Chapter 1:what is Nickel and Dimed book about"Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" is a book by Barbara Ehrenreich published in 2001. It is a non-fiction work that documents the author's sociological experiment in which she set out to investigate and experience firsthand the challenges faced by low-wage workers in the United States.In the book, Ehrenreich explores the struggles of the working class by taking on various minimum-wage jobs across the country. She starts in Key West, Florida, where she attempts to live on a waitress's wages, then moves to Maine and works as a house cleaner, and finally ends up in Minnesota, where she takes a job as a Walmart associate.Through her experiences, Ehrenreich exposes the harsh realities of living paycheck to paycheck and the constant struggle for basic necessities like housing, food, healthcare, and transportation. She shines a light on the physical and emotional toll of these challenging jobs and the exploitation of workers by companies."Nickel and Dimed" also addresses larger systemic issues such as the lack of affordable housing, the difficulty of securing healthcare without employer-provided benefits, and the perpetuation of the cycle of poverty. Ehrenreich critiques the notion that hard work alone will lead to upward mobility, arguing that the obstacle lies in the structure of the low-wage labor market itself.The book has sparked discussions on income inequality, economic policy, and social justice, bringing attention to the plight of low-wage workers and advocating for fairer compensation and working conditions.Chapter 2:Author of Nickel and Dimed bookBarbara Ehrenreich is an American author, journalist, and political activist. She is best known for her critically acclaimed book "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America," which was published in 2001. Born on August 26, 1941, in Butte, Montana, Ehrenreich grew up in a middle-class family. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from Reed College and later earned a Ph.D. in cellular immunology from Rockefeller University. However, she eventually decided to pursue a career in journalism and writing.Ehrenreich is known for her investigative journalism and her commitment to social justice issues. "Nickel and Dimed" is one of her most influential works. In this book, she goes undercover, working in low-wage jobs such as a waitress, a cleaning maid, and a retail worker to expose the struggles faced by the working poor in America. Her firsthand experiences shed light on the challenges of living on minimum wage and the daily hardships faced by those trying to make ends meet.Throughout her career, Ehrenreich has written numerous other books and articles that tackle a wide range of sociopolitical issues, including poverty, sexism, health care, and labor rights. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Sidney Hillman Foundation Award for Journalism.Barbara Ehrenreich's writing offers a compassionate and critical examination of the issues faced by the marginalized and disenfranchised in American society. By shedding light on the often overlooked realities of low-wage workers, she has influenced public discourse and brought attention to the systemic injustices that exist within our society.Chapter 3:why is Nickel and Dimed book worth readingThere are several reasons why Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich is worth reading:Eye-opening perspective: The book offers a firsthand account of Ehrenreich's experience of working low-wage jobs and living on the wages earned. Through her experiences as a waitress, maid, and Walmart associate, she sheds light on the hardships and challenges faced by those living in poverty. It provides readers with a unique perspective and allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by low-wage workers.Social critique: Nickel and Dimed is not just a personal memoir, but also a social critique of the American society and economy. Ehrenreich exposes the flaws and injustices within the system that perpetuate inequality and trap people in cycles of poverty. The book highlights the impact of low wages, lack of affordable housing, and the absence of comprehensive healthcare on the lives of working-class individuals. Raises awareness about important issues: Through her writing, Ehrenreich addresses significant social issues such as income inequality, labor rights, and poverty. Reading Nickel and Dimed helps raise awareness about these issues and encourages readers to think critically about the realities faced by low-income workers. It prompts discussions on the need for social change and supports the development of empathy and compassion towards those facing economic hardship.Engaging writing style: Ehrenreich's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with her experiences and the characters she encounters. She blends personal anecdotes with research and statistics effectively, allowing the reader to truly understand the difficulties faced by low-wage workers.Relevant and timely: Despite being published in 2001, Nickel and Dimed remains relevant today. The issues of income inequality and poverty persist, and the book serves as a reminder that these problems are not easily solvable. It is a book that challenges readers to question the status quo and become more conscious of the realities faced by those living and working in poverty.Overall, Nickel and Dimed is worth reading because it offers a personal, insightful, and thought-provoking account of the struggles faced by low-wage workers, encourages critical thinking about social issues, and challenges readers to consider the broader implications of poverty and inequality.Chapter 4: Books like Nickel and Dimed book"Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond "Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive" by Stephanie Land "Broke, USA: From Pawnshops to Poverty, Inc. - How the Working Poor Became Big Business" by Gary Rivlin "Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America" by Linda Tirado "A People's History of Poverty in America" by Stephen Pimpare "The Working Poor: Invisible in America" by David K. Shipler "Squeezed: Why Our Families Can't Afford America" by Alissa Quart "Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much" by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir "$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America" by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America" by George Packer These books explore similar themes as "Nickel and Dimed" and shed light on the struggles faced by the working poor in America.

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