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Studs Terkel's Working: A Graphic Adaptation
Comics impresario Harvey Pekar brings to vivid life Terkel’s bestselling masterpiece, with comics by America’s leading illustrators
Ever since Pulitzer Prize winner Studs Terkel’s Working first documented American workers’ hopes and dreams, that “deep penetration of American thought and feeling” ( Los Angeles Times ) has sold over a million copies, captivating readers with accounts of how their fellow citizens make a living. A masterpiece of words, Working is now adapted into comic-book form by Harvey Pekar, the blue-collar antihero of his American Book Award–winning comics series American Splendor . Brilliantly scripting and arranging Terkel’s interviews, Pekar collaborates with established comics veterans and some of the comic underground’s brightest new talent, selected by editor Paul Buhle. Readers will find a visual palette of influences from Mexican, African American, superhero, and feminist art, each piece an electric melding of artist and subject. This is a book that will both delight Terkel fans and introduce his work to a whole new audience—a fitting tribute to an American legend.
Ever since Pulitzer Prize winner Studs Terkel’s Working first documented American workers’ hopes and dreams, that “deep penetration of American thought and feeling” ( Los Angeles Times ) has sold over a million copies, captivating readers with accounts of how their fellow citizens make a living. A masterpiece of words, Working is now adapted into comic-book form by Harvey Pekar, the blue-collar antihero of his American Book Award–winning comics series American Splendor . Brilliantly scripting and arranging Terkel’s interviews, Pekar collaborates with established comics veterans and some of the comic underground’s brightest new talent, selected by editor Paul Buhle. Readers will find a visual palette of influences from Mexican, African American, superhero, and feminist art, each piece an electric melding of artist and subject. This is a book that will both delight Terkel fans and introduce his work to a whole new audience—a fitting tribute to an American legend.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2009
22 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Harvey Pekar
118 books257 followersHarvey Pekar was an American writer and comics creator whose groundbreaking autobiographical series American Splendor helped redefine the possibilities of graphic storytelling. Frequently called the poet laureate of Cleveland, he developed a body of work that approached everyday life with candor, humor, frustration, and philosophical reflection. Pekar’s voice became central to the evolution of comics into a medium capable of serious literary expression, and his influence extended to criticism, journalism, and popular culture through his essays, radio work, and memorable television appearances.
Pekar grew up in Cleveland, where his parents operated a small grocery store, and his early experiences shaped much of the sensibility that later defined his writing. His deep love of jazz led him into criticism, and through that world he befriended artist Robert Crumb. Their shared interest in music eventually led him to try writing comics. Pekar wrote his first scripts in the early seventies, sketching out stories with simple figures before passing them to Crumb and other underground artists who encouraged him to continue. With the first issue of American Splendor in 1976, Pekar began chronicling the small battles, anxieties, and fleeting moments that made up his daily life in Cleveland. His day job as a file clerk, his marriages, conversations with coworkers, frustrations with bureaucracy, and the struggle to make ends meet all became material for a series that often blurred the line between observation and confession. Over the years, he worked with a wide range of artists who interpreted his scripts in styles that mirrored the emotional tone of each story.
The success of American Splendor brought Pekar national attention. Collections such as The Life and Times of Harvey Pekar received strong critical praise, and his unpredictable, often confrontational appearances on late-night television became a defining part of his public persona. The 2003 film adaptation of American Splendor, in which Paul Giamatti portrayed him, earned major festival awards and introduced Pekar’s work to a wider audience. He continued to write graphic memoirs, biographies, collaborations, and cultural commentary, expanding his range while maintaining the blunt honesty that characterized his voice. Pekar’s work remains central to the development of literary comics, influencing generations of writers and artists who followed his example.
