Books matching: harsh realities of poverty
46 result(s)
'$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America' by Kathryn J. Edin delves into the lives of the poorest individuals in America, showcasing their struggles to survive on minimal income. Through real cases, the author sheds light on the inefficiencies of social government departments and emphasizes the importance of enhancing essential public services. Edin presents a critical analysis of the consequences of government welfare policies, revealing the harsh realities faced by those living in extreme poverty. combines family stories with government statistics to paint a vivid picture of poverty in America and offers constructive solutions to address the issues at hand.
IT IS ONLY 8:00 A.M., half an hour ahead of opening time, but already a long line has formed outside the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) office, which sits on a barren block west of Chicag...'Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat' by Patricia Williams is a raw and insightful memoir that delves into the poverty-stricken childhood of Rabbit, a black woman who dares to dream and escape her challenging circumstances. The writing style is described as simple, raw, honest, and filled with humor, showcasing Rabbit's resilience, sense of humor, determination to survive, and desire for a better life that ultimately shapes her into the comedic phenomenon known as Ms. Pat today. The story reflects the harshness of Rabbit's environment, highlighting the normalization of truly horrific experiences which ultimately become life-affirming through Rabbit's fierce intelligence and rationale.
My granddaddy is the only black man I’ve ever met who was never broke a day in his life. He ran an illegal liquor house in Decatur, Georgia, selling moonshine for fifty cents a shot from behind a bar ...- #3
Save:L'Assommoir is a tragic and gritty portrayal of working-class life in 19th century Paris, focusing on the character Gervaise Macquart and her descent into poverty and alcoholism. The novel delves deep into the harsh realities of poverty, depicting abuse, despair, and the struggle for survival amidst societal vices. Zola's descriptive ability and character development create a vivid and immersive reading experience, showcasing the dark and unforgiving world of the poor in post-Revolutionary France.
Gervaise had waited up for Lantier until two in the morning. Then, shivering from having remained in a thin loose jacket, exposed to the fresh air at the window, she had thrown herself across the bed,...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Les Rougon-Macquart ) - #4
Save: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... - #5
Save:George Orwell's 'Down and Out in Paris and London' provides a vivid and compelling firsthand account of poverty in the early 20th century, as experienced by the author himself. Through detailed descriptions of his life in the slums of Paris and London, Orwell paints a brutal yet enlightening picture of the struggles faced by the impoverished individuals living in these cities. The book delves into the day-to-day challenges, the social structures enabling such poverty, and the resilience required to survive in such dire circumstances.
THE RUE DU COQ D’OR, Paris, seven in the morning. A succession of furious, choking yells from the street. Madame Monce, who kept the little hotel opposite mine, had come out onto the pavement to addre... '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...- #7
Save:'Maggie: A Girl of the Streets' by Stephen Crane is a poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by a young girl named Maggie in the late 1800s. The book delves into the harsh realities of poverty, societal expectations, and the consequences of falling for the wrong man. Through Crane's gaunt and transparent writing style, readers are transported to the gritty streets of the Bowery, where Maggie's tragic fate unfolds amidst the backdrop of prostitution, crime, and the relentless cycle of poverty.
The narrative follows Maggie's journey as she navigates the perils of Rum Alley, grappling with the challenges posed by her dysfunctional family, societal prejudices, and the harsh realities of urban life. Crane's ability to capture the colloquial dialect of the Bowery, along with his profound insights into the struggles of the underprivileged, elevates 'Maggie: A Girl of the Streets' beyond a mere morality tale, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of a young woman's descent into destitution and despair.
Howls of renewed wrath went up from Devil’s Row throats. Tattered gamins on the right made a furious assault on the gravel heap. On their small, convulsed faces there shone the grins of true assassins... - #8
Save:'There are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America' by Alex Kotlowitz follows the lives of two black boys living in poverty in the crime-ridden Henry Horner projects of 1980s Chicago. The narrative evokes sympathy for the children who face the consequences of their parents' poor choices, poverty, and the harsh realities of their environment. The writing style is described as straightforward reportage that delivers the stories with a powerful impact, avoiding sentimentalism and romanticization of the struggles these individuals endure.
captures the struggles of inner-city poverty, the challenges faced by the children in the projects, and the systemic failures that contribute to their difficult circumstances. Readers are taken on a journey through the lives of these children, their families, and their community, highlighting the impact of poor parenting, environment, and poverty on their futures. The detailed depiction of life in the projects, the failures of various institutions, and the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters create a compelling and eye-opening narrative that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities.
NINE-YEAR-OLD Pharoah Rivers stumbled to his knees. “Give me your hand,” ordered his older brother, Lafeyette, who was almost twelve. “Give me your hand.” Pharoah reached upward and grabbed hold of hi... - #9
Save:"A Burning" by Megha Majumdar is a riveting debut novel set in present-day India, focusing on the intertwined lives of three characters: Jivan, a young Muslim woman falsely accused of terrorism after a train bombing; Lovely, a hijra aspiring actress; and PT Sir, a gym teacher entangled in right-wing politics. The story delves into themes of class, corruption, justice, and sacrifice, showcasing the harsh realities of modern Indian society through deep character analysis and powerful narratives. Majumdar's writing style is described as hauntingly painful, deceptively simple, and thought-provoking, offering a poignant reflection on the consequences of social judgments and political mishaps.
“Eight thirty,” he is grumbling, because he is not wishing to share with me the fruits of his wristwatch. Leave him. I am abandoning my stylish walk and running like a horse to the local railway stati... - #10
Save:'The Space Between Us' by Thrity Umrigar is a novel that delves into the lives of two women, Sera and Bhima, living in Bombay, India. Sera, a middle-class Parsi widow, and Bhima, her Hindu domestic servant, navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives, bound by betrayals, love for their children, and societal class boundaries. Through flashbacks, the author skillfully reveals how their present circumstances have been shaped, exploring themes of love, betrayal, family, and friendship against the backdrop of modern-day Bombay. The book sheds light on the impact of rigid class divisions in India and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society.
Rolling onto her left side on the thin cotton mattress on the floor, she sits up abruptly, as she does every morning. She lifts one bony hand over her head in a yawn and a stretch, and a strong, milde...
