Work in Progress

Confessions of a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and priest

By: James Martin

Narrated by: James Martin

New York Times Bestseller

In this humorous memoir, listen to New York Times bestselling author and podcast host of The Spiritual Life, Father James Martin as he shares the story of his life as a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, and corporate tool and, finally, a Jesuit priest.

"Funny, charming, inspiring and wise—this is a memorable memoir." — Stephen Colbert

Work in Progress is a snapshot of several years—first as a boy, then as a teenager, and finally as a young adult--of being thrown into a series of jobs for which Martin had zero training. He had never set foot in a restaurant kitchen before working as a busboy and dishwasher; never stepped onto a golf course before working as a caddy; and had never seen a factory floor before working as an assembly-line worker. He almost always felt uncomfortable, unsettled, and uneasy. But, like many of us, he needed the money.

This coming-of-age story is set in the 1960s and 1970s, a lighthearted tale for readers who enjoy personal narratives, and it’s unlike anything Father Martin has written before. As he puts it, "This is a spiritual memoir from a different angle … told 'slant' as Emily Dickinson might say."

Each chapter features photos of memories and milestones throughout Father Martin's young life. If you're an aficionado of snafus, you won't be disappointed. He's not the hero of these stories, more a hapless teenager who learns in each job, even the ones he loathes, something about the value of work, about what it means to be an adult, about people, and about life overall.

Work in Progress teaches us small but important life lessons such as:

• work hard and be on time,
• don't be mean, apologize when you need to, and forgive frequently,
• ask if you don't know something,
• don't misuse power,
• pay attention to those who are struggling,
• listen and, above all, be kind.

Martin shares, "My summer jobs, crazy and funny and varied as they were, had something to do with who I am. As we Jesuits would say, the lessons I learned helped to 'form" me."

Heartwarming, meaningful, and funny!

While I often rate books and audiobooks, I rarely give an actual written review. This book was absolutely good enough to deserve one. The structure here - to use summer jobs as the jumping point to not only tell us about his life, but about the meaning of life and God's presence in his life (and ours) - was excellent. It was able to walk down memory lane alongside Fr. Jim (I'm a bit younger but remember all the songs, the bicentennial celebration, the movies, and so much more). Also familiar was the description of being dissatisfied with corporate America and wanting to find more. I didn't follow a religious life, but truly appreciated the validation of following your heart to a vocation that centers on meaning and impact. Thank you as always Fr. Jim...you are truly a treasure!

Understanding Fr. Jim

Once a friend of mine was cussing up a blue streak when it was pointed out a priest could hear every word. When she apologized he said, "It's ok. I've heard those words. I wasn't born in this collar." Those words come to mind when Fr. Martin,, one of my heroes talks about his life before the "collar". It made him more real and prompted me to like him even more. He is only slightly younger than me so I could relate to all of his experiences. There were several times I was prompted to say "this guy became a Jesuit?!"
It's a fascinating book and probably meant more to me because I am such a fan and it gave me a better understanding of a man I admire greatly!

Insights on growing up

Thoughtful, human, amusing insight that most can relate to and many could certainly learn from

I appreciate Father’s humility and honesty.

I liked Father narrating his own book. It brought it to life with his own inflections in voice or slight giggle in voice. I didn’t like the sadness of the tragedy (DUE TO MY OWN BAGGAGE) ….. I enjoyed the lighter resding before slumber most nights, bit was awake after that dealing with what I never really dealt with snd it never goes away!

Delightfully engaging

I am a subscriber to America Magazine, which father James Martin edits.. So when I saw that he had written a book, I was rather intrigued. I really liked the story of his growing up and his early career. A bit shocked, frankly, to learn that he was a graduate of Wharton and that his early career had been in finance. Also, that he had enjoyed marijuana and plenty of alcohol.

In my experience, priests had always been destined for the priesthood and had very little experience in the secular world. But I was really surprised to read about James Martin’s life experience, his early jobs, and his unpredictable attraction to the clergy. I mean, who does that after a successful career in GE?

But it seems that he was equally surprised by his choice. Getting there to that point was kind of a roundabout route. His family was not particularly religious, he did not attend Catholic schools, and he had set out for a financially and professionally successful career that would bring him plenty of money and plenty of comfort.

But as they say, when people make plans, God laughs. And in this instance, who would have thought that James Martin would take such a detour? He lived such a typical yuppie lifestyle that one would expect that he would be immensely happy with his success and his financial gains. But he sought much more than that when he realized how unhappy he really was in his career.. The book gave me a much deeper understanding of him. Up to this point, all I knew was that he was the editor of a magazine that I liked. But sometimes life takes surprising turns.

I think everyone would enjoy this book quite frankly. It just details the way one man’s life took a sudden turn off the path he always dreamed of. He landed someplace that made him so much more happy. As a bonus, he is also the narrator. So you really get a sense of himself. I’d give this an A+.