Pekar grew up in Cleveland, where his parents operated a small grocery store, and his early experiences shaped much of the sensibility that later defined his writing. His deep love of jazz led him into criticism, and through that world he befriended artist Robert Crumb. Their shared interest in music eventually led him to try writing comics. Pekar wrote his first scripts in the early seventies, sketching out stories with simple figures before passing them to Crumb and other underground artists who encouraged him to continue. With the first issue of American Splendor in 1976, Pekar began chronicling the small battles, anxieties, and fleeting moments that made up his daily life in Cleveland. His day job as a file clerk, his marriages, conversations with coworkers, frustrations with bureaucracy, and the struggle to make ends meet all became material for a series that often blurred the line between observation and confession. Over the years, he worked with a wide range of artists who interpreted his scripts in styles that mirrored the emotional tone of each story.
The success of American Splendor brought Pekar national attention. Collections such as The Life and Times of Harvey Pekar received strong critical praise, and his unpredictable, often confrontational appearances on late-night television became a defining part of his public persona. The 2003 film adaptation of American Splendor, in which Paul Giamatti portrayed him, earned major festival awards and introduced Pekar’s work to a wider audience. He continued to write graphic memoirs, biographies, collaborations, and cultural commentary, expanding his range while maintaining the blunt honesty that characterized his voice. Pekar’s work remains central to the development of literary comics, influencing generations of writers and artists who followed his example.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 25, 2017
The comic-book format does nothing to soften the relentless parade of injustice and degradation. Among the few interviewees who don't describe their jobs as soul-destroying are the musicians. And even there, it's mostly playing soulless music for drunks. The bar pianist says, "I consider myself a whisky salesman." The jazz saxophonist tells of years of such work, and of labor-management problems, before he got the chance to be a concert musician in a cooperative band. And of course it took constant practice to get there and stay there.
And among the underclass, the farm work and domestic work exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act is not alone soul-destroying, but body-destroying, health-destroying as well.
And among the underclass, the farm work and domestic work exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act is not alone soul-destroying, but body-destroying, health-destroying as well.
February 11, 2019
"The style of life I myself am familiar with is the quotidian. But just because one writes about everyday life doesn't mean it's uninteresting; in fact, I find it's most fascinating... Bravo to Terkel for documentating these fascinating lives."
Harvey Pekar, in the introduction to his graphic adaptation of Studs Terkel's WORKING.
If you're familiar with Terkel's Pulitzer-Prize winning oral history work, you know that this book is adapted from his 1974 work of the same name. Terkel's life work was telling stories, stories that often slip through the cracks. Terkel's work is synonymous with Chicago, the city where he had a poplar radio show for decades, and wrote most of his books.
The lives of everyday people in all walks of life - with a distinct focus on #labor and getting by. He meets and hears the stories of coal miners, hair stylists, domestic workers, mail carriers, sex workers, accountants, musicians, teachers, and farmers. This adaptation gathers the work of multiple illustrators and comic artists, including Pekar's iconic style.
Interesting tidbit: I had the opportunity to meet Studs Terkel in August 2008 at a storytelling and oral history workshop in Chicago. That was two months before he died. I've long admired his work and his dedication to the art of listening.
Harvey Pekar, in the introduction to his graphic adaptation of Studs Terkel's WORKING.
If you're familiar with Terkel's Pulitzer-Prize winning oral history work, you know that this book is adapted from his 1974 work of the same name. Terkel's life work was telling stories, stories that often slip through the cracks. Terkel's work is synonymous with Chicago, the city where he had a poplar radio show for decades, and wrote most of his books.
The lives of everyday people in all walks of life - with a distinct focus on #labor and getting by. He meets and hears the stories of coal miners, hair stylists, domestic workers, mail carriers, sex workers, accountants, musicians, teachers, and farmers. This adaptation gathers the work of multiple illustrators and comic artists, including Pekar's iconic style.
Interesting tidbit: I had the opportunity to meet Studs Terkel in August 2008 at a storytelling and oral history workshop in Chicago. That was two months before he died. I've long admired his work and his dedication to the art of listening.
September 29, 2017
Having never read the Studs Terkel classic and finding myself in the midst of the job searching process, I decided to pick up this graphic novel adaptation. Generally it is really well done, with a variety of artists tackling a selection of stories from the original work. I was amazed at how adeptly people were able to articulate the tasks they carried out on a daily basis, alongside the deeper meditations about work and purpose and value in how we choose (or not) to spend a large portion of our lives.
