Nomadland by Jessica Bruder and why you should read it

“The last free place in America is a parking spot.”
I just finished Jessica Bruder's "Nomadland," where she shares stories about the disappearing middle class and the growing number of people living in vehicles across the US. In particular, the story is about Linda, a woman who seemed to be doing everything right in life, but like many people Bruder met, fell on hard times, moved out of her home and into a series of RVs following the 2008 recession.
This book was eye-opening. In particular, I wasn't aware of the working conditions at Amazon warehouses and how they've taken advantage of retired nomads. I deleted everything in my Amazon cart after I read about this...and then sadly bought something on Amazon a week later because I couldn't find it locally.
While parts of the book are shocking and depressing, Bruder weaves in hopeful notes inspired by her interviews with nomads. New ways of living and developing communities, building sustainably, supporting the retired population.
“Being human means yearning for more than subsistence. As much as food or shelter, we require hope.”