Books matching: poverty and addiction
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- #1
Save:Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a poignant novel set in Lee County, Virginia, during the height of the oxycodone crisis. The story follows the life of Demon Copperhead, from his birth to a single mother, through abuse, foster homes, teenage years as a football player, drug addiction, recovery, and new beginnings. Kingsolver expertly portrays the struggles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness in Appalachia, weaving a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
On any other day they’d have seen her outside on the deck of her trailer home, good neighbors taking notice, pestering the tit of trouble as they will. All through the dog-breath air of late summer an... - #2
Save:'Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx' by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc is a riveting and heartbreaking portrayal of poverty, addiction, and the vicious cycle that two families in the Bronx endure during the '80s. The author spent years living among the subjects of the book, providing a detailed and immersive look into their day-to-day struggles, showcasing the impacts of poverty and drug culture on their lives. LeBlanc's writing style is described as plain and unsentimental, with a focus on telling the in-depth stories of these families and the challenges they face in trying to survive.
The narrative follows the lives of these families over a span of years, shedding light on the harsh realities of growing up in the Bronx ghetto, where drug culture pervades every aspect of life. Through LeBlanc's research and close listening, readers are given a rare look at the world from the subjects' point of view, highlighting the struggles of poverty, teen pregnancy, addiction, and the challenges of breaking free from negative cycles. provides a compelling insight into the effects of poverty and the forces that impact the urban poor, offering a powerful and confronting exploration of life in the Bronx.
It was a double date: Elaine and Angel, Jessica and George. Jessica had agreed to meet this George under one condition. “If he’s ugly, bring me home at ten,” she said. The evening of January 23, 1988,... Poor: Grit, courage, and the life-changing value of self-belief by Katriona O'Sullivan is an incredible memoir about the author's harrowing journey from a troubled childhood to academic success. O'Sullivan reflects on her early life marked by poverty and addiction within her family, making it a powerful story of resilience. The narrative is engaging and brings the reader deep into the struggles she faced, making it hard to put the book down. Despite the serious themes, O'Sullivan's storytelling captures moments of hope as she finds mentors and support, ultimately breaking the cycle of despair she was born into.
- #4
Save:"On the Savage Side" by Tiffany McDaniel is a raw and haunting narrative that delves into the lives of twin sisters, Arcade and Daffodil, growing up in poverty and addiction. The story portrays the emotional, physical, and mental abuse they endure, seeking love and security in a world plagued by neglect and violence. The book weaves a tale of desperation, destruction, and the harsh realities faced by the characters as they navigate through a brutal and unforgiving environment.
The writing style in "On the Savage Side" is described as stunning, eerie, and poetic, capturing the essence of the characters' struggles with addiction, trauma, and societal neglect. The narrative alternates between past and present, portraying a vivid and shocking portrait of generational trauma, violence against women, and the devastating impacts of addiction on individuals and communities.
'Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis' by J.D. Vance is a memoir that offers a glimpse into the life of the author as a hillbilly, shedding light on the struggles of the white working class in rural America. The book delves into Vance's personal experiences growing up in the Rust Belt, highlighting issues such as unstable family structures, drug abuse, and the importance of strong family bonds. Vance reflects on the culture of poverty and the challenges faced by individuals trying to break free from its cycle, drawing parallels between his own upbringing and the broader societal issues affecting working-class whites.
The narrative of 'Hillbilly Elegy' oscillates between being a personal memoir and a sociological study, providing insights into the complexities of the white working class while also sharing Vance's journey of overcoming obstacles to achieve success. The author's writing style is described as direct, honest, and compelling, offering a raw portrayal of life in Appalachia and the struggles faced by individuals trying to navigate poverty, addiction, and limited opportunities for advancement.
Like most small children, I learned my home address so that if I got lost, I could tell a grown-up where to take me. In kindergarten, when the teacher asked me where I lived, I could recite the addres...- #6
Save:Tristessa by Jack Kerouac is a short, highly personal, and deeply moving novel that delves into the tragic love story between the narrator and Tristessa, a morphine-addicted prostitute in Mexico City. Kerouac's writing style is described as poetic and free-flowing, with long rhythmic sentences that reflect his deep love for humanity and the Mexican scenery. The book explores themes of suffering, religion, Buddhism, and the dual nature of the characters, all set against the backdrop of poverty, drugs, and prostitution in Mexico City.