Work is such an unexamined topic by the majority of the population, and I would love to see a slightly more modern valuation of this endeavor most of humanity shares. What do software developers and uber drivers and podcasters think of the work they do? How has the meaningfulness and/or futility of work waxed and waned over time?
Work is such an unexamined topic by the majority of the population, and I would love to see a slightly more modern valuation of this endeavor most of humanity shares. What do software developers and uber drivers and podcasters think of the work they do? How has the meaningfulness and/or futility of work waxed and waned over time?
September 19, 2015
I feel bad admitting it, but this is the first I'd heard of Studs Terkel. After having read this, I'm quite curious about his work and journalism. Collecting oral records of everyday life is something I find extremely interesting--and compelling, and I'll definitely be checking out his writing properly.
As for this particular collection / adaptation, some of the portions shine: the artwork is wonderful, the words serving the images and the images serving the words in a perfect balance. However, there are some that felt a bit of a mess to me, either too choppy to be a cohesive piece or the art simply being... not too good. This might not have been so problematic if some of the sections weren't so strongly done.
Given that Terkel's version is quite lengthy, this seems like a good stepping stone and an interesting entry to not only non-fiction but to graphic writing in general.
As for this particular collection / adaptation, some of the portions shine: the artwork is wonderful, the words serving the images and the images serving the words in a perfect balance. However, there are some that felt a bit of a mess to me, either too choppy to be a cohesive piece or the art simply being... not too good. This might not have been so problematic if some of the sections weren't so strongly done.
Given that Terkel's version is quite lengthy, this seems like a good stepping stone and an interesting entry to not only non-fiction but to graphic writing in general.
January 18, 2019
The accounts of average American work in this illustrated reworking of the original essay collection is pretty incredible. I really liked the variety of artists that contributed. It made each piece stand out well. Each essay was treated with honor and respect and it made me think about the dignity of work.
Reading about coal-mining or maid work isn’t particularly light-hearted and fun. It’s also dated and while toil is generally universally relatable and soul-crushing, some of the references don’t hold up.
There is sorrow in here but also a lot of pride. If you have a job you can read this and take solace in the fact that you’re not alone when you head off to work whether it’s a 9 to 5 or a coal mine or in the home. Young people entering the workforce can get some inspiration from here and it’s a quick read.
Reading about coal-mining or maid work isn’t particularly light-hearted and fun. It’s also dated and while toil is generally universally relatable and soul-crushing, some of the references don’t hold up.
There is sorrow in here but also a lot of pride. If you have a job you can read this and take solace in the fact that you’re not alone when you head off to work whether it’s a 9 to 5 or a coal mine or in the home. Young people entering the workforce can get some inspiration from here and it’s a quick read.
August 2, 2016
I was in this show back in the day, haha, thus HAD to read this when I spotted it at the library. It brought back some great memories. The comic itself was a fair read. I feel like a LOT of summarizing happened, but it was largely done well. I didn't care for some of the art. It felt kinda thrown together. All minor problems though. Mostly what shone through was Terkel's marvelous work. Well worth the time.
April 23, 2010
I NEED to read the original.
