Nickel and Dimed

by Barbara Ehrenreich
Nickel and Dimed cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 605
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780965187701
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Nickel and Dimed,' Barbara Ehrenreich embarks on a daring experiment: she leaves her comfortable life as a journalist and takes on minimum-wage jobs to see if she can survive on such a meager income. Posing as a single woman with no children, she works as a waitress, a hotel maid, and a Walmart sales associate, all while trying to make ends meet. Her experiences reveal the stark realities of the working poor, from the physical toll of the jobs to the constant struggle to afford basic necessities. Ehrenreich's account is not just a personal story, but a powerful critique of the American economy and the policies that keep millions of workers in poverty. /n/n The book is a compelling blend of investigative journalism and personal narrative, offering a unique perspective on the lives of those who often go unnoticed. Ehrenreich's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making 'Nickel and Dimed' a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges faced by the working poor in America. Her insights are timely and relevant, shedding light on issues that continue to shape our society today.

Reviews
Spirituality and Practice · 2026-03-10
powerful 4.50

The book exposes the shadow side of American capitalism where hard-working people with low-paying jobs can't make ends meet. It is a powerful statement on the need for change.

This reviewer highlights how Nickel and Dimed exposes the harsh realities of American capitalism, where hard-working individuals with low-paying jobs struggle to make ends meet. They describe the book as a powerful statement on the need for change and social awareness. The reviewer appreciates Ehrenreich's courage in undertaking this investigation and the impact it has on our understanding of economic inequality. They believe it's a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and economic reform.

Quick quotes

    Exposes the shadow side of American capitalism where hard-working people with low-paying jobs can't make ends meet.

    It is a powerful statement on the need for change and social awareness.

    The book is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and economic reform.

The Mistress of Books · 2021-05-08
electrifying 4.50

The book is electrifying due to the case studies Ehrenreich presents, making it far from depressing. It highlights the struggles of low-wage workers in a compelling way.

This reviewer found Nickel and Dimed to be far from a depressing read, thanks to the compelling case studies Ehrenreich includes. They appreciate how Ehrenreich uses these stories to shed light on the harsh realities of low-wage work in America. The book is described as electrifying and engaging, providing a powerful commentary on the economic struggles faced by many. They believe it's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the underbelly of American capitalism.

Quick quotes

    Far from being a depressing read, Nickel and Dimed is electrifying because of the case studies Ehrenreich has picked out.

    She uses these stories to highlight the struggles of low-wage workers in a compelling way.

    The book is a powerful commentary on the economic struggles faced by many.

A Little Blog of Books · 2020-02-02
eye-opening 4.50

This book is a gripping account of the struggles faced by low-wage workers, highlighting the harsh realities of survival on minimum wage. The narrative is both eye-opening and deeply moving, offering a stark look at the challenges of the working poor.

The reviewer found this book to be an eye-opening exploration of the daily struggles faced by those working in low-wage jobs. They appreciate how the author immerses herself in various roles to provide a firsthand account of the difficulties and indignities of living on such a meager income. The reviewer also notes that the book's relevance has not diminished over time, as many of the issues it addresses continue to plague the working poor today. They commend the author for her courage and honesty in exposing these harsh realities, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the plight of the working class.

Quick quotes

    An impressive and still relevant piece of undercover journalism about the realities of minimum wage work.

    The narrative is both eye-opening and deeply moving.

    The book's relevance has not diminished over time.

The Guardian · 2002-07-27
extraordinary 4.00

The book is an extraordinary achievement that exposes the mundane yet depressing terrain of low-wage life. It is a significant contribution to undercover reportage.

This reviewer considers Nickel and Dimed an extraordinary achievement, despite the depressing mundanity of the terrain it covers. They highlight the book's significance as a piece of undercover reportage, providing a stark look into the lives of those struggling to make ends meet on low wages. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Ehrenreich's investigation and the impact it has on our understanding of economic inequality.

Quick quotes

    By anyone's standards, Nickel and Dimed is an extraordinary achievement.

    Though the terrain is depressingly mundane, the book's significance lies in its undercover reportage.

    It provides a stark look into the lives of those struggling to make ends meet on low wages.

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