Books matching: extreme poverty
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- #1
Angela's Ashes is a powerful memoir by Frank McCourt that delves into his childhood growing up in poverty in Limerick, Ireland. The book vividly portrays the struggles faced by the McCourt family, including extreme poverty, alcoholism, and loss of siblings. Despite the bleak circumstances, McCourt's writing style combines humor with tragedy, offering a poignant and emotional account of his upbringing.
The narrative follows Frank McCourt from his boyhood to his late teens, chronicling the hardships and adversities he faced while highlighting moments of resilience and hope. Through McCourt's honest and raw storytelling, readers are immersed in the bleak yet sometimes hopeful world of a poverty-stricken Irish family, offering a unique perspective on survival, family dynamics, and the impact of poverty on childhood.
My father and mother should have stayed in New York where they met and married and where I was born. Instead, they returned to Ireland when I was four, my brother, Malachy, three, the twins, Oliver an... - #2
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that delves into Walls' tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty with two unstable and neglectful parents. Walls details astounding anecdotes of her unconventional upbringing, showcasing a family that lived an offbeat, nonconformist lifestyle. The book portrays the struggles of the author and her siblings as they navigate through a challenging and unusual childhood, fending for themselves and raising each other while their parents prioritize their own desires over responsibilities.
Walls' writing style is described as compelling, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into her story with vivid descriptions and a witty voice. The book offers a window into a world that many readers may never experience, shedding light on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds through a series of shocking and heart-wrenching events, leaving readers both saddened and inspired by the author's journey from a difficult past to an uncertain future.
I WAS SITTING IN a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster. It was just after dark. A blustery March wind whipped the ... 'Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity' by Katherine Boo is a narrative nonfiction book that provides a vivid portrayal of life in the slums of Mumbai, specifically in Annawadi. The book follows the struggles of the inhabitants living in extreme poverty, facing corruption, violence, and squalor. Through detailed storytelling and extensive research, Boo delves into the daily realities and challenges faced by the residents, offering a haunting glimpse into their lives.
The book is praised for its unique narrative style that reads like fiction, despite being nonfiction. Boo's writing is described as gripping and immersive, allowing readers to connect with the characters and empathize with their hardships. The author's ability to present the harsh truths of life in the Mumbai slums with authenticity and depth leaves a lasting impact on readers, challenging their perspectives on poverty, corruption, and survival.
Let it keep, the moment when Officer Fish Lips met Abdul in the police station. Rewind, see Abdul running backward, away from the station and the airport, toward home. See the flames engulfing a disab...- #4
'The Beans of Egypt, Maine' by Carolyn Chute is a raw and unflinching portrayal of rural poverty, focusing on the hardscrabble lives of the Bean family. The book delves into themes of extreme poverty, questionable relationships, and the harsh realities of life in rural Maine. The writing style is described as matter-of-fact, primitive yet pleasant, and filled with captivating imagery that immerses the reader into the lives of the characters.
The plot of the book follows the multi-generational tribe of hillbillies in rural Maine, showcasing a collection of interrelated short stories that depict the struggles and challenges faced by the Bean clan. The author's closeness to the lifestyle she writes about shines through in the believable portrayal of poverty, ignorance, and the fierce independence that characterizes the Bean family.
WE’VE GOT a ranch house. Daddy built it. Daddy says it’s called RANCH ’cause it’s like houses out West which cowboys sleep in. There’s a picture window in all ranch houses and if you’re in one of ’em ... - #5
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner is a memoir that dives into the harrowing experiences of the author growing up in a polygamist community in Mexico. Through clear-eyed prose and unwavering courage, Wariner recounts the hardships and abuse faced by her family, showcasing her survival and ability to thrive despite the adversities. The book offers a detailed and vivid account of Ruth's challenging childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, highlighting themes of resilience, courage, and the human spirit.
I am my mother’s fourth child and my father’s thirty-ninth. I grew up in Colonia LeBaron, a small town in the Mexican countryside 200 miles south of El Paso, Texas. The colony, as we called it, was fo... - #6
The Brave by Gregory McDonald tells the heart-wrenching story of Rafael, an alcoholic father of three who, in a desperate attempt to provide for his family and the residents of Morgantown, agrees to participate in a snuff film. The book explores themes of sacrifice, poverty, and the impact of extreme living conditions on individuals. Despite some disturbing and graphic scenes, the novel is praised for its poignant portrayal of Rafael's character, his unwavering sense of honor, and the harsh realities he faces.
- #7
'Gods of Howl Mountain' by Taylor Brown is a gritty country noir novel set in the Southern Mountains just after the Korean War. The story follows Rory, a young disabled Korean war veteran and moonshine runner, as he navigates the violent and atmospheric world of Howl Mountain. The plot revolves around Rory's involvement in moonshine trade, his interactions with colorful characters like Granny Mae and Eustace, and the unfolding consequences of Granny May's feud with a rival moonshiner. The writing style is described as beautiful and powerful, with finely layered characters and a setting that immerses the reader in the mountains of northwest North Carolina.
The machine started at dusk, headlights slashing their way down the old switchbacks that ribbed the mountain’s slopes, thunder and echo of thunder vaulting through the ridges and hollers on every side... - #8
"The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck is a captivating novel that follows the life of the honest farmer Wang Lung and his selfless wife Olan in China during the last emperor's rule. The story spans generations, depicting the family's struggles, rises, and falls amidst famine, crime, and social obstacles. The narrative delves into themes of hard work, determination, love, greed, and the cyclical nature of life, offering a rich portrayal of Chinese village life and the societal changes occurring at that time.
The book is written in a simple yet profound style that draws readers into the world of Wang Lung and his family, showcasing the complexities of human relationships, ambitions, and moral dilemmas. Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, Pearl S. Buck provides a deep insight into Chinese culture, traditions, and the universal struggles of individuals striving for a better life amidst adversity and societal pressures.
IT WAS WANG LUNG’S marriage day. At first, opening his eyes in the blackness of the curtains about his bed, he could not think why the dawn seemed different from any other. The house was still except ... 'The London Hanged: Crime and Civil Society in the Eighteenth Century' by Peter Linebaugh is a detailed exploration of the British justice system during the mid-eighteenth century, focusing on the Tyburn era. Linebaugh presents various perspectives on the law, including those of sailors, butchers, tailors, and prostitutes. delves into the intricacies of working-class life juxtaposed against the laws dictated by the elites, shedding light on social injustices and the manipulation of the legal system.
Linebaugh's writing style is described as narrative, blending anecdotes, statistics, and jargon from the era to provide a vivid and powerful depiction of life in London during the 18th century. The author utilizes various sources, from political pamphlets to the works of John Locke, to analyze the socio-economic developments of the time and their relation to the prevailing ideology, demonstrating the application of historical materialism for a holistic examination of society.
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond is a detailed exploration of the lives of individuals facing eviction in Milwaukee, shedding light on the struggles of both tenants and landlords. Desmond's writing style combines personal accounts and thorough research to provide a compelling narrative that captures the complexities of poverty and the housing market. Through intimate stories and insightful analysis, the book offers a poignant look at the impact of extreme poverty and the challenges faced by those without adequate support systems.
Before the city yielded to winter, as cold and gray as a mechanic’s wrench, before Arleen convinced Sherrena Tarver to let her boys move into the Thirteenth Street duplex, the inner city was crackling...