I initially obtained this book for a class assignment and have now finally completed reading it.

Despite being somewhat outdated, the accounts of the individuals that Shipler interviews and the hardships they encounter are truly impactful.

The book delves into the intricacies of poverty and injustice within the United States. It highlights that although both political parties present valid perspectives on the most effective ways to address inequity, there is no straightforward answer.

It makes one realize the depth and breadth of the issues at hand and the need for comprehensive and collaborative efforts to bring about meaningful change.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights into the social fabric of the nation.

Even though the book was written some time ago, its message still holds relevance today and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

My favorite quote is: "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 believe Shipler's perspective is quite balanced. He blames/points at circumstances that may not be the working poor's fault, such as attending a poorly funded public school with limited resources to address a learning disability. At the same time, he also mentions circumstances that the working poor have more control over, like not completing education or job training, and turning to drugs and alcohol for self-medication.

There are no simple answers. Sometimes, one solution may only make other problems worse. Both business and government can contribute to the problem, but they can also be part of the solution. What Shipler does extremely well in this book is give a face to the working poor. In this recession, many of us could easily end up in that visible-invisible part of society. We need to be more aware of their struggles and work towards finding solutions that can improve their lives and the overall well-being of our society.

2.5 stars.

I truly desired to like this book, and I persevered with it for a significantly longer time than perhaps I ought to have, reaching the 40% mark. However, after that, I simply couldn't endure it any further and resorted to skimming.

This book presents a considerable challenge to read. The author dedicates an entire chapter to a particular type of people, such as migrant workers, and then jumps abruptly from one story to another without any smooth transition. One moment you're engrossed in reading about Mark and Lisa for six pages, and then, just one paragraph later, you find yourself reading about Hernando. The only thing these individuals have in common is their experience of low-wage poverty in the garment district of LA. It all feels very clumsy and difficult to follow. I must note that I read this as an ebook, so there is a remote possibility (albeit not very likely) that it was affected by formatting issues. Additionally, it has a rather quaint appearance, as it was written before Obama even took office, and many of the anecdotes have not really withstood the test of time over the past decade and more.

The author's proposed solutions seem to center around providing more resources, such as housing vouchers, healthcare, and interested teachers, to the poor. However, this approach fails to consider that these measures might have negative unintended consequences. For instance, housing vouchers could potentially drive up housing costs or reduce access to affordable healthcare.

I have a deep affection for the manner in which this book was crafted. It adopts a holistic perspective, engaging in conversations with real individuals and sharing their tales. It vividly demonstrates how every facet of their lives is intricately intertwined and the disastrous domino effect that can occur when one lacks sufficient funds to "purchase the problem away."

I also hold in high regard the fact that the author refrained from becoming overly political. He showcases that communities coming together to assist one another is often the effective approach. People who are in close proximity and have a personal acquaintance. There is a personal touch to it. And I was particularly enamored by the stories of those who went the extra mile and thought outside the box. Take, for instance, the pediatrician in a disadvantaged community who hired lawyers and social workers for his department, addressing not just one aspect of the patients' lives but multiple. It's truly remarkable!

Whether you are wealthy and influential or teetering on the brink of poverty yourself, this book will (or ought to!) have a profound influence on you and inspire you to take whatever action you can. We are in desperate need of more creative, holistic thinkers - and we require greater awareness of these problems so that more people can collaborate to find solutions!

Tina has brought up this option as a potential choice for the book club, and it truly appears to be very interesting. I will present it at the next meeting.

I initially had this book listed as “Want to Read.” However, I am certain that I read it several years ago. It is also possible that we read it for the book club, but I cannot be completely sure about that specific detail. Nevertheless, I know for a fact that I have read it.

This book seems to have made an impression on me, which is why it came to my mind when Tina was suggesting ideas for the club. I think it could spark some great discussions and exchanges of thoughts among the members.

At the next meeting, I will share my memories and impressions of the book, and see what the others think. Maybe it will be the perfect choice for our next book club selection.

