A first-of-its-kind analysis using public health and economics research to illuminate how jobs affect our well-being. As the saying goes, “find a job you that you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Could it really be so simple? According to Mary Davis’s innovative Jobs, Health, and the Meaning of Work, of course not. Davis explores the science of jobs from the vantage point of both public health and economics; in doing so, she untangles the complex weave of what makes people happy, healthy, and fulfilled at work. Sharing the real-life stories of workers who thrive (or struggle) in their jobs, this book emphasizes the point that there is no single recipe for what makes work healthy and meaningful across workers. Topics covered in the book include wage and nonwage characteristics of jobs that impact worker well-being, the role of recessions, the concept of meaningful work, and job stress and burnout. It concludes by putting these stories and research within the context of the COVID labor economy and the future of work. This novel blend of economic and public health research deepens the discussion of what makes work meaningful.
Mary Davis Book order






- 2024
- 2023
Trade union membership declined in the Thatcher years, leading to a bleak period of industrial defeat and union retrenchment, characterised by mergers and reorganisation - mitigated only by positive moves to tackle endemic racism and sexism in an attempt to involve previously disregarded women and black workers.
- 2022
Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War: Heroines of WWII
- 500 pages
- 18 hours of reading
Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women's Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy's jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters -- until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an ally. Will Peggy go against orders to help the men, even risking her own life?
- 2022
Bits And Pieces Of God's Holy Word
- 86 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Focusing on accessibility, this book distills the main themes and issues of the Bible by summarizing each chapter. It serves as a guide for those who seek to understand the Bible's content without the daunting task of reading it cover to cover. Ideal for readers looking for clarity and insight into biblical teachings, it offers a concise overview that makes the Holy Scriptures more approachable.
- 2022
The Lady's Mission
- 276 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Cordelia faces a pivotal choice between her deep commitment to her calling and the allure of love. As she navigates the complexities of her emotions and responsibilities, the story explores themes of sacrifice, passion, and the struggle for personal fulfillment. Her journey raises questions about the true meaning of devotion and the sacrifices one must make in the name of love.
- 2021
The Débutante's Secret
- 296 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Geneviève faces an unexpected emotional journey as she confronts the possibility of a love she never thought she would experience. The story explores her internal struggles and the transformative power of love, challenging her preconceived notions and leading her to discover deeper connections. As she navigates her feelings, readers are invited to witness her growth and the potential for happiness in the most surprising circumstances.
- 2021
The history of the TGWU is the core of this collection, with a significant emphasis on the union's regions, as well as several key themes, such as equality, internationalism, the wider labour movement, and its attitude to the conflict between capital and labour.
- 2020
The Farmer's Daughter Romance Collection: 5 Historical Romances Homegrown in the American Heartland
- 1329 pages
- 47 hours of reading
"Enjoy five historical novels by some of Christian fiction's bestselling authors. Meet daughters of prairie farms from Montana south to Kansas who find love in the midst of turbulent life changes. Marty's nieces are kidnapped. Rosalind's town is overrun by a railroad company. Amy's jealousy comes between her and her twin. Beulah's answer is needed to a marriage proposal. Lilly's choice puts her at odd with her neighbors. Into each of their lives rides a man who may only make their situations worse"--
- 2019
Patients, Patience, and the Talking Cure
A Week in the Mind of a Psychotherapist
- 202 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring the inner workings of a psychiatrist's mind, the narrative delves into the complexities of patient interactions and the emotional toll of listening to their struggles. It highlights the delicate balance between empathy and professional detachment, revealing the strategies employed to provide effective support while managing the weight of others' pain. Through this lens, the book offers insights into the challenges and rewards of psychiatric practice, shedding light on the profound connections formed in the therapeutic process.