Stephen T. (s-b-t) reviewed on 7/10/2010 + 10 more book reviews

Tells of a journalist's incognito trip into the world of the working poor. The author attempts and fails at trying to live off of minimum- and low-wage jobs in three different states in the USA.

If I could rewind history, I would have skipped the first 5/6 of the book, and just went right into the "Evaluation" chapter. It's the one chapter that provides a solid, substantive assessment of just how horrible capitalism has become, and illuminates the fate of all working poor folks: you're in a hole, and you're just digging it deeper. The only way to capitalize on opportunities that come your way is to have an education and some credentials...but can you rise to the occasion (that is, go back to school) without funds to buy even over-the-counter cold medicine or decent shoes for work?

The personal accounts were actually a bit of a drag. At the very least, you'll become an even greater enemy of Wal-Mart if you read this one. And you'll want to avoid hiring a cleaning service.

Recommended. I'm interested to read her second book in the same vein, "Bait and Switch."

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