54 pages • 1 hour read
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
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Book Brief
240
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, Barbara Ehrenreich undertakes a social experiment to determine if one can survive on low-wage jobs across three cities: Key West, Portland, and Minneapolis. She documents her experiences working as a waitress, dietary aide, house cleaner, and Wal-Mart clerk, highlighting the challenges of low pay, strenuous labor conditions, and insufficient living arrangements. The book addresses themes of economic disparity and the exploitation of low-wage workers. The book discusses drug tests and personality tests during the hiring process.
Informative
Challenging
Gritty
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
197,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed garners praise for its unflinching exploration of low-wage work in America. Readers commend its immersive journalism and empathetic portrayal of workers' struggles. Some critique it for an occasionally detached perspective and oversimplifications. Overall, it's valued for its eye-opening, thought-provoking narrative and social commentary.
Who Should Read Nickel and Dimed?
Readers who enjoy Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich typically relish investigative journalism and social critique. They are often drawn to works like Evicted by Matthew Desmond and The Working Poor by David K. Shipler, seeking compelling insights into economic hardships and societal inequities.
197,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gail
Gail
A 50-year-old waitress in Key West, Florida, who befriends Ehrenreich and provides support and insight into the challenges faced by women in low-wage jobs.
George
George
A young Czech dishwasher in Key West, Florida, whose struggles with language barriers and labor exploitation highlight the difficulties faced by immigrant workers.
Ted
Ted
The franchise owner of The Maids in Portland, Maine, whose management practices and interactions with his workers reveal aspects of worker exploitation in low-wage service jobs.
Holly
Holly
A team leader at The Maids in Portland, Maine, known for her dedication to work despite personal hardships, representing the vulnerability of low-wage workers.
Caroline
Caroline
A woman in Minneapolis who offers Ehrenreich a perspective on the realities of moving states with children on low income, providing firsthand insight into the resilience required to overcome economic adversity.
240
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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