Title: Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century
Author: Jessica Bruder
First published September 19, 2017
288 pages, Paperback
Rating: 4.04
Overview
Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder is a compelling and eye-opening account of a new, thriving subculture in America. In the wake of the Great Recession, many older adults have taken to the road, living in RVs and modified vans as a means of survival.
From the beet fields of North Dakota to the Amazon CamperForce program in Texas, these nomads have found a new way of life, working low-wage jobs to make ends meet. Bruder’s insightful book sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of the American economy and the resilience of those who have chosen to live off the beaten path.
Nomadland is a must-read for anyone interested in the changing landscape of America and the human spirit that persists in the face of adversity.
About the Author
Meet Jessica Bruder, a journalist with a passion for exploring subcultures and the resilience of the human spirit. In her latest book, “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century,” published by W.W. Norton & Co., Jessica spent months living in a camper van documenting the lives of itinerant Americans who have given up traditional housing to hit the road full-time.
These modern-day nomads travel from job to job and make their way in our uncertain economy. Over the course of three years and more than 15,000 miles of driving, Jessica traveled from coast to coast and from Mexico to the Canadian border to bring their stories to life.
Jessica has been teaching at Columbia Journalism School since 2008, and her work has been featured in a range of publications, including Harper’s Magazine, The Nation, WIRED, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, The International Herald Tribune, The New York Times Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor, O: The Oprah Magazine, Inc. Magazine, Reuters, and CNNMoney.com.
She has also written for The Oregonian and The New York Observer, where she worked as a staff writer, and Fortune Small Business magazine, where she served as a senior editor. Her long-form stories have been recognized with a James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism and a Deadline Club Award.
Editoral Review
In her 2017 work Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, journalist Jessica Bruder provides a poignant and revealing glimpse into the often-overlooked trend of seniors living on the road, as they navigate the social and economic landscape of contemporary America. Bruder, who immerses herself in the lifestyle in order to more closely capture its nuances, offers a nuanced portrayal of the workampers who spend much of their year following seasonal jobs, often in service or manual labor, in order to survive.
The book is a journalistic tour-de-force, delving deeply into the experiences of a range of nomads and in the process, providing a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives. From the irrepressible Linda May, a seventy-two-year-old former fast-food worker who parlayed her meager savings into a mobile home, to Bob Wells, who founded the online Rubber Tramp Rendezvous for those who share his nomadic sensibilities, the characters who populate Nomadland are resilient and resourceful.
Yet, Bruders work also depicts the challenges and indignities of the itinerant life, from the physical exertion of lugging ones possessions from one location to the next, to the harsh realities of a healthcare system that often fails to provide support. More than a portrait of a subculture, however, Nomadland also offers broader insight into the economic precarity of contemporary America.
Bruder deftly connects her observations to larger national trends, tracing the impact of the financial crisis of 2008 and the erosion of the social safety net. The result is a book that illuminates the complex ways in which economic vulnerability intersects with age, gender, and other forms of identity in modern America.
The writing in Nomadland is both engaging and accessible, thanks to Bruders careful attention to detail and her skill at weaving research and personal experience into a compelling narrative. She has a knack for capturing the essence of a scene, whether it is a bustling Amazon warehouse or a makeshift festival in the Nevada desert.
Moreover, Bruders empathy for her subjects is palpable throughout the book, as she foregrounds their dignity and courage in the face of adversity. Despite its many strengths, however, Nomadland also has its limitations.
At times, the books prose can feel a bit repetitive or overly simplistic, as Bruder returns to certain motifs or themes time and again. Additionally, some readers may find themselves wishing for a more sharply defined structure, as the book can feel sprawling and episodic at times.
Nonetheless, these are minor quibbles, and do not detract significantly from the overall impact of the work. In sum, Nomadland is an essential read for anyone seeking to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary America.
Bruders writing is heartfelt and illuminating, and her portrayal of this often-marginalized subculture is both respectful and insightful. As the country continues to grapple with issues of inequality and social dislocation, Nomadland stands as an essential testament to the resilience and creativity of a deeply diverse group of Americans who are often overlooked or dismissed.
It is a book that challenges our most basic assumptions about class, aging, and the meaning of community, and is sure to inspire lively debate and further exploration for years to come. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
