42 pages • 1 hour read
The Working Poor: Invisible in America
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Book Brief
352
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Working Poor: Invisible in America, David K. Shipler reveals the struggles of low-wage workers and migrant laborers who fuel America's prosperity yet remain trapped in poverty. Through individual stories, Shipler examines interconnected factors—financial instability, exploitative work conditions, lack of skills, family challenges, and inadequate education—arguing for comprehensive, intersectional remedies to address poverty effectively. The book includes sensitive topics such as abuse, addiction, and trauma.
Informative
Challenging
Melancholic
Contemplative
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David K. Shipler's The Working Poor provides a compelling and thorough examination of America's low-income workers. Reviewers praise its detailed narratives and insightful analysis, although some note it can be overwhelming due to the extensive focus on hardship. The book is celebrated for compassionate storytelling and raising awareness, though it leaves some desiring more solutions.
Who Should Read The Working Poor?
Readers who appreciate meticulously researched social issues and human stories would enjoy The Working Poor by David K. Shipler. It appeals to those engaged by works like Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed and Matthew Desmond's Evicted, offering a deep dive into the struggles of America's low-wage earners.
352
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2004
Adult
18+ years
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