Evanston author Mark Larson has written another essential overview of an important topic.
Last month Evanston-based Agate Publishing released Larson’s most recent book, Working in the 21st Century: An Oral History of American Work in a Time of Social and Economic Transformation. It follows his 2019 book, Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater, also published by Agate.
Working in the 21st Century comes 50 years after the publication of Studs Terkel’s groundbreaking oral history about working, called Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.
The process
During the pandemic Larson interviewed 102 people from across the country. Their jobs and opinions are as unique as their personalities. His first subject is a doula and his last is a funeral home director.
The categories are broad, including sections on Children, School, Community and Health and Safety, This Brave New World and The Pursuit of Happiness After Work, with an epilogue titled Rest.
Evanstonians may recognize prominent local figures Betty Bogg, head of Connections for the Homeless; musician Steven Bishop, restaurateur Amy Morton and entrepreneur Shannon Drew. National figures include political satirist Andy Borowitz, author Mark Harris, and producer/writer Susan Harris.
There are also stay-at-home parents, full-time volunteers at nonprofit organizations, career professionals who have been working for decades, people who quit jobs and started new careers, and retiree or ready-to-be retirees. Each story is unique.
Personal favorites
I will remember some interviews more than others because of their raw poignancy. Some of my favorites:
- Meghan Hilliard, a nurse and director of emergency services in Connecticut. She fulfilled the wish of a mother whose baby had just died.
- Amanda Lee Lazorchack, a broomsquire near Kansas City. She talked about the importance of artisans and craftspeople.
- Dr. Lawrence Taylor, a foot and ankle surgeon in Minneapolis. He spoke about the devastating racism he experienced in Mississippi.
- Jack Victor, a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. He talked about how his job is changing because of climate change.
- Rorri Burton, a Black American sign language interpreter. She spoke about the need to get more people of color into sign language interpretation and the cultural nuances she brings to her job for Black clients.
- Mark Siwiec, a real estate entrepreneur in Rochester, New York. He pushed himself to escape an impoverished childhood that he described in vivid detail.
What ties these stories together is how deeply the subjects care about their professions. The pride, sense of accomplishment, need to make a difference and desire to be happy are in most cases more important than being rich beyond measure. Someone like Siwiec, who did become wealthy and successful, is actively giving back to his community through volunteering and charitable works.
Mark Larson will be speaking from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at Bookends & Beginnings, 1620 Orrington Ave.