The style of life I myself am familiar with is the quotidian. -Harvey Pekar
In others, you see a rhythmic smoothing out of the hand down the chair arm, as though to smooth everything out and make it workable; in others, there is a working of the lips or a steady rocking. None of these could be called neurotic gestures, nor are they symptoms of acute fear; they help the constant calculation. -Richard Hoggart
At the public unveiling of a celebrated statue in Chicago, a lawyer, after deep study, mused, "I accept Mr. Picasso in good faith. But if you look at the height of the slope on top and the propensity of children who will play on it, I have a feeling that some child may fall and be hurt and the county may be sued..." -Studs Terkel
Some days are more sunny than others, some hours less astonishing than I'd hoped for; my occasional slovenliness infuriates me...but it is, for better or worse, in my hands. -Studs
Every time I would get behind in my chores, I would get a carrot thrown at me by my parents. -Roberto Acuna, Farmworker
I found myself haunted all night by the unplaceable girls. The unplaceable girls were me. -Barbara Terwilliger
Life doesn't frighten me anymore. There are only two things that relegate us-the bathroom and the grave. Either I'm gonna have to go to the bathroom now or I'm gonna die now. I go to the bathroom. -Dolores Dante
Most of these people retired, moved away, or they passed away. It's all on account of long hair. -Sam Mature, Barber
The windblown haircut. Their hair was all combed forward. It was like a gust of wind hits you in the back of the head, and blew your hair forward. Today young girls don't know what it is. -Sam Mature
A unimate is a welding robot that looks just like a praying mantis. It goes from spot to spot...it releases and it jumps back into position, ready for the next car. They never tire, sweat, complain or miss work. Of course, they don't buy cars. Guess GM doesn't understand that argument. -Gary Bryner
You have some fellas been up for many years and still don't know whether they're com'n or goin' -Elmer Ruiz
The style of life I myself am familiar with is the quotidian. -Harvey Pekar
In others, you see a rhythmic smoothing out of the hand down the chair arm, as though to smooth everything out and make it workable; in others, there is a working of the lips or a steady rocking. None of these could be called neurotic gestures, nor are they symptoms of acute fear; they help the constant calculation. -Richard Hoggart
At the public unveiling of a celebrated statue in Chicago, a lawyer, after deep study, mused, "I accept Mr. Picasso in good faith. But if you look at the height of the slope on top and the propensity of children who will play on it, I have a feeling that some child may fall and be hurt and the county may be sued..." -Studs Terkel
Some days are more sunny than others, some hours less astonishing than I'd hoped for; my occasional slovenliness infuriates me...but it is, for better or worse, in my hands. -Studs
Every time I would get behind in my chores, I would get a carrot thrown at me by my parents. -Roberto Acuna, Farmworker
I found myself haunted all night by the unplaceable girls. The unplaceable girls were me. -Barbara Terwilliger
Life doesn't frighten me anymore. There are only two things that relegate us-the bathroom and the grave. Either I'm gonna have to go to the bathroom now or I'm gonna die now. I go to the bathroom. -Dolores Dante
Most of these people retired, moved away, or they passed away. It's all on account of long hair. -Sam Mature, Barber
The windblown haircut. Their hair was all combed forward. It was like a gust of wind hits you in the back of the head, and blew your hair forward. Today young girls don't know what it is. -Sam Mature
A unimate is a welding robot that looks just like a praying mantis. It goes from spot to spot...it releases and it jumps back into position, ready for the next car. They never tire, sweat, complain or miss work. Of course, they don't buy cars. Guess GM doesn't understand that argument. -Gary Bryner
You have some fellas been up for many years and still don't know whether they're com'n or goin' -Elmer Ruiz
September 30, 2010
While this is not a classic young adult book, within the graphic novel genre, this adaption of Studs Terkel's oral history "Working" would be a wonderful classroon resource. I have used a number of Terkel's oral histories in my classroom, in order to illustrate the historical lives of average Americans and as a general primary source. Students relly connect with the stories of peoples lives and it gives them a true persepctive that we all are a part of a larger history. This recent adaptation of his book into a graphic novel presents a number of new ways to use his histories and present them to students. While there are a number of the oral histories thar may not be suitable to all ages and grade levels, many could be used from middle school through college. The various illustrators that were used in the graphic version also bring a unique view of the oral histories and a fresh way of interpreting Terkel's work. I think this is a really revolutionary way to write first person narratives to bring history to life with a twist. Perhaps the next step would be an American History textbook written in graphic novel format? I would love to see and teach that...
