Perry calls "shovel time"—a writer going to work as the work is offered. The range of subjects is wide, from musky fishing, puking, and mountain-climbing Iraq War veterans to the frozen head of Ted Williams. Some assignments lead to self-examination of an alarming magnitude (as Perry notes, "It quickly becomes obvious that I am a self-absorbed hypochondriac forever resolving to do better nutritionally and fitness-wise but my follow-through is laughable.") But his favorites are those that allow him to turn the lens "My greatest privilege," he says, "lies not in telling my own story; it lies in being trusted to tell the story of another."
226 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2017
9 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Michael Perry
26 books606 followersMichael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.
Perry’s bestselling memoirs include Population 485, Truck: A Love Story, Coop, and Visiting Tom. Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wound up writing by happy accident. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an amateur pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated “Tent Show Radio,” performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues, is currently finishing his first young adult novel, and can be found online at www.sneezingcow.com.
Perry’s essays and nonfiction have appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Backpacker, Outside, Runner’s World, Salon.com, and he is a contributing editor to Men’s Health magazine. His writing assignments have taken him to the top of Mt. Rainier with Iraq War veterans, into the same room as the frozen head of Ted Williams, across the United States with truckers and country music singers, and—once—buck naked into a spray-tan booth.
In the essay collection Off Main Street, Perry wrote of how his nursing education prepared him to become a writer by training him in human assessment, and he credits singer-songwriters like Steve Earle and John Prine with helping him understand that art need not wear fancy clothes. Above all, he gives credit to his parents, of whom he says, “Anything good is because of them, everything else is simply not their fault.” His mother taught him to read and filled the house with books; his father taught him how to clean calf pens, of which Perry has written, “a childhood spent slinging manure – the metaphorical basis for a writing career.”
Perry has recently been involved in several musical collaborations, including as lyricist for Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Geoffrey Keezer, and as co-writer (with Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon) of the liner notes for the John Prine tribute album “Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows.” Perry also collaborated with Vernon and Flaming Lips lead singer Wayne Coyne on a project that began when Vernon approached Perry and said, “Say, you’re a nurse…” The results were bloody, but then that was the point.
Of all his experiences, Perry says the single most meaningful thing he has ever done is serving 12 years beside his neighbors on the New Auburn Area Fire Department.
Mike says:
If I had to sum up my ‘career’ in one word, it would be gratitude. I get to write and tell stories all around the country, then come home to be with my family and hang out at the local feed mill complaining about the price of feeder hogs. It’s a good life and I’m lucky to have it.
Perry’s bestselling memoirs include Population 485, Truck: A Love Story, Coop, and Visiting Tom. Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wound up writing by happy accident. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an amateur pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated “Tent Show Radio,” performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues, is currently finishing his first young adult novel, and can be found online at www.sneezingcow.com.
Perry’s essays and nonfiction have appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Backpacker, Outside, Runner’s World, Salon.com, and he is a contributing editor to Men’s Health magazine. His writing assignments have taken him to the top of Mt. Rainier with Iraq War veterans, into the same room as the frozen head of Ted Williams, across the United States with truckers and country music singers, and—once—buck naked into a spray-tan booth.
In the essay collection Off Main Street, Perry wrote of how his nursing education prepared him to become a writer by training him in human assessment, and he credits singer-songwriters like Steve Earle and John Prine with helping him understand that art need not wear fancy clothes. Above all, he gives credit to his parents, of whom he says, “Anything good is because of them, everything else is simply not their fault.” His mother taught him to read and filled the house with books; his father taught him how to clean calf pens, of which Perry has written, “a childhood spent slinging manure – the metaphorical basis for a writing career.”
Perry has recently been involved in several musical collaborations, including as lyricist for Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Geoffrey Keezer, and as co-writer (with Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon) of the liner notes for the John Prine tribute album “Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows.” Perry also collaborated with Vernon and Flaming Lips lead singer Wayne Coyne on a project that began when Vernon approached Perry and said, “Say, you’re a nurse…” The results were bloody, but then that was the point.
Of all his experiences, Perry says the single most meaningful thing he has ever done is serving 12 years beside his neighbors on the New Auburn Area Fire Department.
Mike says:
If I had to sum up my ‘career’ in one word, it would be gratitude. I get to write and tell stories all around the country, then come home to be with my family and hang out at the local feed mill complaining about the price of feeder hogs. It’s a good life and I’m lucky to have it.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 8, 2019
I hate to give a book by Mike Perry three stars. But as he admits here, these are just some examples of freelance articles and essays for his fans, and not representative of the best that he can do. So, there's not much to say about it; better to let Mike speak for himself.
I have to listen to Keith Whitley's "Miami, My Amy" because it made such an impression on young Mike. And Lightnin' Hopkins' "Shaggy Dad" because it made such an impression on 4 yo Amy.
