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Apr 22, 2018Lucky1920 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I read this book for my book club. The writer certainly did her work by following the "Van Kampers" for 3 years, doing research. In doing so, I believe she may have portrayed them in a more positive light than most would hold them. Although this group denounces the traditional values of home ownership associated with the "American Dream," the ultimate dream of the protagonist, Linda, that ends the story, is to accomplish her own land, her own home. VanKampers or however one classifies them are the bane of the Seattle area at this time, although they do not adhere to the values stated by the group. Our area VanKampers have moved from sanctioned "homeless camps" to industrial areas, and now into residential areas. They say they enjoy better water/mountain views, parks, and better amenities--however they do this at the expense of residential homeowners who actually pay the taxes that fund these resources. When the Kampers are forced to leave, a wake of garbage, human waste, syringes and needles, and ecological damage is left behind. If one steps away from this book and takes a larger perspective, the picture painted here is a real nightmare.