February 19, 2011
"But every once in awhile there's stuff that comes in on you. All of a sudden something falls into place. Suppose you're driving an eight-penny galvanized finishing nail into this siding. Your whole universe is rolled onto the head of that nail. Each lick is sufficient to justify your life. You say, "Okay, I'm not trying to get this nail out of the way so I can get onto something important. There's nothing more important. It's right there." And goes -- pow! It's not getting that nail in that's in your mind. It's hitting it -- hitting it square. Hitting it straight. Getting it now. That one lick."
Some good lessons in empathy across the stories. The glorification of union organizers is from a time I wasn't familiar with -- very odd.
Side note: fitting that the only book I read in January was called 'Working'...
Some good lessons in empathy across the stories. The glorification of union organizers is from a time I wasn't familiar with -- very odd.
Side note: fitting that the only book I read in January was called 'Working'...
October 27, 2009
Excerpts from Terkel's classic book, drawn in different styles. I was sorry to see that the two paperboys didn't make the cut. (Maybe they weren't included because there aren't many paperboys around anymore.) The waitress, Delores Dante, is included, and hers is still my favorite interview.
I liked Pekar's introduction, too. He says that writing about everyday life is the sort of writing that everyone can identify with and respond to, but it is the type of writing that gets the least attention and respect.
I liked Pekar's introduction, too. He says that writing about everyday life is the sort of writing that everyone can identify with and respond to, but it is the type of writing that gets the least attention and respect.
May 12, 2010
BRILLIANT. these stories (most of them, anyway) lend themselves perfectly to the graphic novel format. most of these are really well-rendered, moving, smart and enraging (in a good way). this book helped me get over the guilt i feel for not being a 9-to-5 office person (despite the fact that i am currently, miserably, locked into a 9-to-5 job).
May 20, 2019
As interesting as Terkel's ethnographies are, this graphic adaptation of his book "Working" is quite a bit more accessible in telling the stories of working-class folks from around the United States. The stories are told in artwork of numerous graphic artists, and not all of them serve the stories well, but overall it's a great introduction to Terkel's lifetime of work.
June 22, 2020
This is not a happy book. But it is educative. Although dated, it illustrates the relentless degradation that is work for most people.
February 6, 2025
I am reading Red books in January if the book cover trend has not become apparent and I picked this up while perusing the library for Red graphic novels. And damn. I just love oral histories and graphic adaptations and labor history and union organizers. And wouldn't you know it! This had all that in spades! It made me deeply reflect on what I think of my own labor and work and what I want to get out of a career as a lifelong prospect.
I don't know if I got to any solid place of understanding besides a deeply human understanding that every job is filled with a human inside of it, thinking, breathing, laboring under the conditions given to their body and allowed within the position they had to take on to make ends meet. Quite the read during the AI revolution we are being subjected to at the moment, but even compsci is humans behind the screen training models! Paired with David Graeber I feel very redpilled and perhaps not at a convenient time to be so introspective about labor. But when is convenient? Ask your boss and he'd say never!
///
Oral history has arisen close to socialistic legacies and sought to prompt long-standing blue collar communities to create and distribute their own collective tales.
p102
There’s been a lot of untruths told about improvisation. Men just don’t get up on the stage and improvise on things they’re not familiar with. True improvisation comes out of hard work. When you’re practicing at home, you work on a theme and you work out all the possibilities of that theme. since it’s in your head, it comes out when you play. You don’t get out on the stage and just improvise, not knowing what the hell you’re doing. It doesn’t work out that way. Always just before I play a concert, I get the damn horn out and practice. Not scales, but look for creative things to play. i’ll practice tonight when I get home, before I go to work. I can’t wait to get at it.
p163 Any work you kneel down – it’s a kind of worship. It’s part of the holiness of things, work, yes. Just like drawing breath is. It’s necessary. If you don’t breathe, you’re dead. It’s kind of a sacrament, too.
I don't know if I got to any solid place of understanding besides a deeply human understanding that every job is filled with a human inside of it, thinking, breathing, laboring under the conditions given to their body and allowed within the position they had to take on to make ends meet. Quite the read during the AI revolution we are being subjected to at the moment, but even compsci is humans behind the screen training models! Paired with David Graeber I feel very redpilled and perhaps not at a convenient time to be so introspective about labor. But when is convenient? Ask your boss and he'd say never!
