Fascinating but a bit dry

The content is great but I found the style of the writing and the narration quite dull

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2 people found this helpful

Chilling and disturbing.

The book is based on the author's observations and experiences of dispossessed, underclass Americans as they struggle to survive. It's a revealing insight into the rapacious consequences of the exploitation of the army of the poor as they roam around chasing under-paid, insecure and health damaging employment. It also illustrates how the super-wealthy are sucking up ever more riches.

Okay it's America but there's a lot of social pathology that could oh so easily be imported to the UK (on top of all the other aspects we already have - like zero hours contracts, stripping away workers rights, underfunding social and health care). Well narrated.

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unexpectedly enjoyable

I chose this thinking it was a novel and was slightly irritated that two chapters in it was still talking statistics. Once I realised that it was nonfiction I ceased to be irritated and started to really enjoy it. I found the subject fascinating and would highly recommend this book. who knew that a large swave of mostly past retirement age people were opting to live like this rather than be homeless. I had no idea that Amazon employed these people an it had never occurred to me that a 70 year old would be stacking shelves and working so damn hard. you gave to admire their determination and resilience. it will also make you save harder so you have a decent pension!

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11 people found this helpful

My kind of book

I found the book very interesting, the harsh reality, the way the author went and experienced the work that people much older than her do to survive. The need for every person to be respected, to work and provide for themselves

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important stuff, beautifully written

This book is marks an important moment in human history. some may see the fashion of van dwelling as a choice but for many it is economic migrancy away from tyranny. this book illustrates this beautifully.

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This was a thought-provoking testament to the nuances of life in America

It was great to be taken on a journey through the lives of the nomads. You get the bittersweet sense that the dignity, integrity and comradeship of the community is created by the very forces that render each person without a choice in the financial situations they find themselves in. There is the sense too that this fate could happen to any of us if circumstances conspire against us.

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narration sounds like text to speech

narration sounds like text to speech, which makes it very hard to follow .

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Great book but tragic insight

Mixture of tears and smiles throughout. Def worth a listen. Won't be getting a mobile home anytime soon. Rethinking my go to online shop too!

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1 person found this helpful

I never knew women could endure such hardship.

I knew a lot about how Amazon treat their workforce and this book made it all so real and jaw-droppingly shocking. I had no idea how many Americans were living way below the poverty line - worst of all Graduates. It's impossible to believe how hard it is to get a job and how destitute so many people are.

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1 person found this helpful

Worth persevering with...

I struggled with the terribly stilted narration. Great immersive journalism. Gone off Amazon now tho

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