The book is a firsthand journalistic account of the author's experiment to survive on minimum wage jobs in America. She gives up her middle-class life to understand the reality of low-wage workers, working as a waitress, a hotel maid, a cleaning woman, a nursing home aide, and a retail chain employee. The book reveals the harsh and often overlooked conditions of the working poor, highlighting the struggle to afford even basic necessities, the lack of job security, and the physical toll of such work.

The book is an insider's account of the culinary world, revealing the harsh realities of restaurant kitchens. The author, a professional chef, shares his personal experiences, the good and the bad, in a brutally honest and witty manner. He provides an unvarnished look at the industry, from the chaotic kitchen environment and the high-pressure service, to the eccentric characters he has worked with. The book also includes his reflections on food culture, cooking techniques, and his own journey in the culinary field.

This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the European financial crisis from the perspective of a former Greek finance minister. It offers an insider's view of the negotiations and power plays that took place between Greece and its international creditors during the country's economic crisis. The book reveals the author's struggles against the austerity measures imposed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, and his eventual resignation when he realized the futility of his efforts. It is a critique of the European Union's economic policies and a plea for more democracy in global finance.