Sunday, April 25, 2021

Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-first Century by Jessica Bruder

  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.

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