Books matching: urban poverty
79 result(s)
- #1
"Gang Leader for a Day" by Sudhir Venkatesh is a gripping account of a grad student's immersion into the world of a Chicago gang. Venkatesh's honest portrayal of his experiences with the Black Kings gang in the Robert Taylor Homes offers a fascinating insight into a world of poverty, violence, and survival. The book delves into the complexities of gang life, the struggles faced by residents in the housing projects, and the ethical dilemmas encountered by the author as he navigates through this unfamiliar territory. Venkatesh's anthropological approach provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of the gang and the challenges of living in a marginalized community.
Through vivid storytelling and compelling narratives, Venkatesh takes readers on a journey filled with tension, conflict, and introspection. From his initial encounter with the gang leader JT to his deep involvement in observing and understanding the gang's operations, the author paints a vivid picture of life in the projects. The book sheds light on the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and survival in the urban landscape, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the dynamics between the residents, the gang members, and the larger societal issues at play.
During my first weeks at the University of Chicago, in the fall of 1989, I had to attend a variety of orientation sessions. In each one, after the particulars of the session had been dispensed with, w... 'Lodon Labour and the London Poor' by Victor E. Neuburg and Henry Mayhew is a detailed exploration of the social events and extreme poverty experienced in 19th century England. The book provides firsthand accounts, in-depth descriptions, and interviews with individuals from various occupations, shedding light on the lives of the lower class in Victorian London. Mayhew's writing style is described as descriptive and keen, offering a window back in time to a period filled with sadness, suffering, and hardship.
Mayhew's work is commended for being a real eye-opener, providing a comprehensive look at the different facets of characters encountered in 19th century London, from deserving cripples to shiftless beggars. The book is considered an important resource for writers and those interested in British history, offering a detailed and non-judgmental portrayal of life in Victorian London.
But all of them being dead except Henry, who in his later years moved in rather a small circle, it was but natural that the world should regard the literary Mayhews as extinct. If the author of London...- #3
Jacob A. Riis's book 'How the Other Half Lives' provides a vivid and detailed account of life in the tenements of New York City at the end of the 19th century. Through his journalistic investigation and personal experiences, Riis exposes the harsh living conditions, exploitation, and suffering endured by the working poor and immigrants in the city. The book sheds light on the struggles faced by these marginalized communities, including overcrowding, lack of adequate housing and nourishment, violence, abuse, and disease. Riis's writing style, although old-fashioned, effectively conveys the poignant reality of the time, urging readers to consider the historical context of ethnic, racial, class, and gender biases prevalent in his work.
JACOB August Riis, police reporter turned social reformer, fought for the elimination of slum conditions on New York’s lower East Side more persistently and with greater effectiveness than any of the ... - #4
"Once Were Warriors" by Alan Duff is a gritty and honest portrayal of Maori culture and the struggles faced by a Maori family trying to find their dignity in a society they don't fully understand. The story delves into themes of identity, culture, despair, and hope, showcasing the human depravity found in all cultures. Through a nuanced view, the author presents a fictionalized account of a Maori family within a ghettoized community, highlighting the trials and tribulations they endure while also shedding light on the broader issues faced by minority cultures worldwide.
The writing style of the book is described as confusing yet realistic, with a mix of thoughts, memories, speech, and actions that provide a deep insight into the characters' minds and hearts. The plot is engaging and offers a unique perspective on Maori people, drawing readers in with its incisive look at relationships and lives, making it a compelling read that resonates with those familiar with other minority cultures facing oppression and ghettoization.
Bastard, she’d think, looking out her back kitchen window. Lucky white bastard, at that glimpse of two-storey house through its surround of big old trees and its oh so secure greater surround of rolli... - #5
'Preparation for the Next Life' by Atticus Lish is a raw and compelling novel that follows the tragic love story between Zou Lei, an undocumented Asian woman, and Skinner, a returning Iraq veteran with PTSD. The book provides a stark portrayal of their lives in the underbelly of New York City, showcasing the struggles of the most disenfranchised individuals. Lish's writing style is described as unrelenting and stripped down, immersing the reader in a dystopian reality that feels incredibly real and impactful.
