Rust

More about the book

One woman's journey in the backbreaking steel industry reveals far more than just molten metal and harsh working conditions. In the mill's orange flame, she discovers hope for America's unity. Known as #6691: Utility Worker at ArcelorMittal Steel, Eliese never dreamed of this life. Fresh out of college and eager to escape her conservative hometown, she finds herself applying for a job at the local steel mill, her only chance for financial security in a struggling region. In Rust, Eliese Colette Goldbach invites readers into the heart of the mill and her Rust Belt upbringing. She reflects on her childhood and her struggle to reconcile her desire to leave with her love for the people who embody the unsung backbone of the nation. Faced with the promise of a steelworker's paycheck and the constant danger of her environment, Eliese unexpectedly finds warmth and camaraderie among the gruff men she works with daily. Appealing to fans of Hillbilly Elegy and Educated, this narrative reveals the humanity discovered in the most unlikely and challenging circumstances, igniting a sense of hope that begins to flourish amidst the harsh realities of life in the mill.