Books Like...
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond explores the pervasive issue of poverty in the United States, delving into the root causes, societal implications, and potential solutions. Desmond provides a comprehensive analysis of poverty, shedding light on the link between investments in social programs and poverty rates, the impact of exploitation on both workers and consumers, and the systemic issues perpetuating poverty in the country. Through detailed examples and compelling narratives, Desmond paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the working class and the marginalized communities, while also offering a call to action for collective change and economic stability.
If you liked Poverty, by America, here are the top 100 books to read next:
'Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City' by Andrea Elliott delves into the heart-wrenching story of Dasani and her family as they navigate through poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and a failing system. The narrative follows Dasani's struggles, resilience, and the challenges faced by her family over the course of eight years, providing a deep insight into the harsh realities of life in an American city. The writing style is described as mesmerizing, carefully documented, and outstanding, drawing readers in to witness the daily obstacles and triumphs experienced by this family.
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...'The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together' by Heather McGhee explores the impact of racism on society, economy, and public policies in the United States. Through a combination of analytical facts and real stories, McGhee delves into how racism not only affects minorities but also harms ordinary white Americans. highlights the concept of the Solidarity Dividend, emphasizing the benefits of unity across races to achieve common goals and improve society as a whole. McGhee's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making readers empathize with the people she writes about and reconsider their views on systemic oppression and racial divides.
Growing up, my family and my neighbors were always hustling. My mother had the fluctuating income of a person with an entrepreneur’s mind and a social worker’s heart. My dad, divorced from my mom sinc...Stephanie Land's memoir, 'Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive,' delves into her experiences as a single mother working as a maid to support herself and her daughter Mia. The book sheds light on the struggles faced by those working in low-paying positions, the challenges of navigating government assistance programs, and the emotional toll of living in poverty. Land's writing style is described as honest, gritty, and eye-opening, providing a raw portrayal of her journey from homelessness to pursuing her dream of becoming a writer.
It was an afternoon in June, the day before her first birthday. I perched on the shelter’s threadbare love seat, holding up an old digital camera to capture her first steps. Mia’s tangled hair and thi...The System by Robert B. Reich delves into the analysis of how the political and economic systems in America have been distorted by power dynamics, leading to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few at the top. Reich highlights the shift towards shareholder capitalism, the decline of union bargaining power, and the financial influence of Wall Street as key factors contributing to the rigging of the system. Through a compelling narrative, Reich addresses the impact of consumerism, the lack of concrete proposals for change, and the battle between democracy and oligarchy, emphasizing the need for systemic reform to restore balance and prioritize the common good over individual gain.
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Save:'Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation' by Kristin Kobes Du Mez delves into the history of evangelical culture in America, exploring the roots of Christian nationalism, toxic masculinity, and political activism within the white evangelical population. Through a meticulous analysis, Du Mez connects the dots between the evangelical support for figures like Donald Trump and the influence of male leadership in shaping both the Church and the political realm. highlights how the evangelical community's emphasis on aggressive masculinity and Christian nationalism paved the way for the rise of figures like Trump, ultimately fracturing the nation along cultural and ideological lines.
The author, Kristin Kobes Du Mez, presents a well-researched and nuanced account of the religious right in America, tracing back decades of history to uncover the role of gender ideologies in laying the groundwork for Trumpism. Through a critical examination of evangelical culture, Du Mez sheds light on the deep-seated patriarchal values that have influenced everything from Biblical interpretations to political movements within the white evangelical community. By dissecting key figures and movements, the book offers a compelling narrative that unravels the complex relationship between evangelicalism, masculinity, and American culture, ultimately providing readers with a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the nation's political landscape.
THE PATH THAT ENDS WITH JOHN WAYNE AS AN icon of Christian masculinity is strewn with a colorful cast of characters, from the original cowboy president to a baseball-player-turned-preacher to a singin... - #7
Save:'Democracy in Chains' by Nancy MacLean is a deeply disturbing and important book that delves into the history of how libertarian ideologies, championed by figures like James Buchanan and Charles Koch, have been influencing American politics and policy-making. The book explores how these ideologies, rooted in public choice theory, aim to erode democracy and promote economic freedom at the expense of public institutions and social programs. Through detailed research and analysis, MacLean reveals the insidious strategies employed by these libertarian thinkers to shape public opinion and policy, ultimately leading to a potential shift towards oligarchy and plutocracy in the United States.
Virginia had become a defendant in one of the five cases folded into Brown v. Board of Education owing to the determination of one teenager who had had enough. Tired of taking classes in “tar paper sh... - #8
Save:The book, 'The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America' by Richard Rothstein, delves into the systemic racial segregation imposed by the American government through various covert tactics. It explores how federal, state, and local government policies, such as racial zoning, subsidies for builders to create whites-only suburbs, and tax exemptions for institutions enforcing segregation, contributed to racial segregation, wealth, and income inequality. Rothstein meticulously documents the history of discriminatory housing practices and the detrimental impact they had on Black Americans over several generations. The book provides a compelling narrative on how racism is deeply woven into societal systems, shedding light on the deliberate actions taken to perpetuate segregation.
WE THINK OF the San Francisco Bay Area as one of the nation’s more liberal and inclusive regions. If the federal, state, and local governments explicitly segregated the population into distinct black ... Isabel Wilkerson's book 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents' delves into the exploration of caste systems in various parts of the world, drawing parallels between the caste system in India, Nazi Germany, and the United States. Through the lens of caste, the author sheds light on the deep-rooted inequalities that persist in society and examines how these systems have influenced historical events and continue to impact contemporary issues. Wilkerson's writing style is described as insightful, thorough, and eye-opening, weaving together historical accounts, personal experiences, and sociological analysis to present a compelling narrative that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of race, power, and privilege.
In the haunted summer of 2016, an unaccustomed heat wave struck the Siberian tundra on the edge of what the ancients once called the End of the Land. Above the Arctic Circle and far from the tectonic ...- #10
Save:'Charged: Overzealous Prosecutors, the Quest for Mercy, and the Fight to Transform Criminal Justice in America' by author Emily Bazelon is a thought-provoking exploration of the flaws and intricacies of the American criminal justice system. Bazelon uses two separate cases to illustrate the broader theme of criminal justice reform, focusing on the significant role of prosecutors. Through personal stories and legal analysis, she sheds light on issues such as mass incarceration, plea bargaining, and the power dynamics within the legal system. The book delves into the impact of prosecutorial decisions on individuals' lives and the urgent need for change within the system.
THE BLOOD WAS everywhere. Spattered on the floor of the hallway, on the doorframe of the bedroom, and on the bedposts. Soaked into the sheets and pillows, and covering the body splayed on the floor at...
