"Working is a compilation of interviews that Studs Terkel had with people in the mid- to late-60's -- many of them based around Chicago where Studs Terkel is from -- but people from all walks of life talking about what they do and how they feel about what they do. So their jobs, basically.
That means talking to a janitor about how they feel about their job; that means talking to a sports newscaster about how they feel about their job; that means talking to nurses and policemen. Some of the most inspiring of all was firemen. So many people are represented, there are so many portraits of different careers, you couldn't help but walk away with getting a good idea of what work entailed. However, you also have to approach the book and remember that these people are talking about their jobs, but they're also talking about life in a big way.
If I had a favorite segment of working, it would be the final interview with the fireman and just hearing one man talk about why he does his job. There's a spiritual aspect, there's a religious aspect, there's a just humanitarian aspect; but to see one person glowing so much, not only from what their job gives them but what they want to put into their job is incredibly inspiring. Whether you want to be a fireman or not, it's just wonderful to see someone so contributory to the world.
I would recommend Working to anyone -- especially anyone at a career choice, whether that's getting out of high school or getting out of college or being middle-age and deciding to switch careers. If I were to rate Working on a five-star basis, I would give it 4.5 or maybe five out of five stars because it's so wonderful, like a documentary film to be inspired by real life."
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