Even though this book was written 20 years ago,

it still felt extremely relevant.

Reading about these people's lives after living a privileged life myself was both enlightening and depressing.

The hardest parts for me to read were about the poor conditions for children.

It was truly heart-wrenching to imagine the hardships they endured.

Overall, the book reinforced the terrible societal structures that can trap people in poverty.

It also highlighted the personal shortcomings that might contribute to the cycles of poverty.

For example, lack of education, limited job opportunities, and social inequality all play a significant role.

This book serves as a powerful reminder that we need to address these issues and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Only then can we break the cycles of poverty and give everyone a fair chance at a better life.

I was given this recommendation by a coworker many years ago.

I firmly believe that this is an outstanding book for anyone engaged in the mental health, medical, or education fields.

As a therapist myself, there are times when I tend to forget that numerous environmental factors can have a significant impact on a child's development and overall well-being.

This book has truly been a revelation, helping me to open my eyes and realize the importance of asking additional questions during my interactions with families, whether in sessions or evaluations.

One drawback is that the book is a bit outdated. However, this did not bother me in the slightest.

The information it contains remains highly relevant and valuable, providing crucial insights that can enhance our understanding and approach in these important fields.

It serves as a reminder that while new research and developments occur, the fundamental principles and knowledge presented in this book still hold great significance.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone in the relevant fields, as it has the potential to expand our perspectives and improve our work with children and families.

A provocative and well-researched tome awaits readers, compelling them to think deeply and draw comparisons between the present circumstances and the hardships that countless individuals have endured and continue to face throughout the country. Shipler presents a palpable bias in favor of the poor individuals he interviewed, while also taking aim at the current laws that seem to shield the wealthy, the employers, and those who contribute to the difficult situations of the poor.

This book has the power to evoke a range of emotions within you. It may make you angry as you become aware of the injustices and inequalities that exist. At the same time, it can also elicit a sense of sympathy and helplessness as you contemplate the plights of so many people who, perhaps due to some fault of their own, find themselves living a destitute and lethargic lifestyle. The vivid descriptions and real-life accounts presented in the book serve as a wake-up call, urging readers to reflect on the state of society and consider what can be done to make a positive change.

There are many books on the theme of poor life, and there are also quite a few that are sentimental. However, it is the first time to see a book that describes the difficulties faced by poor life in detail and specifically. And the author also expresses his views on the poverty problem.

The characteristics and inheritance of poverty.
One of the causes of poverty examples in the book is due to a lack of purpose in life. The original text: Ann Blum has come to this point (from the middle class to poverty) partly because of a lack of purpose, which makes her have talent but no skills... She is陶醉 in thinking and talks with orderly wisdom...

And her talent seems to help her find a way out. The original text:... She found that a healthy life requires not only basic food, shelter and clothing, but also some intangible things. If the needs for art, music, goals or something beyond the immediate material environment are not met at the same time, it may not even be possible to hold on. It is also impossible to hold on without loving or being loved, so most people find substitutes, which are the things that can be touched at hand - alcohol, TV, drugs, shopping at Walmart... Becoming poor requires more careful thinking than when you are rich about what is beneficial to a healthy life. Close and healthy relationships, not feeling lonely, fresh vegetables, not too much sugar, 30 minutes of exercise every day. All of these can keep us healthy, or at least hold on for the time being before we don't know where we will落脚 next month or next year.

Another example is because of inheritance. The poor class lacks the time, resources and stable emotions to take care of the next generation, which makes the next generation grow up under pressure and harm, affects the ability development of the next generation, and makes poverty pass on (pg176-77,182,196). The book also emphasizes the importance and effect of interacting with children (pg198-199,202-206,234-243,267-271).

There is also the problem of structure.
The structure of the poverty problem.
The book takes the fashion industry as an example, from the low income and unstable working conditions of poor garment workers, to the competition faced by small sewing contractors, to the predation faced by designers by upstream and downstream companies (pg103-110), completely showing that the problem of low wages is actually a problem of the whole system.