The narrative of Tristessa unfolds in two parts, each capturing the narrator's visits to Mexico City and his evolving relationship with Tristessa. The first part, Trembling and Chaste, develops the ambiguous bond between the narrator and Tristessa, while the second part reveals the devastating impact of drug abuse on Tristessa's life. Through introspective storytelling and lyrical descriptions, Kerouac portrays a tale of nobility and ignobility, challenging readers to understand and respond with sympathy to the characters' struggles and desires.
I’M RIDING ALONG with Tristessa in the cab, drunk, with big bottle of Juarez Bourbon whiskey in the till-bag railroad lootbag they’d accused me of holding in railroad 1952—here I am in Mexico City, ra... - #7
Save:'Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977-2002' by David Sedaris is a collection of diary entries spanning over two decades, showcasing the author's growth from an unknown individual to a successful humorist. The book provides a raw and candid look into Sedaris' daily life, struggles with drugs and alcohol, relationships with family and friends, and his journey towards literary success. Through a mix of humor, wit, and honesty, Sedaris offers readers a glimpse into his observations on the world around him, making even the mundane events seem unusual and funny.
Sidetracked en route to Yakima. We met a couple named Pops and Jeannie who will pick us up at six tomorrow morning and take us to an orchard. Pops, who calls himself a “fruit tramp,” guessed Ronnie an... - #8
Save:'Four Fires' by Bryce Courtenay is a compelling story that follows the Maloney family, an Australian family of Irish descent, as they navigate through various challenges spanning from the aftermath of World War II to the Vietnam War era. The book delves into themes of resilience, family dynamics, and the impact of war on individuals and families. Through mesmerizing storytelling, Courtenay weaves together a tale that covers a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, while providing insightful depictions of historical events and the Australian way of life.
The narrative is rich in detail, offering a vivid portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the Maloney family as they strive to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves. Courtenay's writing style shines in this historical fiction novel, capturing the essence of Australian life, the horrors of war, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of challenges.
When we were kids, my dad never talked about the war, not even on Anzac Day, when, like every other bloke he wore his medals and marched behind the high-school band to the rotunda at the top of King S... - #9
Save:'Fourth of July Creek' by Smith Henderson is a dark and gritty novel set in rural Montana during the Reagan era. The story follows Pete Snow, a social worker who tries to help individuals living in poverty and facing various challenges, including survivalists, dysfunctional families, and troubled teenagers. The book delves into themes of violence, anarchy, freedom, and the complexities of human relationships, painting a vivid and realistic picture of the characters and their struggles. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, compelling, and filled with rich imagery that captures the reader's attention.
The cop flicked his cigarette to the dirt-and-gravel road in front of the house, and touched back his hat over his hairline as the social worker drove up in a dusty Toyota Corolla. Through the dirty w... - #10
Save:"Falling In" in the series "The Surrender Trilogy" by Lydia Michaels follows the story of Evelyn Keats, a homeless woman with a troubled past who crosses paths with Lucian Patras, a powerful billionaire. Their relationship evolves from a business arrangement to a deep emotional connection filled with struggles and obstacles. The writing style, as described by readers, is captivating and emotionally engaging, delving into complex themes such as poverty, addiction, and the journey towards self-discovery and love.
Readers are drawn into the intricate plot and character development, particularly appreciating Evelyn's growth from a vulnerable survivor to a determined individual striving for happiness and stability. Lucian's transformation from a brooding alpha male to a more vulnerable and caring partner is also highlighted. is praised for its emotional depth, intense love story, and the raw, realistic portrayal of challenging life circumstances.
The early morning sky was the color of steel wool, sharp, ominous gray hanging low over the city without a hint of softness, but Scout Keats’ trajectory was somewhere brighter. She hustled down Randol...
