Nickel and Dimed

On (Not) Getting By in America

By: Barbara Ehrenreich

Narrated by: Cristine McMurdo-Wallis

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

This engrossing piece of undercover reportage has been a fixture on the New York Times best seller list since its publication. With nearly a million copies in print, Nickel and Dimed is a modern classic that deftly portrays the plight of America's working-class poor.

A successful author, Barbara Ehrenreich decides to see if she can scratch out a comfortable living in a blue-collar America obsessed with welfare "reform". Her first job is waitressing, which pulls in a measly $2.43 an hour plus tips. She moves around the country, trying her hand as a maid, a nursing home assistant, and a Wal-Mart salesperson. What she discovers is a culture of desperation, where workers take multiple thankless jobs just to keep a roof overhead.

Often humorous and always illuminating, Nickel and Dimed is a remarkable expose of the ugly flip side of the American dream.

©2001 Barbara Ehrenreich (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

• Book Sense Book of the Year Award Finalist, Adult Non-Fiction, 2002
• Alex Award Winner, 2002

"One of today's most original writers." (The New York Times)
"A close observer and astute analyzer of American life, Ehrenreich turns her attention to what it is like trying to subsist while working in low-paying jobs....Her narrative is candid, often moving, and very revealing." (Library Journal)
"Delivering a fast read that's both sobering and sassy, she [Ehrenreich] gives readers pause about those caught in the economy's undertow, even in good times." (Publishers Weekly)

Important book

The negative reactions to this book may be caused by the occasionally arch tone of the reader. The choice of which words to emphasize sometimes makes the author sound supercilious. However, this is a close and personal look behind the statistics we tend to ignore, or pay only cursory attention. It is a healthy thing for those of us who are not the working poor, to have a look at the fragile existence of those struggling to get by on low wages. The writing is excellent, of course, and engaging.

continues to be an imperative read

The truth that Ehrenreich uncovers is, if anything, even more true today. Not only do we shame and hide the poor, we are increasingly criminalizing poverty and those trapped in it. This work should be taught on every college campus and read by every clueless lawmaker.

Working Poor

How minimum wage maintains poverty in an American caste similar to India’s untouchables and refutes the notion hard work will pull you out of poverty

Wonderful insight into what is still a big issue

This book gave this listener a very shameful and enraging glimpse into what modern America had become. The working poor is still a concept and getting even more common every day. Without getting too political, the author’s glimpse into the working poor was very descriptive and you feel like you are almost there witnessing the ridiculous hiring process and degrading work she is coerced to perform. Towards the end, she offers a brief synopsis on the current forecast, and her opinion is
valid. I recommend it to anyone that is paying attention to where this country’s market and economy is heading.

Written 2004 perspective. Still relevant

All though old book. The concept is still relevant. Good read to comprehend current way of life and struggles in the economy and society.

No where to hide

Great writing and narration on a very challenging subject. Barbara Ehrenreich pulls the curtain back on the working poor and low wage work. After hearing or reading this book, you can’t go on as before as if everything is alright; it isn’t.

We already know this.

I was hoping this book would address the issues of being at the bottom of the pay scale that most people don't understand like; shall we eat or pay the manditory fees, likeauto insurance? Or how the lower you are on the pay scale, the higher the fees for everything are. No, instead we get to find out how hard it is to be a maid or waitress. I haven't finished the book yet so I may edit this but so far, I am not impressed.

Excellent Narration

This is easily the best-narrated audiobook I've ever purchased. You may or may not like Ehrenreich's philosophy and perspective, but I found it to be a thoroughly fascinating story, and Cristine McMurdo-Wallis' narration is fabulous. I was surprised it was not the author herself expressing the emotion of each vignette - it's that good.

truth in Amerika

this book speaks truth to power about what millions of Americans are dealing with. great book for young adults just entering the workforce.

A book for the comfortably ignorant

This is a book that, in my opinion is a great book for those who have not experienced poverty or perhaps not even had any contact at all with a person who has. Those who are blinded by their own privilege and the ‘bootstraps’ mentality that’s been ingratiated particularly in the western middle and upper class through indoctrination and the lack of visibility of the consequences of poverty starting in childhood would greatly benefit from listening to this book.