In “Nomadland,” journalist Jessica Bruder tells the story of American seniors who have chosen to abandon their conventional lives in search of a more meaningful existence. These “escapees” are living on the road, traversing the country in RVs and vans, surviving on minimal income and often relying on odd jobs and shelters for food and shelter. What motivates them to leave behind all they know is not simply an urge for adventure, but a desperate need to find purpose in their later years. Bruder paints a sympathetic portrait of her subjects while also acknowledging the risks inherent in this way of life: illness, injury, or death can strike at any time when one is constantly living outdoors or making do with scarce resources. Ultimately though, what makes this book so compelling is Bruder’s own journey as she comes to understand just what it means to be searching for a home that may never materialize.
For who is this book for ?
“Nomadland” is a compelling read for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of American seniors, travel and tourism, or simply the search for meaning in life. Bruder’s intimate portraits of her subjects will leave readers with a greater understanding and compassion for those who have chosen to abandon traditional lifestyles in favor of something more fulfilling.
Pros :
- The author writes with sympathy and understanding towards the people she is writing about
- The book provides a compelling look at what life can be like for those who choose to abandon traditional lifestyles
- Bruder’s own journey is interesting and thought-provoking
Cons :
- The author could have gone into more detail about the people she interviewed.
- The book is a little bit slow in parts.
- Some readers may not be interested in stories of older people living unconventional lives
Learn more about the author
Journalist Jessica Bruder spent nearly four years living on the road with America’s “escapees”—seniors who have abandoned their conventional lives in search of a more meaningful existence. What began as a journalistic endeavor became, for Bruder, a deeply personal quest to understand what drove these men and women to give up everything they know in order to live nomadically. In “Nomadland,” she paints a sympathetic portrait of her subjects while also acknowledging the risks inherent in this way of life: illness, injury, or death can strike at any time when one is constantly living outdoors or making do with scarce resources.Ultimately though, what makes this book so compelling is Bruder’s own journey as she comes to understand just what it means to be searching for a home that may never materialize.
Reader Reviews
“A beautifully written and eye-opening book about the challenges and rewards of living a non-traditional life.”
“In the vein of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, Jessica Bruder’s Nomadland is a revelatory tale of finding oneself in America. A beautifully written and compassionate account of seniors who have chosen to abandon their conventional lives in search of a more meaningful existence on the road, Nomadland is also an insightful examination of our society today. With empathy and keen insight, Bruder shows us what it means to be searching for a home that may never materialize.”
“This book is a beautifully written and compelling account of the people who have chosen to abandon their conventional lives in search of a more meaningful existence . . .”
“Nomadland is a beautifully written, deeply felt journey into the heart of America’s hidden underclass. Bruder’s insights are eye-opening and her empathy for the people she meets never wavers. This is an important book about contemporary life in our rapidly changing country.”
