In her thought-provoking nonfiction novel, Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich captivates readers as she explores whether or not they are single parents, dependent solely on what they can earn with their income minimum wage, can financially withstand the United States. He chooses to work as an "undercover" journalist to find out, firsthand, whether he can survive in some of America's most prominent urban areas. In the first city, Key West, Ehrenreich works at two separate restaurants and as house manager at a lodge. She soon discovers that being a waitress is a boring job, full of aching pain and little sleep. Later, Ehrenreich moves to Maine, the state where the low-wage workforce is virtually all white. Ehrenreich finds that even though Maine has more jobs available, the wages paid are similar to those in Key West. The last place Ehrenreich stays is Minnesota, where he has the most difficulty finding housing. In Minnesota, Ehrenreich discovers the arduous process of applying for a job he hadn't considered. Finally, Ehrenreich evaluates his overall experience in the minimum wage worker class. He concludes that the minimum wage lifestyle is unfair and difficult to address. Ehrenreich notes that government is also a factor to consider when dealing with low-income workers, as the government decides the minimum wage. It also indicates that markets are becoming increasingly expensive as low-income housing and jobs continually disappear. Nickel and Dimed provides a first-hand perspective on the experiences a low-wage worker may encounter. It also provides the reader with the knowledge that the minimum wage is not a “livable” wage. Ehrenreich's colleagues often find themselves... middle of paper... workers come into contact. This novel will make the reader question their financial choices and imagine themselves in the shoes of a minimum wage worker. It also highlights the complications many have just paying for housing and food in this country, while only making minimum wage. Ehrenreich discovers that even the most "menial" jobs require grueling physical and mental efforts and communicates this fact to the reader. Nickel and Dimed reveals low-wage America in all its tenacity and apprehension, as well as its liberality. Works Cited Ehrenreich, Barbara. Nickel and Dimed: How to (Not) Get Away in America. New York: Metropolitan, 2001. Print.Hanna, Jason, and Jim Kavanagh. “Minimum wage workers live on the edge.” CNN. Cable News Network, July 25, 2008. Web. December 2. 2013. .