August Book Club: American Made by Farah Stockman

For August, Mikel has selected American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears by Farah Stockman.

In American Made, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Farah Stockman follows three workers whose lives are changed when the Indianapolis factory where they work closes. As they face the loss of jobs that once provided stability, purpose and a sense of belonging, each person must decide what comes next.

The book looks beyond the economic effects of a factory closing. It explores the role work can play in a person’s identity, relationships and place within a community. It also examines how job loss can affect families and neighborhoods long after the final day of work.

Work provides an income, but it can also create routine, connection and pride. Losing a stable job can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, especially when comparable opportunities are not available nearby.

Through the experiences of three workers, Stockman explores difficult questions about economic change, race, class, opportunity and the value placed on different kinds of work. Their stories show that major economic decisions are never only about numbers. They have lasting consequences for the people and communities involved.

These themes connect closely with the work of community organizations. Financial instability can quickly affect a household’s ability to afford food, housing, transportation, and other necessities. Understanding the circumstances behind that instability can help us respond to our neighbors with greater empathy.

As you read, consider these questions:

• How does work shape a person’s identity and sense of belonging?

• What support should be available when stable jobs disappear?

• How does the loss of a major employer affect an entire community?

• Did one of the three workers’ stories stand out to you most?

• Did the book change the way you think about unemployment or economic change?

  
  

Share your thoughts in the comments on our social media post or send the Council a message. We would love to hear what stood out to you.