And to tell my son who does too much sitting for school to mind blood clots, one tip for avoiding them to press his heels against the floor several times an hour to help push blood through his calves.
Best foods to help avoid the need to take statins are 1. soluble fiber (beans) 2. nuts 3. soy protein (tofu) [all of which I do enjoy] and 4. plant sterols (so maybe I should use Smart Balance once in a while?).
Mike quotes from memory (?) a yogi who inspired with the statement "Meditation is not about blocking every distraction but rather choosing one distraction and examining it."
So, yes, it's an eclectic collection. And a few pieces and lines are gems.
I have to listen to Keith Whitley's "Miami, My Amy" because it made such an impression on young Mike. And Lightnin' Hopkins' "Shaggy Dad" because it made such an impression on 4 yo Amy.
And to tell my son who does too much sitting for school to mind blood clots, one tip for avoiding them to press his heels against the floor several times an hour to help push blood through his calves.
Best foods to help avoid the need to take statins are 1. soluble fiber (beans) 2. nuts 3. soy protein (tofu) [all of which I do enjoy] and 4. plant sterols (so maybe I should use Smart Balance once in a while?).
Mike quotes from memory (?) a yogi who inspired with the statement "Meditation is not about blocking every distraction but rather choosing one distraction and examining it."
So, yes, it's an eclectic collection. And a few pieces and lines are gems.
August 3, 2018
https://msarki.tumblr.com/post/176583...
Michael Perry writes a weekly column for the Wisconsin State Journal titled Rough Grace and is something I look forward to receiving by feed every Monday. Perry is the smartest pig farmer I know. Plus he is funny. His nonfiction books are all good and that includes this one. Every once in a while he will slip in a word or a phrase like …Head on a swivel... and I smile again, as always. But he writes about serious topics and he thinks a lot about what he says.
...When you mush with a philosopher who has been running sled dogs for three decades and another who is capable of synthesizing Scandinavian existentialism, from Hee-Haw, you need not pass the time lighting farts…
My only complaint about Mr. Perry is his need to self-deprecate. Though it seems humble for some to do so, it is unwarranted. His writing is real, and of the earth. There is dirt enough in his words that there is no need to soil himself further.
...salt seeps holy to the Hopi...
Michael Perry writes a weekly column for the Wisconsin State Journal titled Rough Grace and is something I look forward to receiving by feed every Monday. Perry is the smartest pig farmer I know. Plus he is funny. His nonfiction books are all good and that includes this one. Every once in a while he will slip in a word or a phrase like …Head on a swivel... and I smile again, as always. But he writes about serious topics and he thinks a lot about what he says.
...When you mush with a philosopher who has been running sled dogs for three decades and another who is capable of synthesizing Scandinavian existentialism, from Hee-Haw, you need not pass the time lighting farts…
My only complaint about Mr. Perry is his need to self-deprecate. Though it seems humble for some to do so, it is unwarranted. His writing is real, and of the earth. There is dirt enough in his words that there is no need to soil himself further.
...salt seeps holy to the Hopi...
April 8, 2019
I am a fan of Michael Perry having recently discovered him. This is a collection of old work by the author. Some of these essays are interesting but several should were not examples of his best work and maybe should have been left out.
November 14, 2017
I am a very biased reader of Michael Perry's books because he is my favorite author of all time. I loved this book as much as all the others. Another collection of Michael's essays, magazine articles, and assorted musings written over approximately 15 years. Some thoughtful and poignant, some humorous, all entertaining.
December 21, 2024
“Danger: Man Working” is a collection of Author Michael Perry’s essays published in a variety of magazines over 15 years prior to the publication of this book. Perry’s background is as eclectic as his writings. A trained and employed as a nurse, he has worked as a Wisconsin farmer, a Wyoming ranch hand, a construction gofer as well as a writer of poetry and prose, all while living in rural Wisconsin.
Essays are organized by topic: Men Among Men; Alive, Dead and In Between; and Faith And Music. Favorites are the prerogative of each readers, and I will share some of mine.
Being a sports fan, I am drawn to “Tim McGraw: A Real Good Bad Example” from the Men section. Tim McGraw is a country singer who is the son of former major league relief pitcher, Tug McGraw. The article follows Tim’s entertainment career, but its heart is the evolving relationship between father and son. Not until seeing his birth certificate at age 11, did Tim know the name of his then famous father. Tim’s luck with his stepfather was not much better. It was his third bad example, singer Keith Whitely’s booze-induced death at age 34 that enabled Tim to recognize and overcome his own demons and become a successful musician. Only when Tug was dying of brain cancer, would an inverted relationship, with Tim in the paternal role and Tug receiving care from the son he had abandoned blossom.
The second section contains more light-hearted commentary, making choice selection more difficult. Its morbid nature notwithstanding, my interest was most piqued by the chapter “Health Secrets From The Morgue”. Who does not value reminders about how to stay healthy?