///
Oral history has arisen close to socialistic legacies and sought to prompt long-standing blue collar communities to create and distribute their own collective tales.
p102
There’s been a lot of untruths told about improvisation. Men just don’t get up on the stage and improvise on things they’re not familiar with. True improvisation comes out of hard work. When you’re practicing at home, you work on a theme and you work out all the possibilities of that theme. since it’s in your head, it comes out when you play. You don’t get out on the stage and just improvise, not knowing what the hell you’re doing. It doesn’t work out that way. Always just before I play a concert, I get the damn horn out and practice. Not scales, but look for creative things to play. i’ll practice tonight when I get home, before I go to work. I can’t wait to get at it.
p163 Any work you kneel down – it’s a kind of worship. It’s part of the holiness of things, work, yes. Just like drawing breath is. It’s necessary. If you don’t breathe, you’re dead. It’s kind of a sacrament, too.
September 29, 2023
Studs Terkel's Working is a fascinating look at what people do for a living. Or more accurately, what we used to do for a living. The original novel was published in 1972, and the field of labor has changed dramatically in the past 45 years. That said, many of these jobs still exist, although the attitudes against people who are employed in these fields is much different than it was at the time that the original book was published.
For example, people once looked up to teachers and factory workers. Now they are frowned upon because of unions. In the decades since the original work was published, labor has become anti-people and more pro-company. Technology and our society as a whole has dehumanized us all, to the point where we are all cogs in machines pressed to produce. Every worker is more efficient than ever and yet is valued less than before by companies.
This book is based on interviews that were done with people in various professions. Mailman, teacher, farm worker, and even prostitutes. It is that tale, Hooker, that is the most riveting in the book. While nearly all of the tales mention the downfalls and changes within the profession, it is this one which is the most disturbing.
Pekar adapted 12 of the 28 short stories that comprise this graphic novel, so it is not a true Pekar book, but most of the stories are well done. I got a kick out of seeing 1980s Marvel veterans Danny Fingeroth and Bob Hall team up for a few stories here. Most of the people who worked on this book are unknown quantities to me.
Harvey Pekar is the everyman, and he is hands down the man for the job of putting the polish on these tales. Pekar is the type of guy who no longer exists. A guy who just wants to get by, with no delusions of grandeur about becoming a CEO or someone important. He gets what is really important about life, and that is regular people who do regular work.
For example, people once looked up to teachers and factory workers. Now they are frowned upon because of unions. In the decades since the original work was published, labor has become anti-people and more pro-company. Technology and our society as a whole has dehumanized us all, to the point where we are all cogs in machines pressed to produce. Every worker is more efficient than ever and yet is valued less than before by companies.
This book is based on interviews that were done with people in various professions. Mailman, teacher, farm worker, and even prostitutes. It is that tale, Hooker, that is the most riveting in the book. While nearly all of the tales mention the downfalls and changes within the profession, it is this one which is the most disturbing.
Pekar adapted 12 of the 28 short stories that comprise this graphic novel, so it is not a true Pekar book, but most of the stories are well done. I got a kick out of seeing 1980s Marvel veterans Danny Fingeroth and Bob Hall team up for a few stories here. Most of the people who worked on this book are unknown quantities to me.
Harvey Pekar is the everyman, and he is hands down the man for the job of putting the polish on these tales. Pekar is the type of guy who no longer exists. A guy who just wants to get by, with no delusions of grandeur about becoming a CEO or someone important. He gets what is really important about life, and that is regular people who do regular work.
February 19, 2021
Working is an illustrated graphic novel with brief interviews with workers from a variety of occupations. The interviews are drawn from a larger series published by Oral historian and Radio host Studs Terkel in "Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do"
While other reviewers point out correctly that some of the occupations are a bit more dated, the sheer variety of personalities, occupations, and perspectives featured means that everyone can find something that will resonate within their own working life.
