Resumo de Nickel And Dimed - Barbara Ehrenreich

Filth, cussing, and strange body odors are just a sample of the daily occurrences of author Barbara Ehrenreich during her two year stint to investigate and experience life under the poverty level in ?the land of the free?. But contrary to self indoctrination, Ehrenreich?s experiences prove that many of those living at or below poverty levels hold full time jobs. Ehrenreich?s open and unrestrained account of daily life for the nation?s ?unmentionables? opens eyes to just how overlooked the struggling working-class blue-collared American really is. While many concerns of today?s middle class linger on stocks, bonds, and 401ks, there is a staggering percentage of what has become the working poor. In a society that says work is wealth, Ehrenreich shows that for the working poor, work brings anything but wealth. Struggling night and day with two or three jobs sometimes, it is all they can do to pay rent on an ?efficiency? which, despite its name, is everything but the essence of the word.
Perhaps more significant and eye-opening than the narrative itself is the demeanor and utter selflessness of the workers Ehrenreich comes to know and love. And though, as she admits, she was not a saint when it came to severing her ties of dependency to her actual lifestyles, Ehrenreich accomplished what many people cannot even fathom and has helped open the doors to closer consideration of the working poor. As a New York Times? bestseller, Nickel and Dimed ranks among one of the most important undercover reports of recent years.
This book, at the very least redefines the very definition of survival. Hard work, it can be noted, is not the sole factor in determining survival and success in the U.S. Despite personal determination and toiling in some of the most abysmal of working conditions, often enough it is insufficient to survive on the minimal wages allotted the souls doing ?unmentionable? jobs.
I admit I was cautious to read this book after reading the introduction. But now, it is apparent that Barbara Ehrenreich came to appreciate the task she undertook and strove to the best of her ability to accomplish what was asked of her, if not for personal satisfaction, than in the hopes that in some way, some how, her sacrifice would expose the sacrifices and hardship so many millions of Americans endure on a daily basis.
As she toils with dishwashers, scrubbers, cleaners, and sales representatives, Ehrenreich ? as well as her reader(s) for that matter ? come to learn valuable life lessons and to identify just how much they take running water, clean beds, and one?s most private moments for granted. Nickel and Dimed is sure to impact a reader on many levels. Its sometimes humorous as well as serious approach to respective matters creates a passionate representation of low-wage America. Worthy of a second read through and most assuredly placement on a coffee table, Ehrenreich?s latest work is an illuminating and intense replica of what so many millions go through day in and day out year after year. Before overlooking this, stop and ponder what is most assuredly alienated: low-wage America.

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