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reviewed Nomadland by Jessica Bruder (Thorndike Press Large Print lifestyles)

Jessica Bruder: Nomadland (2018) 4 stars

From the North Dakota beet fields to California's National Forest campgrounds to Amazon's Texas CamperForce …

Review of 'Nomadland' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

I have to be honest, I technically listened to this whole audiobook, but I only did it with half an ear. I found the stories repetitive so I did the audio equivalent of skimming, letting my mind wander as I listened. People seem to love this book, but I feel like I could've gotten the same information and appreciation for the subject matter (retirees on the road, working seasonal jobs to try to bring in some money) through a concisely written article in The Atlantic.

The one thing that will stick with me from this book: when we're camping, I won't view the campground hosts the same. I always assumed that was a choice gig for retirees who just loved camping and getting to meet new people. I hadn't realized that they are generally responsible for cleaning the toilets, that many of them are doing it because they need the money, and that it pays a pittance.