They are not homeless. They are nomads. Rubber tramps. Vandwellers. Workampers. They've given up rent and mortgages in order to survive on less. They live migratory lives, following seasonal jobs while stealth camping and boondocking. They've exchanged real estate for wheel estate. And many are retirees.
This book is a fascinating look at a growing segment of the population who have given up on the traditional American dream and found a different way to live. A life on the road. A life that costs less. Many lost their homes in 2008 when the housing market crashed. Others lost their jobs and pensions because of the recession that followed. All found that minimum wage jobs and their meager social security payments did not go far enough. But they haven't given up. They're resilient, and creative, and they've championed a new nomadic way of life.
"Being human means yearning for more than subsistence. As much as food or shelter, we require hope. And there is hope on the road. It's a by-product of forward momentum. A sense of opportunity, as wide as the country itself. A bone-deep conviction that something better will come. It's just ahead, in the next town, the next gig, the next chance encounter with a stranger."
Though this way of life is certainly not easy, there's something about becoming this type of nomad that's appealing; I like the idea of having that kind of freedom. And I wouldn't mind trying it for a month or two. But for the rest of my life? I don't think I could do it. I'd find the uncertainty, the worry over money, and the constant struggle to survive too hard. But I admire those who do succeed at it. This is an amazing read about an equally amazing and interesting bunch of people. I loved it.
Happy Reading!
Similar read that I'm thinking about checking out next:
I'm fascinated by this. One of our comedians did a stint in a campervan in the US for a documentary about nomads and it was so interesting. Must try to get a copy of this.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really good book. I think you'd like it! :D
DeleteIt is a interesting choice and way of life. I think it definitely takes a riskier kind of personality to try this.
ReplyDeleteThere are some parts of this book that really appealed to me, but I know I could never live like that myself. I'm not that brave.
DeleteI couldn't do it, but most of the people who resorted to this life didn't have much of a choice. It is an excellent book that reveals the extent the 2008 crash affected people. The bits about Amazon workers were especially saddening and informative.
ReplyDeleteNo, they didn't have many options, did they? That was the sad part of this book. And my nephew worked at an Amazon warehouse last summer, so I know some of their practices have changed, but it's still a really hard job. I couldn't do it.
DeleteInteresting! I admire people who can live like that. You'd have to be creative and care-free. I couldn't do it. I need stability like I need air.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't be that carefree and without any stability in my life for very long either. I'd never be able to relax living that way.
DeleteThis is an interesting book. We have a camper and sometimes camp out in the Arizona desert during the winter and we run across many campers who do it full time! Such an interesting, but difficult life.
ReplyDeleteFull time would be so hard. Especially these days with the all the rising prices!
DeleteI'm with you. I wouldn't mind trying this for a little while, but I imagine it wouldn't take long for me to want to get back to a more consistent and stable life. Very interesting though! And I admire people who can do it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I like stability, too. And also security and comfort! But it's a fascinating way of life to read and think about.
DeleteI haven't read the book but saw the movie with Frances McDormand starring. It was one of the best things I saw last year.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see the movie now; Frances McDormand is such a good actress!
DeleteI'm pretty sure I could never do that. Sounds like an interesting book though.
ReplyDeleteIt was really fascinating.
DeleteI was definitely interested in the movie made from this but didn't get around to seeing it. I hadn't realized there was a book.
ReplyDeleteI heard about the book first before I knew there was a movie, and now that I've read the book I really want to see the movie. :D
DeleteI agree, that kind of living does sound intriguing!
ReplyDeleteRight? I mean not forever, but for a little while. :)
DeleteIs this what the movie was based on? It looked kind of depressing, but from you review, it sounds like I might find the book interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe book is fascinating and so well done! And oddly enough, not depressing, even though sad things happen in it. I think it's because the people Bruder writes about are so optimistic and resilient and hopeful.
DeleteMakes me wonder how many people are always on the road these days, apart from the vacationers in RVs.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know how many people are living this nomadic lifestyle! I bet the number is higher than we think.
DeleteI totally agree, I wouldn't mind traveling about a month or two, but I don't think I could live that kind of life long term. Sounds interesting, though. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a very interesting book! One I would even read again.
DeleteI've been really curious about this and just recently saw that there's a movie version, which I want to see. There is a certain romantic notion to living like this even though I'm sure the reality is much different, but if some people are happy doing it yay for that! I'm sure some have adapted t this lifestyle involuntarily, and that's hat I'm curious about.
ReplyDeleteMany of the people in this book came to try this lifestyle because of housing and money challenges. But what I liked is that they found a community of other 'nomads' who were very supportive and caring.
DeleteThis does sound fascinating. I can't imagine living like this long-term, but I commend those who are able to make it work.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't live this way long-term either, but part of me would like to give it a try for a little while. :)
DeleteSoubds like both an interesting and an informative read. I don't think I'm able to live like this for a long time; and I really feel for those people who have no choice and have to live that way.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that so many feel like this is their only option because they can't afford anything else.
DeleteThis would prove interesting insight into this generation and the decision to go on the road. (I tried to watch the movie of the same name, but not of this book necessarily, but couldn’t)
ReplyDeleteI think the movie is loosely based on this book, but with a fictionalized main character. Although three of the actual people from the book appear in the movie.
DeleteI thought the movie was great, and I'm sure I would like the book, but I simply have no desire to become a nomad. I'm so rooted that even being away from home for more than 2 weeks makes me anxious.
ReplyDeleteI'm happiest at home, too, but every once in awhile I wish I could be more spontaneous and free and wander like these nomads do. Not forever. But I'd like to see what it feels like just once.
DeleteI guess I'm pretty rooted too. But wouldn't mind trying to nomadland life for a couple months. I loved the movie. But was sad that many struggle hard to make it.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a hard struggle to live that way! But also interesting. :)
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