SHE CAME BY WAY of Archer, Bridgeport, Nanuet, worked off 95 in jeans and a denim jacket, carrying a plastic bag and shower shoes, a phone number, waiting beneath an underpass, the potato chips long g... - #6
'Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line' by Deepa Anappara is a novel that follows the story of nine-year-old Jai, who, inspired by police shows on TV, decides to investigate the mysterious disappearances of children from his slum. As Jai, along with his friends Pari and Faiz, delves deeper into the case, they uncover the harsh realities of life in the slums of India, where indifference from the police and societal tensions exacerbate the situation. The narrative, primarily from Jai's perspective, captures the innocence, courage, and struggles of the children as they navigate through a world filled with danger and uncertainty, shedding light on the issues of poverty, religious tensions, and the plight of missing children in India.
The book is praised for its vivid and evocative descriptions that bring the setting of the slums to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Jai's surroundings. Through Jai's narrative, the author skillfully portrays the harsh realities faced by children in impoverished communities, highlighting the resilience, camaraderie, and determination of the young protagonists as they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, ultimately revealing the complexities of social injustice and inequality in society.
- #7
'From Hell' by Eddie Campbell and Alan Moore is a fictional graphic novel that presents a unique take on the Jack the Ripper mystery, weaving in elements of mysticism, historical conspiracy theories, and intricate details of 1880s London. The narrative delves deep into the social history of the era, offering a dark and atmospheric portrayal of Victorian society. The story follows the unsolved crimes of Jack the Ripper, exploring the intricate web of conspiracy, speculation, and real-world details surrounding the infamous case.
The book is known for its extensive research and attention to detail, with appendices providing additional context and clarification on the mix of fact and fiction within the narrative. The artwork, though initially described as crude and ugly, is praised for its ability to evoke the squalor and beauty of Victorian London, adding depth to the storytelling and creating a hauntingly immersive reading experience.
- #8
"Captains of the Sands" by Jorge Amado tells the story of a group of orphaned boys in Bahia who live in an abandoned warehouse and survive by stealing. The novel explores their criminal activities, hardships, yearning for love and guidance, and their eventual growth and departure from the warehouse. The characters are multidimensional, with some dreaming of becoming a priest, some being artists and readers, and one crippled boy. delves into societal issues such as racial tensions, interactions with outsiders, and the challenges faced by street children in Salvador.
Several times now this newspaper, which is without a doubt the organ of the most legitimate aspirations of the Bahian people, has carried news of the criminal activities of the “Captains of the Sands,... - #9
"The Quincunx" by Charles Palliser is a sprawling Victorian-style mystery novel set in 19th century London. The story follows young John Huffman as he navigates a complex web of secrets, coincidences, and revelations while trying to uncover his family history and potentially claim his inheritance. The plot is intricate and convoluted, with rich period details seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it a highly absorbing read that keeps the reader engaged till the end.
Palliser's writing style has been compared to that of Charles Dickens, with meticulous attention to detail and evocative descriptions of London and its inhabitants. The novel is dense, detailed, and rewarding, offering readers a glimpse into the hard life of the time, from hidden secrets and family mysteries to encounters with both high and low society in the bustling city of London.
It must have been late autumn of that year, and probably it was towards dusk for the sake of being less conspicuous. And yet a meeting between two professional gentlemen representing the chief branche... - #10
"At the Edge of the Haight" by Katherine Seligman follows the story of Maddy Donaldo, a young homeless woman in San Francisco who witnesses a murder, leading to a chain of events that disrupt her relatively stable life in Golden Gate Park. The book delves into the lives of Maddy and her group of friends, shedding light on their struggles to survive on the streets and in shelters, while also exploring the complexities of relationships and the underlying sense of fear and powerlessness in their existence. The writing style is described as compelling, eye-opening, and heart-expanding, offering insights into the factors that contribute to the lives of homeless individuals.