From the ultimate section, I pick “Running The River Righteous”, an entertaining account of a raft trip through the Grand Canyon under the direction of Creationists who found “proof” of a Biblically consistent week-long creation narrative in the rocks along the route. Draw your own scientific conclusions, but the narrative is engaging.
“Danger: Man Working” is a book to read through, or pick up whenever in search of little philosophy, a touch of humor or a bit of wit. Enjoy!
I did receive a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review.
Essays are organized by topic: Men Among Men; Alive, Dead and In Between; and Faith And Music. Favorites are the prerogative of each readers, and I will share some of mine.
Being a sports fan, I am drawn to “Tim McGraw: A Real Good Bad Example” from the Men section. Tim McGraw is a country singer who is the son of former major league relief pitcher, Tug McGraw. The article follows Tim’s entertainment career, but its heart is the evolving relationship between father and son. Not until seeing his birth certificate at age 11, did Tim know the name of his then famous father. Tim’s luck with his stepfather was not much better. It was his third bad example, singer Keith Whitely’s booze-induced death at age 34 that enabled Tim to recognize and overcome his own demons and become a successful musician. Only when Tug was dying of brain cancer, would an inverted relationship, with Tim in the paternal role and Tug receiving care from the son he had abandoned blossom.
The second section contains more light-hearted commentary, making choice selection more difficult. Its morbid nature notwithstanding, my interest was most piqued by the chapter “Health Secrets From The Morgue”. Who does not value reminders about how to stay healthy?
From the ultimate section, I pick “Running The River Righteous”, an entertaining account of a raft trip through the Grand Canyon under the direction of Creationists who found “proof” of a Biblically consistent week-long creation narrative in the rocks along the route. Draw your own scientific conclusions, but the narrative is engaging.
“Danger: Man Working” is a book to read through, or pick up whenever in search of little philosophy, a touch of humor or a bit of wit. Enjoy!
I did receive a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review.
November 29, 2020
Love Michael Perry. Once a nurse always a nurse. Love his musings about the profession, vomiting, autopsies healthy living, and ear ringing. This doesn’t include his musings about fishing, working, religion and philosophy of Montaigne. Found my self laughing out loud and thinking a little deeper.
October 10, 2017
I enjoy this authors books and including this one. He is a fellow Wisconsinite, so that always adds something to his stories. I heard him speak at a local " meet and greet" several months ago, and he's very interesting to listen too.
January 31, 2018
Another great Perry Bokn
One of my favorite authors. Being from the same area, everything is so real and local! I have read all of his books and really appreciate the local talent!
One of my favorite authors. Being from the same area, everything is so real and local! I have read all of his books and really appreciate the local talent!
May 23, 2020
Michael Perry is in a rut. He writes short essays meant to show life in America. You've read one, you've read them all. There are a few decent ones in here. Most are boring. This was a waste of money.
March 24, 2024
Not his best, which he’s open about. Some interesting new essays, but a lot of the same material you see over and over in his books, and some really dated crap too. I think the first essay about veterans on Mount Rainier was the best, and it kinda went downhill from there.
October 8, 2017
Enjoyed two (of three) sections of the book a lot
October 10, 2017
Most selections were good, but a couple on country music could have been edited severely or simply not been included.
Selections were uneven.
Selections were uneven.
November 30, 2017
Won a copy of this. Nice fun read.
March 21, 2018
I love Michael Perry. This collection is a compilation of early essays with some updated comments.
May 29, 2018
A collection of previously published essays, some of which I had read before. The best section is the one called Alive, Dead, and In Between.
July 8, 2018
A fun read. A collection of short stories about life.
August 13, 2018
A collection of Perry's magazine articles. If you are new to him, read Population: 485 or Truck: A Love Story to start.
January 7, 2019
A collection of essays - mostly older - on a wide range of topics with Mr. Perry's flair for self-deprecation, keen observation and straightforward humor. Always a pleasure to read his work.
April 8, 2019
I've read everything by Michael Perry. He's a terrific writer. This was my least favorite of his. He's got about 10 others that are well worth your time.
Read
June 2, 2019Several essays. I enjoyed them. Some more than others. The details about musicians were a little long - you can understand that he’s a musician. Still a fan.
April 1, 2020
I really loved the essays in this book. They were really well written and different.
June 10, 2020
As a long time fan of Mr. Perry a few stories had been read or heard before but well worth the recap. His honest and humble style is always refreshing and entertaining.
June 15, 2020
When you want an easy read.
April 25, 2023
Wisconsin writer who writes about his life in Wisconsin. Interesting bits, humorous parts, easy to read and fairly enjoyable.
June 5, 2023
Anything Michael Perry write is great. This is a collection of his essays written over the years. He adds up to date comments to some of them.
August 13, 2023
Collection of essays showing Michael Perry's humor and insight.
December 24, 2017
Not Perry's strongest but still enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews