Books Like...

'The Broken Ladder: How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die' by Keith Payne delves into the impacts of social inequality on individuals and society as a whole. Through compelling research and personal anecdotes, Payne explores how perceived inequality can lead to unhappiness, failure, and political division. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of social inequality in order to create better policies and navigate through daily life effectively.

Unlike other animals, humans have the ability to sustain stress responses over prolonged periods, leading to long-term consequences. Payne argues that addressing status inequality, rather than just income equality, is crucial in understanding public policy challenges and societal issues. By shedding light on the relationship between inequality and personal well-being, the book urges readers to reconsider their perspectives on success, achievement, and societal structures.

'The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood' by David Simon follows the lives of individuals living in an inner-city neighborhood in Baltimore. It provides a detailed and true account of the struggles faced by heroin addicts, drug dealers, and residents on the corner of Fayette Street and Monroe Street over the span of a year. The writing style is described as gripping, detailed, and observational, similar to the author's work on 'The Wire', offering a compelling narrative that showcases the humanity of its characters.

'Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America' by Jill Leovy is a compelling non-fiction work that delves into the epidemic of murder in South Los Angeles, focusing on the killings of young black men in gang-related crimes. Through detailed storytelling and extensive research, the author sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving these cases and the social underpinnings that contribute to the high crime rates in the area. Leovy weaves together narratives of detectives, families, and witnesses, providing a striking mix of facts, social commentary, and emotional truths of living in a war zone.

'An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago' by Alex Kotlowitz delves into the tragic effects of gun violence in Chicago during the summer of 2013. Through in-depth reporting and interviews, Kotlowitz explores the lives of victims, perpetrators, and their families, shedding light on the cycle of violence and its impact on the community. humanizes the individuals involved, portraying their longings, remorse, and love amidst the harsh realities of inner-city violence.

Kotlowitz's writing style in 'An American Summer' is described as compelling and evocative, reminiscent of Studs Terkel's oral history. provides a powerful narrative that goes beyond stereotypes, showcasing the humanity behind the tough exteriors of young men affected by gun violence in impoverished neighborhoods of Chicago.

Readers describe "The Darkest Web" as an in-depth exploration of the dark web, focusing on marketplaces and the disturbing activities that take place there. The book provides a detailed insight into the history of platforms like Silk Road and Besa Mafia, shedding light on the individuals involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, murder for hire, and child exploitation. Eileen Ormsby's journalistic approach is highly praised for giving voice to anonymous figures and presenting factual information in a complex narrative that educates and entertains readers. The book delves into the depravity and vile actions of individuals on the dark web, leaving a lasting impact on those who read it.

'On the Farm' by Stevie Cameron is a comprehensive true crime book that delves deep into the disturbing case of Canadian killer Robert Pickton. The author meticulously explores the upbringing of Pickton, the police's lack of involvement in the case, and the shocking details of the murders. Through detailed accounts of the victims' backgrounds and the killer's psyche, the book offers a chilling and intimate look at the tragic events that unfolded on the Pickton farm.

The narrative of 'On the Farm' is described as thorough and detailed, providing a factual and chronological account of the crimes and the subsequent investigations. The author humanizes the victims, sheds light on the failures of the Vancouver Police, and offers a gripping portrayal of the killer's depravity, making it a must-read for true crime enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of this harrowing case.

'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.

'Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography' by Mark Mathabane is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the author's upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa. Growing up in a black ghetto, Mathabane narrates his struggles and triumphs, from facing poverty and police raids to finding solace in sports like tennis. The book captures the harsh realities of apartheid, the deep-seated racism, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through Mathabane's poignant storytelling, readers are taken on a journey of survival, hope, and the pursuit of a better life against all odds.

With a raw and honest writing style, Mathabane vividly portrays the horrors of apartheid and the impact it had on his life and the lives of those around him. The author's narrative not only educates readers about the brutalities of apartheid but also serves as a testament to the strength and determination of individuals striving for a better future in the face of oppression.

"The Family Next Door" by Sally Hepworth is set in a close-knit neighborhood where families have hidden secrets and complex relationships. The arrival of a new single neighbor, Isabelle, disrupts the dynamics of the neighborhood, leading to revelations of secrets within each family. The story is told from multiple perspectives, providing vivid details of the characters' lives and their intertwined struggles, including postpartum depression, affairs, infidelities, and hidden agendas.

Midnight in Peking by Paul French is a true crime story set in 1930s Peking, focusing on the unsolved murder of a young Englishwoman, Pamela Werner. The book delves into the intricate political world of pre-WWII Peking, the bungled official police investigation, and the determined efforts of Pamela's father to solve the crime. French's writing style is described as a mix of historical detail and suspenseful storytelling, painting a vivid picture of colonial life in 1930s Beijing amidst a backdrop of impending war and political turmoil.