Because the profit of each production and sales link is compressed, the situation of workers' salaries cannot be changed. Where the profit goes is not mentioned in the book, but except for the workers, there are actually only investors.

In addition, the poverty industry is also booming. Such as loans and acting as an agent to claim tax refunds or assistance (pg24). Normal enterprises also evade responsibilities. For example, the law stipulates that banks must open "lifeline" accounts for the poor (pg31), but bank employees do not know about such accounts. On the other hand, improper sales are also carried out, such as selling telecommunications products or cars with unreasonable contracts (pg32-33). At the same time, small enterprises owe wages, go bankrupt, and change their names to operate again, which also makes the income of workers not guaranteed.

The eligibility of support policies for the poor class cannot be linked to each other. The poor class can only shift around among different assistance eligibilities, and lose one thing while gaining another. The long application process and skill training that cannot be applied in the workplace (pg63-64) have weakened the support effect. And the financial pressure of life, the lack of medical insurance, the lack of knowledge, and the poor living environment form a cycle, which not only further harms their already weak financial situation, but also makes their next generation grow up in an unstable family, making poverty hereditary.

This book

was truly not an effortless read. It often had a tendency to be rather depressing or disconcerting, mainly because of the real-life stories it presented to the reader. Nevertheless, it made a sincere attempt to take a comprehensive, objective look at the issue of poverty in the U.S. and how this particular group of people manage to survive from one day to the next. It didn't adhere to any specific ideology but instead closely examined the lives of those who belonged to this demographic, taking an honest look at the hardships they had to endure and the daily battles they had to fight. It never came across as preachy or condemnatory towards the people in the stories but rather tried to maintain a neutral stance and analyze the problems and potential solutions.

As a sign of its objective approach, you did get to see some rare cases where people more or less exploited the system. However, more significantly, there were numerous instances where people either didn't take aid or actively refused it, whether due to pride, a sense of shame, or simply ignorance about the available help. These individuals were unaware of or chose not to access all the resources that could have been beneficial to them, perhaps because of their upbringing and personal beliefs. In one way, this could be seen as refreshing, but in another, it made you want to pull your hair out and scream, especially when considering that certain services were specifically designed to assist these people who had fallen on hard times due to bad luck.

While the book did offer solutions on how to help the working poor, it did so after carefully examining each individual story, almost like a case study, and using it as a more representative example of the various aspects of being a member of this group. At times, it might have seemed like it was taking a political stance, but when viewed in a broader context, after reading some of these stories, the average reader might change their assumption that the poor simply weren't "working hard enough" or something similar.

The book delved into the various facets of being a member of the working poor, covering everything from financial and work-related issues to health and other less obvious but equally impactful problems that affected them. Some of these issues included a lack of basic job skills, difficulty in interacting properly in social settings, or the devastating effects of being molested and/or abused by family members or others. It didn't single out one cause as the sole culprit but instead emphasized how often multiple factors combined to keep those in this category trapped, with little hope of escape. The author then went on to explain how simply addressing one issue wouldn't solve everything, as once one problem was fixed, something else was likely to go wrong, and all the previous progress could be undone.

Again, there were moments when the author seemed to advocate for a particular political side, but this was mainly because this demographic was literally struggling to survive on a daily basis and often couldn't speak up for themselves, perhaps due to their lack of awareness of being able to do so. He spoke out against those in positions of power who either demonized or used the working poor as a scapegoat for all the country's problems, those who would typically say that they just "needed to work harder" or that they were exploiting the system. Politicians, corporations, slumlords, and other groups who benefited from having a cheap, expendable, and uneducated labor force that was easily replaceable, often unaware of their rights, with low education levels, and so focused on getting their next paycheck to pay rent for themselves and their children that they couldn't afford to worry about others.

