50 Jobs in 50 States: One Man's Journey of Discovery Across America

When Seddiqui didn't get a job after graduating from USC he embarked on an ambitious and potentially illuminating trip across the country with $250 and a single requirement: "working a job that best represented the culture and economy of the state." Some jobs were enchanting: "rodeo announcer" in South Dakota, "sugar maker" in Vermont, where everything he ate "involved syrup." Some jobs were challenging: "meat packer" in Kansas, "roustabout" in Oklahoma. Occasionally, Seddiqui makes some interesting observations: "in Mississippi, it would be awkward to avoid saying hello to passing strangers, in New York, people barely make eye contact." But mostly, these tales of the road are as flat as tar macadam. For all his exuberance and enthusiasm in locating and procuring jobs, Seddiqui's written accounts lack verve. Despite his ambitious—and successful—undertaking (he parlayed this into a motivational speaking career), the book holds the reader's interest for about as long as each workplace held the author's, which isn't long enough. Illus. (Mar.)