Well researched, extremely informative and often heart-breaking, David Shipley's work delves deep into the roots and effects of poverty in America.

He focuses on those individuals who toil long and hard, yet still find themselves unable to improve their lot in life.

This book is a must-read as it has the power to counteract any biases one may have against those caught in the poverty trap.

It may also shed light on how we, as members of American society, might be unknowingly benefiting from or contributing to this very real and widespread problem.

Regrettably, even though this book was published in 2004, not a great deal has changed for the better.

As a nation, we still have a long and arduous journey ahead of us to address and overcome the issue of poverty.

We must continue to raise awareness, promote understanding, and take action to bring about positive change for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Only then can we hope to build a more just and equitable society for all.

It is my sincere hope that no American requires being informed that our country functions based on the labor of those who are underpaid.

If, by any chance, I am incorrect and this is a novel concept, that's okay. Let's engage in education.

If I am indeed correct and everyone is already aware, then a far more dismal picture of our national will is painted.

Shipler presents his argument for reform by closely following the lives of some of the lowest-paid workers in America as they recall the intertwined factors that led them to (or prevented them from escaping) poverty.

Was it the nature of the system or themselves? Was it the upbringing (or lack thereof) in their families or the overstretched public programs? Was it all of the above, and is there any possible way to disentangle any of it?

While I would not assert that this book offers a revolutionary perspective on poverty, it does serve as a crucial insight into the intricacies of class in America.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who believes that the responsibility for poverty lies solely with either the individual or the government.

The author appears to excel in maintaining a non-partisan stance, refraining from taking sides with any particular political group. This is a refreshing sight in today's polarized world.

The majority of the book consists of the stories of the working poor themselves and the numerous challenges they face. It also contains a significant amount of statistics and explanations regarding how government policies, social issues, and economic issues can impact the lives of the working poor. For instance, the book elaborates on how a large portion of school funding is derived from property taxes, which can result in substantial disparities in funding between schools in affluent neighborhoods and those in impoverished neighborhoods.

The book extensively discusses the difficulties of being poor. Having limited financial resources makes it more arduous to recover from and adapt to unfavorable circumstances compared to those with greater wealth. Additionally, having a social safety net of people to rely on during tough times is of utmost importance.

The book also explores some solutions, but it seems that there are no simple remedies that can solve all the problems. Holistic solutions tend to be the most effective. It is crucial to get everyone, including the government, businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals, to collaborate in order to improve the situation. For example, one welfare employment training program had a board composed of employers who required employees with specific skills. The employers could then assist in ensuring that those in the program possessed the necessary skills to be hired for jobs upon the completion of the training program. In some programs, the government also offered subsidies and/or tax breaks to employers who hired welfare workers. Of course, raising wages can also be beneficial. This could be achieved in some industries and situations, such as by compressing wages at the top to allow for an increase at the bottom. This could be facilitated by tax reform. However, it can be more challenging in some industries due to extremely thin profit margins and competition from outsourcing.

This is an eye-opening book on poverty in America

which no one really talks about. It delves deep into the harsh realities of poverty that exist within the nation.

The book is filled with personal stories of individuals and their arduous struggles with poverty.

It vividly describes the various problems they are facing on a daily basis, such as lack of access to proper housing, education, and healthcare.

It also explores how they ended up in such a difficult situation, highlighting the complex web of factors that contribute to poverty.

Through these personal accounts, the book provides a powerful and poignant perspective on poverty in America, making it a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this important issue.

This book effectively recounts the personal stories of the individuals the author interviewed, often in great detail and over a span of several years.

The author presents a relatively empathetic and nuanced perspective on the complexity of the lives of his subjects, demonstrating an understanding that there are structural and societal forces at play.

However, at its core, the book unquestioningly assumes that capitalism is beneficial and that the solutions lie in better policies, more accommodating bureaucracies, and generally improved governance.

There is no analysis of whether establishing a society that fundamentally relies on cheap labor is a viable approach.

Nor is there any consideration of alternatives such as a universal income or similar concepts.

