Books matching: great depression
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"Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" by Studs Terkel is a collection of oral histories from individuals who lived through the Great Depression in the 1930s. The interviews range from touching to depressing to amusing, providing a wide perspective on the era. Terkel interviewed a diverse range of people, including the rich, poor, young, old, politicians, and ordinary citizens, offering insights into how the Depression shaped American society. reflects on the social turbulence of the 1960s while looking back at the 1930s, highlighting the individual experiences and perceptions of the time.
THIS IS A MEMORY BOOK, rather than one of hard fact and precise statistic. In recalling an epoch, some thirty, forty, years ago, my colleagues experienced pain, in some instances; exhilaration, in oth...- #2
Texas, 1934. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl have brought immense hardships to farmers like Elsa Martinelli. Forced to choose between fighting for her land or seeking a better life in California, Elsa embarks on a journey that tests her courage and resilience. 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah is a poignant portrayal of America during a time of struggle and sacrifice, seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose story defines a generation. The novel delves into themes of love, family, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream amidst adversity and despair.
Elsa Wolcott had spent years in enforced solitude, reading fictional adventures and imagining other lives. In her lonely bedroom, surrounded by the novels that had become her friends, she sometimes da... - #3
'The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl' by author Timothy Egan is a gripping narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of families and communities during the Dust Bowl era in America. Egan brilliantly captures the catastrophic events of blinding black dust blizzards, crop failures, and the struggles of individuals to survive through the darkest years of the Depression. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the resilience and hardships faced by the stoic men and women who braved the relentless dust storms and economic turmoil, painting a poignant picture of a devastating environmental and human tragedy.
Egan's writing style in 'The Worst Hard Time' has been praised for its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and the ability to humanize the characters who lived through the Dust Bowl. not only provides a historical account of the era but also offers insights into the political, environmental, and societal factors that contributed to the disaster. By focusing on personal narratives and intimate details, Egan brings to life the struggles, sacrifices, and courage of those who endured the unimaginable challenges of the Dust Bowl, making it a compelling and informative read for anyone interested in American history.
THEY HAD BEEN on the road for six days, a clan of five bouncing along in a tired wagon, when Bam White woke to some bad news. One of his horses was dead. It was the nineteenth-century equivalent of a ... 'The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression' by Amity Shlaes provides a fresh perspective on the Great Depression, focusing on the political thinking and policies of the time rather than solely on economic analysis. The book delves into the contradictory and arbitrary actions of FDR, shedding light on the complexities of the era. It challenges common historical narratives by exploring how government intervention may have prolonged the depression, ultimately leading to the economic recovery brought about by World War II.
FLOODS CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY, and the Flood of 1927 was no exception. When the waters of the Mississippi broke through banks and levees that spring, the disaster was enormous. A wall of water p...- #5
In the late 1930s during the Great Depression, the book 'Whose Names Are Unknown' by Sanora Babb tells the story of families from the Oklahoma panhandle facing drought and dust storms, forcing them to migrate to California in search of a better life. The novel focuses on the struggles, hardships, and mistreatment faced by these migrant families, offering a poignant and realistic portrayal of the Dust Bowl era. Babb's writing style is described as clean, with realistic dialogue and characterization that brings the characters and their experiences to life, making it a powerful and moving read.
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'Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression' by Mildred Armstrong Kalish is a memoir that vividly portrays the author's childhood experiences growing up on a farm in Iowa during the 1930s. Through a series of anecdotes, Kalish describes the daily life, chores, and challenges faced by her family during the Great Depression, highlighting the resilience, resourcefulness, and strong work ethic that defined their existence. The writing style is plain, forthright, and detail-oriented, providing a glimpse into a bygone era where thriftiness, hard work, and family values were paramount.
Grandpa and Grandma must have had some unspoken, perhaps even unrecognized, resentment at having toiled all their lives raising their own family, only to be confronted with the inescapable fact that n... 'Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World' by Liaquat Ahamed delves into the financial affairs between the wars, focusing on the chief central bankers of the US, Great Britain, Germany, and France. It highlights the decisions and policies made by these bankers that ultimately led to the Great Depression, exploring the consequences of returning to the gold standard and the impact of war reparations on Germany. The narrative provides a compelling and convincing account of the conflicting ambitions and duties faced by the bankers, painting a vivid picture of the individuals involved and their roles in shaping the global financial landscape.
IN 1914, London stood at the center of an elaborate network of international credit, built upon the foundations of the gold standard. The system had brought with it a remarkable expansion of trade and...- #8
'Tobacco Road' by Erskine Caldwell is a dark comedy set in the southern US during the Great Depression, focusing on the impoverished Lester family in rural Georgia. The book portrays extreme poverty, ignorance, and harsh living conditions faced by the characters, presenting a satirical and exaggerated depiction of their struggles. The writing style is described as powerful and nauseating, with scenes of casual homicide, sexual violence, and graphic details that aim to evoke strong emotions from the readers.
The plot revolves around the Lesters' daily life of survival, their dehumanization due to poverty, and their interactions with the community, which is portrayed as an extended joke on poor country individuals. Despite the grim portrayal of the characters and their circumstances, the book is seen as a reflection of the hopelessness and desperation prevalent during the era, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the poor white sharecroppers in the South.
LOV BENSEY TRUDGED homeward through the deep white sand of the gully-washed tobacco road with a sack of winter turnips on his back. He had put himself to a lot of trouble to get the turnips; it was a ... - #9
'Bound for Glory' by Woody Guthrie is a compelling account of the author's life and the challenging times he lived in. The book offers an insightful and honest portrayal of Woody Guthrie's childhood, his experiences, and the circumstances of the era. Readers are taken on a journey back to rough times, vividly described by Woody Guthrie, who is praised for his storytelling abilities and for providing a brilliant depiction of the historical context. The book is noted for its relevance even in modern times, highlighting the struggles of the poor and offering a deeper understanding of America's past.
I could see men of all colors bouncing along in the boxcar. We stood up. We laid down. We piled around on each other. We used each other for pillows. I could smell the sour and bitter sweat soaking th... - #10
Rainwater by Sandra Brown is a heartwrenching story set in the Great Depression era, focusing on Ella Barron, a single mother running a boarding house in Gilead, Texas. The arrival of a new boarder, David Rainwater, brings significant changes to Ella's life, especially as he forms a bond with Ella's autistic son, Solly. The plot delves into the challenges of the time period, including racial tensions, economic hardships, and personal struggles, all while showcasing the growth and development of the characters in the narrative. The writing style is beautifully descriptive, capturing the setting and time period effectively, making the book an emotional and captivating read.
As on most mornings, sleep released her gradually a half hour before daylight. She yawned and stretched, her feet seeking cool spots between the sheets. But catching another forty winks was out of the...