This book earns a 3.5-star rating. It may not be extremely groundbreaking, but it offers a highly readable perspective on poverty, specifically from the angle of the working world.

For those who have never delved into any literature on this subject, it serves as an easy introduction.

The author presents the topic in a way that is accessible and engaging, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding poverty and how the working environment can impact it.

Although it may not offer completely novel insights, it provides a solid foundation for further exploration and discussion.

Overall, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in learning more about poverty and its relationship to the working world.

This book has truly opened my eyes to the diverse reasons why someone may be chronically poor.

However, the economist within me remained firm until the end. The book proposes that the solution to poverty lies in government resources, which I oppose.

Overall, it is a good read that has definitely helped me understand the current situation in the USA.

It is very different to be poor in the USA compared to being poor in other places, and now I have a better understanding of where the victims are coming from.

The various factors contributing to poverty, such as lack of access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities, are explored in-depth in the book.

It also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty rather than simply providing temporary relief.

Despite my disagreement with the proposed solution, the book has provided valuable insights and has made me think more critically about the issue of poverty.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the complex issue of poverty in the USA.

An Example of People's Stories that Impact Poverty in America

In America, there are numerous people's stories that have had a significant impact on poverty. One such inspiring story is that of John. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, John faced many challenges. However, he was determined to make a change. He worked hard in school and managed to secure a scholarship to a good university. After graduating, he started his own business, which not only provided him with a good income but also created jobs for many people in his community. Another example is that of Mary. She witnessed the struggles of the homeless in her city and decided to take action. She founded a non-profit organization that provides food, shelter, and job training to the homeless. Through her efforts, many people have been able to get back on their feet and start a new life. These stories show that even in the face of poverty, people can make a difference. By working hard, being determined, and having a passion for helping others, we can all contribute to reducing poverty in America.

This is an extremely interesting study that delves into the lives of the working poor people in the US around the year 2000. Shipler conducts interviews with a diverse range of individuals. There are homeless people who share their harrowing experiences of living on the streets with no stable shelter. There are also undocumented workers who face numerous challenges and uncertainties in their daily lives, constantly worried about their legal status. Employers are interviewed as well, providing their perspectives on hiring and dealing with the working poor. And those living on the edge of poverty open up about their struggles to make ends meet.

The stories they share offer a remarkable and in-depth look into the differences and commonalities within this group. Shipler does an excellent job of critiquing both conservative and liberal politicians and media outlets. He points out how they often address or, more worryingly, ignore the issues faced by the working poor. The language he employs frequently creates a vivid and engaging narrative. However, in some instances, it does come across as a bit condescending. Additionally, I believe he could have incorporated more discussions about how race impacts the lives of these people and the various experiences that poor individuals might have based on their race. Overall, though, this remains a good study that is well worth the time and effort of reading.

Wow! This book truly picks up where Nickel and Dimed left off. It offers a far-reaching critique of both liberal and conservative approaches to poverty reduction.

It takes a comprehensive look at the diversity of the working poor in America, exploring their various circumstances and challenges.

If you have an interest in Project Runway (and let's face it, there are many fashionista policy wonks out there), the section on the political economy of the fashion industry is especially fresh and fascinating.

It delves into how the fashion industry impacts the working poor, from the low wages paid to garment workers to the role of consumerism in perpetuating poverty.

This book provides a thought-provoking and in-depth analysis of poverty in America, and is a must-read for anyone interested in social policy and the working poor.

I added this book to my “Want To Read List” while working under contract for one of the richest families in America. After delving into The Working Poor: Invisible in America, I was overcome with a profound sense of gratitude for my life and all the opportunities that my economic status affords me. I also found myself with an urge to treat people with greater kindness and respect. The authors' tone, I felt, conveyed a genuine sense of concern rather than one of castigation for society's transgressions thus far. I believe this book has the power to soften even the most hardline conservative and harden even the most lenient liberal.

I think that, in the long term, if the family unit and education system in America continue to decline, then society may not progress towards equality and the full realization of the American slogan “...liberty and justice for all.”

Government programs, much like 12-step programs, may only be effective if those who seek their assistance truly desire it. Self-care and self-accountability seem to me to be of utmost importance in the success and mobility of an individual within the class system of America. These are two “soft skills” that often elude the American poor during crucial stages of their upbringing but have the potential to blossom later in life.

Government programs have the potential to step in as a surrogate parent/teacher later in life and instill new values that could foster significant growth...if the individual truly has the will to succeed.

This should be a must-read in every sociology class, economics class, psychology class, US history class, etc.

It truly delves deep into the complex web of factors that contribute to poverty in this country. The term "working poor" seems almost like an oxymoron, yet there are countless individuals trapped in this very situation.

It is both heartbreaking and frightening to realize how precarious our own positions can be. Just one unlucky turn of events, like we have seen so many experience during this current recession, can send a person spiraling into financial turmoil.

