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Sunday, March 28, 2021

NOMADLAND by Jessica Bruder

 NOMADLAND:
Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century
by
Jessica Bruder

    Nomadland, the movie currently nominated for a number of Academy Awards, is based on the book, Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, by Jessica Bruder. The book was a Discover Award winner, a New York Times Editors’ Choice and Notable Book, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, a Library Journal Top Ten Book, a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and a Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Selection. It was also a finalist for the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize and the Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism.

    Nomadland is about the new American migrant worker, some of the displaced older members of our society. This community of mobile laborers move around the country, following whatever employment opportunities they can find: for example, campground hosting positions; bringing in beet crops; and, seasonal work in Amazon warehouses. The majority of these new migrant workers are older Americans who have lost homes and jobs and who, despite qualifications, cannot locate new jobs. Many end up traveling and living in used RV's or vans to work these temporary, low paying positions in order to survive. These communities of migrants -- a new class of "retirees" in America -- seem to encompass all walks of life. They have created new families with others in similar situations, helping each other create a "home" in his/her RV or van, thankful that they are not homeless.

    Bruder befriended and followed these itinerant workers for three years. She bought her own used van to travel, work, and live with her subjects. So, the result of this time spent, namely Nomadland, is not a detached, academic study of a growing plight of older Americans; rather, the book is a heartfelt, insightful examination of the genesis of the problem. Although the situation described in the book can be depressing, the resilience shown by these people is remarkable. They face so many challenges -- for example, how to receive mail; how to obtain/maintain a valid driver's license; how to keep the RV/van warm (or cool); and, where to park without having to pay (and without being arrested) -- and it is incredible to read about the often ingenious methods used to resolve the problems they encounter.

    It is disconcerting to learn of this growing community. They are often unseen by most of us who have been unaware of their situation. But, Bruder does a great job introducing us to the issue, educating us as to what has been going on around us. Nomadland is well-written, thought provoking, and an all around powerful reading experience. Highly recommended.

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