I read Working with experience in over 20 jobs throughout my career and found myself nodding along with many of the interviews as I recalled memories of various worksites. The emotions tied to a lack of dignity are a reoccurring theme and for anyone who has worked in an environment of disrespect, you will find some common cause with these stories. Social Justice and organized labour are also strong themes and while I do feel reasonably well-informed about social justice, I recognized how uninformed and lacking my views on labour organizing are, given my current role as a career counsellor.
Despite having reoccurring themes, this is ultimately an oral history of work and those who do it, excluding the Upper classes of American society which receive minimal representation in this book. The stories that come out of the interviews are heart-breaking, inspiring, quotidian, and unfinished…as ultimately the lifelong process of navigating our career and life is.
Take-aways for my Career Counselling practice:
• Dignity is a core human desire and social need
• Labour unions shaped so much of the working world today and yet are spoken of so little in schools and our society
While other reviewers point out correctly that some of the occupations are a bit more dated, the sheer variety of personalities, occupations, and perspectives featured means that everyone can find something that will resonate within their own working life.
I read Working with experience in over 20 jobs throughout my career and found myself nodding along with many of the interviews as I recalled memories of various worksites. The emotions tied to a lack of dignity are a reoccurring theme and for anyone who has worked in an environment of disrespect, you will find some common cause with these stories. Social Justice and organized labour are also strong themes and while I do feel reasonably well-informed about social justice, I recognized how uninformed and lacking my views on labour organizing are, given my current role as a career counsellor.
Despite having reoccurring themes, this is ultimately an oral history of work and those who do it, excluding the Upper classes of American society which receive minimal representation in this book. The stories that come out of the interviews are heart-breaking, inspiring, quotidian, and unfinished…as ultimately the lifelong process of navigating our career and life is.
Take-aways for my Career Counselling practice:
• Dignity is a core human desire and social need
• Labour unions shaped so much of the working world today and yet are spoken of so little in schools and our society
August 1, 2019
I wanted to love this. I thought it was such a great idea when I heard about it. But it didn't work for me. The original oral history by Studs Terkel is great: letting people speak about the real details of their working life. As you read, you imagine the sights, sounds, smells and entire worlds where these monologues sprung from. In this adaption, artists have done the job and now the dialogue and the visuals are sometimes at cross purposes, sometimes redundent. I think it would have worked better if they'd been a tiny bit braver and taken more of the text away to let the pictures do the work. We know that oral histories work beautifully—Svetlana Alexievich's recent Nobel prize winning work is keeping that literary tradition alive and on fire—and we know visual documentations of ordinary life work powerfully as maybe great photojournalists have shown. What's harder to make a case for, is this sort of mix. How can text and art work together? Imagine it like a dance, where they don't step on each other's toes. It's made me think. ... Despite all of this, the book is worthy. The material is great and the art is excellent.
May 20, 2024
This book is the epitome of the term "slice of life". I knew nothing about the original work from which it is adapted, but I pieced together that it was a longer book consisting of the author's interviews with people working "normal jobs". The only issue with an entire book focusing on the normal and mundane is that it is just that - a little mundane.
This is not to say that it doesn't have value. In fact, I think the primary value of this book is as a cultural record as opposed to entertainment. Many of the jobs depicted are either no longer existent or have changed very dramatically from when these interviews were conducted. Some are very unique, such as the jockey who was interviewed, or the gravedigger. Others have not changed much at all, namely the waitress (now server), or the bag boy at a supermarket.
This is a book best consumed in small doses over time as opposed to one you sit down and read for a long stint. Frankly, it would make a good bathroom book, or a coffee table book were that still a thing.
This is not to say that it doesn't have value. In fact, I think the primary value of this book is as a cultural record as opposed to entertainment. Many of the jobs depicted are either no longer existent or have changed very dramatically from when these interviews were conducted. Some are very unique, such as the jockey who was interviewed, or the gravedigger. Others have not changed much at all, namely the waitress (now server), or the bag boy at a supermarket.
