Jennifer Murphy Books

"One woman's incredible story of life on the front lines as an emergency medical worker in New York City. On the streets of New York City, EMTs and paramedics do more than respond to emergencies; they eat and drink together, look out for each other's safety, mercilessly make fun of one another, date one other, and, most crucially, share terrifying experiences and grave injustices suffered under the city's long-broken EMS system. Their loyalty to one another is fierce and absolute. As Jennifer Murphy shows in the gripping and moving First Responder, they are a family. A dysfunctional family, perhaps, but what family isn't? Many in the field of pre-hospital emergency care have endured medical trauma and familial hardship themselves. Some are looking to give back. Some are desperate for family. Some were inspired by 9/11. Still others want to become doctors, nurses, firefighters, cops, and want to cut their teeth on the streets. As rescuers, they never want people to die or get hurt. But if they are going to die or get hurt, first responders want to be there."--Amazon.com

Exploring themes of ambition and resilience, this memoir weaves together the dreams of the author's parents in England and her own experiences as a female scientist in Canada. With a blend of honesty, humility, and humor, Jennifer Murphy delves into the challenges and triumphs faced across generations, highlighting how their journeys shaped the aspirations of her family. The narrative emphasizes the importance of learning and growth while pursuing goals, creating a rich tapestry of personal and familial evolution.

Part mystery, part coming-of-age story, and part tragedy, this novel traces the lives of a mother and daughter bound by a deep love and dependence amid a fugitive lifestyle. Fifteen-year-old Blue Lake, a budding pianist, resents her mother Scarlet's nomadic existence and yearns for stability to pursue her music. Scarlet, a talented painter, believes they are being hunted by a man intent on killing them, a figure Blue has never seen and begins to doubt as Scarlet's sanity deteriorates. In 1968, they arrive in South Haven, Michigan, where Blue finally finds friendship, love, and the opportunity to play piano. However, their fragile peace shatters when Scarlet kills the man she believes has been pursuing them. Decades later, Blue, now a pianist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is reminded of her tumultuous past when a new exhibit at the Art Institute evokes memories of her mother and the long-buried murder. The narrative unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Blue, Scarlet, and Scarlet's psychoanalyst, Henry, exploring themes of enduring love, the impact of past trauma, and the art that connects their lives. The novel resonates with the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the psychological intricacies of the past, drawing comparisons to works by Janet Finch and Celeste Ng.