I just finished reading this astounding story of a new group of Americans who roam our country in diverse types of RVs, converted vans, retired school buses, even a Prius, picking up seasonal work to earn gas money and purchase essential supplies, and developing an extensive network of online contacts and support systems, and forging new friendships in shared camping spots. Primarily in their fifties to eighties, these people jettisoned from the largely diminished Middle Class now maintain campgrounds by cleaning toilets, shoveling out firepits, and dealing with obstreperous campers, work for Amazon, walking easily fifteen or more miles on concrete floors while stowing, or retrieving products for shipping to the many consumers who power this mighty corporation or pick fruits and vegetables. The author does not present this story as a sad story. Instead, she introduces her readers to a truly amazing group of people who are creating a functioning lifestyle from the horrible consequences of greedy uncaring Capitalism.
Hi. I am a voracious reader of fiction and non-fiction and would like to hear from other readers. I yearn for world peace and the widespread use of sustainable resources and would like to hear from others who espouse these ideals.
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Thursday, April 8, 2021
The Story of More by Hope Jahren
The author of Lab Girl takes on the subject of Climate Change. She provides a detailed chronicle of the dire consequences the World faces as we continue our horrific consumption of fossil fuel and the conspicuous overconsumption of habitat and resources by the developed nations like the United States. I wish she had acknowledged more the impact of human overpopulation since that is also a dramatic contributor to the dire future she outlines so informatively. Fortunately, she ends with some very specific steps each individual can take to begin to change their consumption patterns. She claims she is hopeful and offers the students she teaches some of her hope.
Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar
This story of an American woman who travels with her Kurdish partner to his homeland to attend a family wedding is painfully visceral. A photographer, she takes what she knows are poignant shots but she also misses other shots as she escapes dangerous incidents, and becomes immersed in observing and experiencing the daily fears and suffering of the family members she lives with on this eye-opening visit to a country beset by sectarian violence. She spends much time musing over her relationship with the man she loves and questioning their ability to remain committed given their significant cultural differences.