Welcome to Litsy!

Last year I read Nickel and Dimed with my seniors. While I thought it was good for them to read about experiences they may not be that close to, I did find her book a bit meh. I wanted them to read more about the people living these lives and less about a fairly affluent person play acting. I‘m hoping this is good and I can use it in class this year!

This is a brilliant idea: a fair labor practices designation for colleges and universities! #labor #business #economics #education

Wait a minute! Richard Nixon supported Universal Basic Income (UBI)?????

A very important and difficult book. But there is hope.

This book is a good starting point for how income inequality affects ordinary lives. The other night I heard on the Nightly Business Report that “the economy is firing on all cylinders.” And I thought, really?! It‘s not for most people in southern Indiana. So read this book and join the conversation! Are we as ordinary people going to continue to accept being squeezed?

Great book looking at the struggles of the middle class. The observations that we don‘t care about care- day care, maternity leave, health care, adjunct professor, etc- was spot on. The Uber teacher chapter and 24 hour day cares were really interesting. It just corroborated my fear that the only American value that is promoted currently is making money- no matter the impact on our workers (or environment). Great reporting!

1. Elizabeth George
2. John Steinbeck
3. Mary Roach
4. Harper Lee ... Pulitzer

I don‘t think I‘ve ever read a nonfiction book that had me nodding in agreement the whole time. Maybe b/c I see pieces of myself in every single chapter, as I assume most people would. This book is dead-on-balls accurate about the middle class, working class, and everyone else struggling. It‘s timely, relevant, thorough and as an added bonus, she makes no secret about her disdain for and the role 45 plays in this mess. I need more room to discuss

Highly recommend. I appreciate that Quart isn‘t afraid to put the blame where it belongs-on our Government.

I stopped my #24in48 clock at 11:35. Four books read, one book started and currently reading. I didn‘t expect to get to 24 hours and I am happy with what I did, especially for my first time participating. It‘s an overwhelming challenge but I‘m glad I gave it a try.

Starting this. After minor book slump, I think this is exactly what I need...although it‘s sure to stress me out.

Here are the stories of working people who can't seem to get ahead. The issues explored include pregnancy discrimination, for-profit college scams, skyrocketing student debt, predatory midlife reinvention courses, gig economy jobs instead of stable jobs, automation, devalued caregiving and the list goes on. Worthwhile to consider these, though I'm not sure about ideas like co-parenting and guaranteed basic income. So discussion ready

Happy Hump Day! It's been a minute since I've posted on here. I've been busy enjoying the beautiful Maryland summer. I just started reading this book last week. I should be finished reading it by the end of the week. This book reminds me of Sarah Kendzior‘s ”The View from Flyover Country”. If you haven't read it, you should.

A sort-of Nickel and Dimed but for struggling/downwardly mobile middle-class, educated, under-employed families. It is very well-researched, although she stays primarily within the confines of two-partner M/F families and single moms (rarely, single dads), and lots to think about - although if you already have a lot of anxiety about debt, income, future earnings, job stability etc., this will probably exacerbate that, it's not a calming book.