Nickel And Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is an eye-opening book written by Barbara Ehrenreich, a renowned journalist and activist. Through detailed descriptions of her own experiences working as a waitress, house cleaner, and a nursing home aide, she examines the realities of low-wage life in America. The book provides an insightful look into the struggles that many people face trying to make ends meet on minimum wage jobs. It explores topics such as the lack of affordable housing, the inadequacy of healthcare, and the prevalence of exploitative employers. With its candid accounts and engaging writing style, Nickel and Dimed is sure to be an enlightening read for anyone interested in understanding the lives of the working poor.

Table of Contents

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America Review

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is an essential book for anyone looking to understand the plight of low-wage workers. Written by renowned journalist Barbara Ehrenreich, this book chronicles her experiences as she goes undercover to explore the lives of people struggling to make ends meet on meager wages.

Key Features Include:

1) A firsthand account of the struggles of working in low-wage jobs

2) Insightful look into the effects of minimum wage policies

3) Detailed analysis of how corporate greed affects workers

4) Eye-opening look at poverty and economic inequality

5) An inspiring call for economic justice.

In Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, Ehrenreich takes readers on a journey through the lives of people working in the service industry, retail stores, restaurants, and cleaning services. Her powerful narrative offers an inside look at how hard it can be to survive on minimum wage, while also providing an insightful analysis of how corporate greed and unfair labor practices contribute to poverty and economic inequality. As Ehrenreich points out, “The idea that you can work full-time at a minimum wage job and still keep body and soul together is a cruel joke played on millions of desperate people.”

This groundbreaking book provides an unforgettable look at what it takes to live off low wages in America today. With its accessible writing style, vivid descriptions, and thoughtful insights, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is sure to engage readers from all walks of life who are interested in understanding –and making a difference–for those living paycheck to paycheck.

Product Details

Product	Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
Author	Barbara Ehrenreich
Publisher	Metropolitan Books
Publication Date	May 7, 2001
Pages	272 pages
Link to Purchase

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America Pros and Cons

1. Pros
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich is an eye-opening book about the struggles of low-wage workers in America. Through her own experience, she reveals the truth about poverty and inequality in the United States. Her journey takes her to three different cities and three different jobs, giving readers a comprehensive look at the lives of those living on minimum wage. Here are some of the pros of reading this book:

It provides an honest insight into the reality of poverty in America.

Ehrenreich’s writing style is engaging, making it easy to read.

The book sheds light on injustices that are often overlooked.

It is an important reminder that everyone deserves a living wage.

2. Cons
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America does have some drawbacks, however. Here are some cons to consider before picking up this book:

The book can be depressing due to its subject matter.

The author’s personal experiences may not be representative of all low-wage workers.

The book doesn’t offer any solutions for how to address poverty.

Some readers may disagree with Ehrenreich’s conclusions.

Who are They for

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is an eye-opening book by Barbara Ehrenreich, a renowned author, investigative journalist, and social activist. This book is based on her experience working various low wage jobs to see how the working poor make ends meet in the United States. Through personal anecdotes and gripping details, readers get an inside look at the struggles of finding gainful employment, lack of benefits and job security, low wages, and the harsh realities of poverty. Ehrenreich’s vivid descriptions provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who attempt to survive on minimum wage or less in America.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of poverty in America. It provides an accurate account of what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck and shows how hard it can be to make ends meet. Ehrenreich puts a human face on poverty and offers insight into how difficult it can be for people with limited resources to find stable employment and housing. She also sheds light on some of the systemic issues that make it difficult for many people to get ahead.

Ehrenreich’s research has been praised as thought-provoking and eye-opening, providing an important perspective on poverty in America today. Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is an essential read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by those living below the poverty line.

My Experience for Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

I recently read Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, and it completely changed the way I view the working class. It was an eye-opening experience that showed me just how hard it is for people to make ends meet in today’s economy.

I found myself relating to the author, Barbara Ehrenreich, as she worked various low-wage jobs trying to make a living wage. She faced challenges I never would have considered – like finding an affordable place to live while making minimum wage or having enough money left over at the end of the month after paying bills.

It was shocking to learn that even though she was working multiple jobs, Barbara still couldn’t make enough money to get by without having to compromise her basic needs. The book really put things into perspective for me, and made me realize just how much inequality there is in our society.

Nickel and Dimed also gave me insight into the lives of people who are struggling financially. I now understand why people might take on multiple jobs with long hours, just to make ends meet. This book has helped me gain empathy for those who are struggling financially, and it has made me appreciate what I have even more.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read about the struggles of low-wage workers, then Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is definitely a great choice!

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantes List:
1. Lack of an in-depth analysis of poverty in America
2. Poorly developed class dynamics
3. Limited discussion of long-term solutions to poverty and inequality
4. No data or statistical evidence to support conclusions
5. Does not adequately address the racial disparities in poverty
6. Overly focused on a narrow range of issues related to poverty

How to Get By in America with Nickel and Dimed

In her 2001 book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, author Barbara Ehrenreich sets out to investigate the plight of the working poor in contemporary America. She takes a series of low-wage jobs, reporting back on her observations and experiences. With her unique insights, Ehrenreich offers readers valuable advice on how to get by in America with limited resources.

A key part of getting by is finding affordable housing. Unfortunately, Ehrenreich found that it can be difficult to find an affordable place to live while working at low-wage jobs. In some cases, she was paying more than half of her income on rent. She recommends exploring public housing options and considering creative ways to save money such as sharing accommodations with roommates or living in a mobile home park.

Another important component of getting by is budgeting wisely. Ehrenreich found that many people living on low wages were unable to make ends meet due to unexpected expenses or an inability to plan for the future. To help people avoid this trap, she recommends setting up a realistic budget with clear goals and tracking spending carefully. She also suggests setting aside money each month for savings and avoiding debt as much as possible.

Finally, Ehrenreich encourages people living on low incomes to become politically active. She argues that the only way to improve conditions for the working poor is through collective action and advocacy for better wages, benefits, and job protections. She urges readers to join together and fight for their rights as workers, even if it means taking a risk or speaking up against authority figures.

In Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, Barbara Ehrenreich offers invaluable advice for those struggling to make ends meet in our current economic system. From finding affordable housing to budgeting wisely and advocating for better wages, Ehrenreich provides practical tips on how to get by in America with limited resources.

Questions about Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

What is Nickel and Dimed?

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is a non-fiction book by Barbara Ehrenreich that serves as an account of her time working menial jobs such as waitressing and housekeeping. In this book, she explores the difficulties of making a living while attempting to survive on the wages provided by these kinds of jobs.

What kind of topics does Nickel and Dimed discuss?

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America discusses topics related to the poverty cycle, minimum wage, inequality, and the hardships faced by those living paycheck to paycheck. Through her experiences in multiple low-wage jobs, Ehrenreich provides an intimate look at how difficult it can be for low-income families to make ends meet.

Who should read Nickel and Dimed?

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is an engaging read for anyone interested in learning more about social issues related to poverty and income inequality. Whether you’re looking to gain insight into the realities of low-wage work, or just want to become more informed about current social issues, this book can provide you with an interesting perspective.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.