Shipler lauds those subjects who "get a taste of work" and desire to work more, pursue the dream, and strive to progress to higher-paying jobs.

Gradually, I am becoming less certain that this money-driven economy leads to a morally upright society.

Like my daddy used to say -- 'Son, life's hell to pay for when you're poor -- cause always just outside the door's another Hard Time.' (Jerry Reed)

The United States is a paradoxical nation, simultaneously one of the richest and poorest in the world. It is a land where obscene waste coexists with desperate poverty. The widening income gap has various explanations. Some blame a deteriorating culture, others point to globalized free trade, and still others argue it's a classic case of exploitation. Poverty may be an inherent part of the economic system, but the great tragedy lies in its juxtaposition with the American dream of success, which proclaims that hard work leads to prosperity. However, the reality is far more complex.

In The Working Poor: Invisible in America, David Shipler delves into the lives of those who, despite working long hours, remain trapped in poverty. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds, including black, white, Hispanic, and Asian. Some have been in the country for generations, while others are recent immigrants. The reasons for their desperate situation are complex and multifaceted. While some may陷入 self-destructive cycles of behavior, others are truly and continuously ensnared by the cycles of poverty. Poor housing leads to bad health, which in turn affects employment and leads to debt, perpetuating the cycle of poor housing. It's not that they don't try; rather, the odds are stacked against them. Even a small setback or unexpected dilemma can completely derail their hopes of progress.

Shipler's work does not propose a grand national agenda like the War on Poverty. Instead, his account shows the problems with the proposed solutions so far. Welfare often involves intrusive bureaucracy and distorted incentives. Public education in impoverished areas has largely failed, and while there are incompetent teachers, the reality is that poverty is not just a material issue. There is also a deeper cultural poverty, as Shipler details, including a loss of hope and ambition. Some of the stories in the book are truly depressing, demonstrating how failure can be passed down through generations, with unparented children growing up to have their own unparented children. They lack not only the knowledge gained from twelve years of schooling but also basic life skills. However, there are also hopeful stories, such as the single parent who chose to embrace material poverty by refusing to work two jobs and instead focused on devoting time to her children, giving them the attention and instruction they needed. Although raising two children on a single wage was difficult, her children went on to succeed and escape poverty.

The Working Poor is a valuable book that shows that financial security is not simply a matter of working hard, and insecurity is not solely due to bad personal choices. While Shipler may be more sympathetic to the progressive view, he is not convinced that the government can provide a decisive solution. His work illustrates the complexity of the poverty problem, highlighting that it requires more than just throwing money at one program or another. The problems of poverty, including dismal education, high healthcare and housing costs, limited access to transportation, lack of available jobs, and the breakdown of family life, are all interconnected, and there is no easy solution. Despite the grim nature of the subject, the book is also filled with hopeful stories of struggle and resilience. Based on extensive interviews and Shipler's own research, it offers a comprehensive understanding of working-class poverty that is as close as one can get without experiencing it firsthand.

Related books include Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenrich, which details the author's attempt to live on minimum wage in three different states with little success, highlighting many of the same problems as The Working Poor, although family life was not a factor and she did not have to deal with state welfare offices. Another relevant book is Reefer Madness by Eric Schlosser, which sheds light on the dirty business of migrant agricultural labor.

There is absolutely nothing that I dislike about this book.

In America, no one who toils hard should have to endure poverty. This includes seamstresses, farm laborers, store clerks, and factory workers.

Shipler's book is remarkable as it gives a platform to these unheard voices, allowing them to speak in their own words.

It is of utmost importance that this book is read by all legislators and voters.

It was even a finalist for the National Book Award, I believe in 2003.

This recognition further emphasizes the significance and value of the book.

It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and hardships faced by those who work hard but still find themselves in difficult circumstances.

By reading this book, legislators can gain a better understanding of the issues and make more informed decisions that will have a positive impact on the lives of these individuals.

Voters, too, can become more aware of the reality and use their voices to advocate for change.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about social justice and equality in America.