You know the aspects of life you’re only aware of when they’re not working correctly? How you never think of air traffic controllers until your flight is delayed (speaking from personal experience on this one)? In Hidden America, Laskas does a deep-dive into the industries that don’t sit front-and-center of the American conscious, illuminating what it’s like to work in the industries most Americans forget about.
I discovered this book randomly when looking for a new audiobook, and I was pleasantly surprised by the thoroughness of the research, the perspective and insight it gave to the inner-workings of American industries that I had never really considered, and how much interest and investment Laskas gave to her subjects. This was not a removed research account, written miles away from the subjects. No, Laskas gets up close and personal to the people and the industries that she covers, doing life with them, learning about them as much as about their jobs.
From truck drivers, to oil rigs, to cheerleaders, to a gun shop, each chapter is a mini-documentary on the people who work in the jobs we forget about. The book was a quick read and one that I was sad to have end. Laskas beautifully balances a personable yet professional voice, intriguing the reader with each story she tells. Would definitely read if you’re looking for a quick non-fiction read.
2% Rating: 8/10
Recommend? Definitely
Re-Read? Maybe!
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