This collection of stories and facts is told in such a compelling way that it really hits home and makes us all stop and think about the true nature of poverty and its far-reaching implications.

It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater social awareness and action to address this pressing issue.

Really interesting!

It is quite evident that a significant portion of the data and information regarding government programs is outdated, considering it was published in the early 2000s.

However, despite this drawback, it has undeniably enhanced my sympathy for and awareness of the causes and perpetuation of poverty.

The outdated nature of the data might limit its practical application in the current context, but it still provides valuable insights into the historical perspective of poverty and the efforts made by the government to address it.

By understanding the past, we can better appreciate the progress that has been made and identify areas where further improvement is needed.

This awareness can inspire us to take action and contribute to the alleviation of poverty in our communities.

Overall, while the outdated information may be a concern, the article has still managed to have a positive impact on my understanding of poverty and its complex issues.

Honestly, this book was truly fantastic. As I was reading, I found myself pulling out my favorite quotes and making notes of them. There were an abundance of amazing ones. I firmly believe that Shipler did an outstanding job of delving into all aspects of the working poor spectrum. He gathered insights from across all races and genders,涵盖了各个年龄段（青少年、成年人和儿童）。他研究了那些成瘾者和非成瘾者，以及那些出生在贫困家庭和非贫困家庭的人。

He also examined and pointed out how the environment, psychology, and financial situations were all interconnected. Usually, one component influenced the others and played a role in why the cycle of poverty is so difficult to break. I feel that Shipler has a profound grasp and understanding of the topics he is discussing in this book.

He touches on some aspects that I hadn't even considered, such as how it can be significantly harder to be poor in a rich country than in a poor country. What I loved the most about this book, however, was the passage where he said, "So I am rooting for them no doubt. But I have tried to see with clear eyes, not through an ideological lens. Indeed, devout conservatives and impassioned liberals will be bothered by this portrait of poverty, at least I hope so, for the reality I discovered does not fit neatly into anyone's political agenda. I want to challenge and undermine long-standing assumptions at both ends of the spectrum." He said it and he stuck to it. I adore this approach because it comes at the subjects with an open mind and a willingness to present the facts as clearly, truthfully, and unbiasedly as possible, which is the integrity that a lot of the media seems to lack.

And I think that Shipler was successful in this regard. He pointed out how corporations and greed impact and worsen poverty but also acknowledged some of the habits and pitfalls that people put themselves into that exacerbate their situations. And he does so without condemning either side. I can highly respect this.

In journalist David Shipler's 2004 book The Working Poor, he vividly recounts the life stories and circumstances of approximately a dozen individuals.

These people were working low wage or minimum wage jobs in the late '90s and early '00s. Some of them had fallen on hard times due to extenuating circumstances like health emergencies and the resulting medical bills, and they were striving to rebuild their lives.

Others were continuing the cycle of poverty in which they were raised, or perhaps struggling with addiction or dependence, which led to a stagnation in their situations.

Shipler also interviewed various people such as social workers, bosses, healthcare workers, teachers, and more who interacted with many of his chosen subjects. This revealed significant communication disconnects and sometimes the phenomenon of the blind leading the blind. The chapter about teachers was particularly damning.

At times, the characterizations in the book seemed judgmental. In my opinion, the book could have been about 50 pages shorter as Shipler didn't really present viable solutions or distillations, just a plethora of anecdotes.

Although this book was published over 20 years ago when I read it in 2025, I believe a similar narrative could be written today, with the focus perhaps expanding to include gig workers.

Further reading suggestions are provided, including books like Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich, which took immersive journalism to the extreme as Ehrenreich actually worked at low-wage jobs for many months while researching her book.

There are also other relevant books such as Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive by Stephanie Land, and more.

My statistics show that this book was Book 102 for 2025 and Book 2028 cumulatively.

A remarkable book that not only defends a political theory but also ventures into the profound realm of understanding reality. It offers a refreshing perspective that is simultaneously heart-breaking. In a society where opinions about poverty in America abound, whether from the right or the left, it is essential to note that if one has not read this book, their opinion is likely to be ill-informed. This book delves deep into the complex issues surrounding poverty, presenting a comprehensive and nuanced view that challenges preconceived notions. It forces the reader to confront the harsh realities and question the simplistic solutions often proposed. By reading this book, one gains a deeper understanding of the true nature of poverty and the need for more thoughtful and effective policies to address it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in making a meaningful contribution to the discussion on poverty in America.

Unutterably depressing but very interesting. There are quite a number of different examples or cases that vividly highlight the great variety of problems. These problems range from drugs, bad luck, poor decisions made due to lack of experience, to the influence of the environment. It is truly a worthwhile read. What is amazing is how frequently a poor decision can seem like a good decision at that particular moment. Or, even worse, it may seem as if there was no choice at all. This shows the complexity and unpredictability of life. We often find ourselves in situations where we have to make decisions, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, we end up making the wrong ones. However, it is through these experiences that we learn and grow.