The first chapter alone was a prime example of this. For many people with easy access to computers and the internet (such as some of you reading this review), filing taxes each year was a relatively simple process: load up an automated tax program, fill in the numbers from your forms, click a few buttons, and in a few weeks (or days), you received your refund in your account. For the working poor who didn't have such easy access to a computer or the internet and might not have known about cheap/free online tax services, it presented a painful example of how certain large tax-servicing companies took advantage of this lack of access to resources or knowledge. Since the fear of not getting the maximum refund loomed large over them and they wanted to ensure that their taxes were done correctly, they would often go to a tax-preparer and pay an exorbitant amount of money to have their taxes prepared. Want to file electronically? That cost more. Didn't have a bank account? No problem - for more money, they could set you up with a temporary one that used an ATM card, deducting an additional $2 every time you withdrew money. The extent to which the tax-preparation companies nickel-and-dimed them for more and more money was truly appalling.

As the book progressed, more and more instances of the working poor being exploited and/or used by others to make money off them were revealed, whether due to their ignorance, fears, or lack of access to resources or services. However, on the other hand, there were also inspiring examples of people and organizations who tried to help, which helped to balance out the otherwise depressing and soul-draining tone of the book at times.

Overall, this is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who cares about achieving greater equality in this country, about issues such as social justice and helping those who are willing to work hard to raise themselves out of the depths of poverty. It provided some excellent ideas on where one could offer assistance, depending on the complex web of issues that today's working poor faced. The added awareness of their situation helped one realize that they weren't failing because they were lazy but because they were up against some significant obstacles. While part of the book offered solutions to help them, it also, in my opinion, offered a way to help us as well, by giving us a more in-depth understanding of their lives, which we could then use to inform our conversations when discussing the issues that these people faced on a daily basis.

Shipler presents a comprehensive view of how individuals can become trapped in poverty.

He touches on multiple aspects such as points of choice, circumstances beyond one's control, generational and political influences. Through a series of stories about real men, women, and children, Shipler描绘了一幅生动的画面. These people have not achieved "the American Dream" and often give everything they have just to survive.

The heart-wrenching stories he tells arouse a desire in us to do what we can to change the systems that keep families in poverty. Shipler has found a way to get close to the problem of poverty.

No matter what your opinion is on how one becomes or remains poor, this book is an essential read. It provides valuable insights and perspectives that can help us better understand the complex issue of poverty and inspire us to take action to make a difference.

This is one of those books that truly makes you stop and think.

It offers an informed and frequently heart-rending perspective on the lives of individuals whose hardships remain unnoticed despite being right in front of us.

It promotes a more comprehensive approach to addressing poverty and acknowledges that there isn't a single solution or even a single political party that can solve this complex issue.

The author delves deep into the various aspects of poverty, exploring not only the economic factors but also the social, psychological, and environmental dimensions.

By presenting real-life stories and experiences, the book humanizes the issue and makes it easier for readers to understand and empathize with those who are affected.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding poverty and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Whether you are an individual, a community organizer, or a policymaker, this book will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

So, pick up a copy today and start your journey towards a more just and equitable society.

Shipler delves deep into the lives and tales of the working poor, meticulously examining the intertwined challenges they face. These challenges span across various aspects such as health, education, community, abuse, hunger, finances, and addiction. All these factors conspire to keep many marginalized individuals precariously on the edge of society.

He shines a light on holistic program approaches that combine resources to achieve maximum impact. For instance, he mentions a medical clinic that employs social workers and lawyers. This innovative approach enables the clinic to better advocate for its clients, addressing not just their medical needs but also the broader social and legal issues that often compound their problems.

In addition, Shipler courageously exposes the flaws in the systems of public and private assistance. While this book serves as a good introduction for those who are unfamiliar with the lives of the "other half," it does have its limitations. It does not explore any particular issue in great depth, nor does it offer a comprehensive discussion on potential solutions. However, Shipler's work does succeed in whetting the appetite for further dialogue around the crucial issues of social mobility and the American Dream. His ethnographic style gives a human face to poverty statistics, serving as a powerful reminder to all of the shared humanity of those who are often overlooked and invisible in our society.