This is a book best consumed in small doses over time as opposed to one you sit down and read for a long stint. Frankly, it would make a good bathroom book, or a coffee table book were that still a thing.
December 12, 2025
The first graphic novel I've read, this is an adaptation of Studs Terkel's 1974 oral history Working, a compilation of Americans on the job. Impressive styling and artwork. But I never entered flow while reading it – maybe I just need to get spun up with the format, being a words guy. My favorite histories were of the farm woman, the jazz musician, the greenhouse worker, the carpenter, and of the idle thirty-something Barbara Terwilliger. One of these quotes is hers, the other the jazz musician's:
"I think most of us are looking for a calling, not a job. Most of us, like the assembly-line worker, have jobs that are too small for our spirit. Jobs are not big enough for people."
"I get up about noon. I would only consider myself outside the norm because of the way other people live. They're constantly reminding me I'm abnormal. I could never bear to live the dull lives that most people live, locked up in offices. I live in absolute freedom. I do what I do because I want to do it."
"I think most of us are looking for a calling, not a job. Most of us, like the assembly-line worker, have jobs that are too small for our spirit. Jobs are not big enough for people."
"I get up about noon. I would only consider myself outside the norm because of the way other people live. They're constantly reminding me I'm abnormal. I could never bear to live the dull lives that most people live, locked up in offices. I live in absolute freedom. I do what I do because I want to do it."
February 16, 2019
Read for Atomic Books reading club. I am not familiar with the original work, but I liked reading the stories of these individuals and how they interact with the working world and also how that flows into their personal lives. I wanted more of a conclusion I guess or a purpose out of it that wasn't there. Also, for me, the stories were unrelatable because most of the scenarios don't exist today (for better or worse). It might be interesting for someone to do these style interviews with some modern examples. I like that they included persons of color and men and women alike.
June 6, 2017
I loved the original book, Working, by Studs Terkel. This graphic novel adaptation which includes the work of Harvey Pekar amongst many other artists and storytellers is a fantastic addition. The partnership of this vast collection of personal stories from regular Americans combined with visual context, unearths a layer of emotional and political complexity to the pieces which reading alone may not provide everyone.
February 3, 2022
It is an interesting look at different types of workers based on or interviews by writer Studs Terkel. This is a graphic adaptation with each chapter focusing on one worker drawn by different artists. The art adds a level of complexity that brings out each workers personality and background. There is a lot to learn about life and our fellow humans in this book. Some of the jobs barely exist any more (how many suburban markets have a box boy?).
July 22, 2020
I didn’t realize there was a graphic adaptation of the Terkel book so imagine my surprise. It works. The different artists contributing to the selected stories was a good choice. They all offered something different and didn’t skimp on the stories that are the backbone of the original interviews/work.
It’s not always pretty- it’s life.
It’s not always pretty- it’s life.
May 6, 2022
Much more pleasurable than the original. I intended for a relative to read this book to embrace reading. But that relative didn't touch the book so I took it back. I am delighted that I took it back. If I have a person enter my life who wants to love reading, then this book will be one if the suggestions.
Brilliant time spent!!!!!
Brilliant time spent!!!!!
October 2, 2022
Brilliantly illustrated graphic novel presenting the oral histories taken by Studs Terkel, this book about ordinary working people. Gravediggers, assembly line workers, even the occasional character actor or journeyman major league relief pitcher.
February 9, 2023
A good adaptation of Studs Terkel's work. They do a good job of giving an overview of how rewarding work can be, as well as how soul-destroying. More of the latter than the former, but that's not surprising really. Very well done.
June 10, 2019
A granular view of a day in the life of a plethora of individuals of different backgrounds, professions, ages, genders, races, and economic statuses.
November 14, 2019
It's incredibly interesting.
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April 16, 2020A graphic novel of Terkel's work in which folks discuss their jobs, their trials, and the threats each feels from higher ups in management.
January 11, 2021
I read this a long time ago and still have a copy in m6 library. It was not a graphic novel at that time but timeless none he less. Insiteful writing,
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