The Sad Demise of the American Middle Class

Mark and Rosalyn Reese, and their 17-year-old son Jacob, are solid Middle-Class citizens living in northern California: with seemingly secure jobs, they have two cars, and are buying a house, as well as setting money aside for Jacob’s upcoming college education. But when Rosalyn unexpectedly loses her job, she is unable to find another with a comparable salary. Suddenly, the financial world of the Reeses seemingly collapses, and they must struggle desperately simply to find affordable housing. And then, in early 2020: the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hits the country, causing a mass ’Shutdown’ of businesses, government offices, and schools. Without warning, U.S. citizens must now cope with unemployment, working from home, and ’distance learning, ’ as well as with safety protocols such as wearing protective masks, practicing ’social distancing, ’ and avoiding crowds. The whole country seems to be in turmoil, and mass protests against social injustice only add to the unrest. A uniquely contentious 2020 national election creates even further divisions among the people, sharply dividing citizens into ’Blue State’ or ’Red State’ alliances, ’pro-vaxx’ and ’anti-vaxx’ factions, as well as controversies over the growing economic inequality in the country. As real as the events of today’s headlines, the Reeses struggle to maintain their dignity and familial love in an increasingly uncertain world, which has a frequently harrowing future outlook. In this heartfelt and stimulating book, you can join them in their search for hope, security, and support, in a political and social environment that seems to work against them and their entire ’social class’ at every turn.