This is a very good book to read.

If you have some knowledge about the policy problems that the working poor are facing and desire to have a better understanding of the human stories of those affected by them, or if you know nothing about the daily lives of the working poor and need a good illustration of the complex web of problems that trap them in poverty, this book can be a great choice.

However, if you are seeking a systemic analysis of which policies and procedures lead to the creation of this poverty trap and perpetuate these conditions, then this is not the right book for you.

While it provided me with an extremely vivid and personal perspective into the lives of many individuals and families in the US who are struggling with poverty due to various reasons such as disability, poor education, substandard housing, sexual abuse, domestic violence, etc., it does little to discuss how we can best address, ameliorate, or eliminate these problems.

I truly have mixed feelings about these kinds of books. Certainly, when I hear poverty being discussed in political terms, especially by conservatives, there is little recognition of the extremely limiting effect of the interlocking systems and policies of oppression and deprivation. So, it is nice to have such a clear illustration of why the lack of health insurance can prevent someone from getting a job.

On the other hand, the focus on the individual reinforces the idea that poverty should be addressed at the individual level. The book details how church networks managed to prevent several individuals from becoming homeless or hungry, thus suggesting the expansion of that level of charitable programming as a solution.

I wished to read more big-picture ideas that can prevent people from reaching this state and address the systemic problems, but there was not much of that in this book.

A Fascinating Read

It is truly a captivating piece of work. I likely would never have chosen to pick it up were it not for the requirements of my job. However, Shipler accomplishes an outstanding feat. He manages to humanize the individuals he interviews in a remarkable way. He does not pity them, nor does he elevate them to the status of martyrs. Instead, he presents their stories in a genuine and relatable manner.

Surprisingly, there is a great deal more narrative in this non-fiction work than I initially anticipated. Nevertheless, I found myself deeply engrossed in each person's tale. The book offers a unique perspective on the lives of those who are part of the working poor.

I would be extremely interested in hearing more of Shipler's thoughts and opinions on the present state of the working poor. Given that the book was originally published in 2004 and then edited in 2016, it would be fascinating to know how his views have evolved in light of the changing social and economic landscape.

Sad, tragic and honest. These words accurately describe the essence of a particular work. It has a profound impact on the reader, evoking a range of emotions.

Just like the best-seller Nickeled and Dimed, this piece also delves into the harsh realities of life. It exposes the struggles and hardships that people face, without sugarcoating or hiding the truth.

The author's honesty in presenting these facts makes the story all the more powerful. It forces the reader to confront the uncomfortable aspects of society and think about the implications.

Whether it's about poverty, inequality, or the human condition, this work offers a unique perspective. It invites the reader to empathize with the characters and understand their experiences.

In conclusion, this sad, tragic and honest piece is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. It goes well with Nickeled and Dimed and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ok, so I liked this book. It is a form of mass-market muckraking. The solutions presented at the end assume a market economy, which I guess is considered totally safe for the mass market. As a result, it ends up being a collection of harrowing tales of life in or near poverty. The conclusion is that "well, it's all connected, so we need more funding for... everything." And yes, that's true, but also, what about a living wage? The author almost-kinda-doesn't really mention the possibility that Walmart and other large corporations pay wages as low as they can get away with because the social safety net can and will step in with food stamps and other subsidies that make this possible. So while work can be an answer, it is not THE answer, you know?

Our economy is truly in a mess. And after so much (deserved) hand-wringing about the life of the poor, the author couches his solutions within the existing system, which left me feeling rather cold.

The book didn't mean to be more than this, told a dozen different ways: "Workers at the edge of poverty are essential to America’s prosperity, but their well-being is not treated as an integral part of the whole. Instead, the forgotten wage is a daily struggle to keep themselves from falling over the cliff. It is time to be ashamed."

I completely understand the impulse to set the context and propose solutions, but they were so tepid! Ugh! Anyway, read this book. Anecdotal evidence can be very powerful.