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mborer23's review against another edition
5.0
***DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free through a Firstreads Goodreads giveaway.***
This is a searing, emotionally stirring look at some of America's poorest households and how they are relentlessly ground down by a court system that is geared towards serving landlords rather than tenants. Those who are already vulnerable are further punished for not being able to afford transportation, representation, or a safe place to live.
Desmond has done an amazing job of bringing us stories of poor Milwaukeeans struggling even to afford the basic necessities of life, let alone lift themselves and their families out of poverty. He describes the process in his author's afterword, and it's well worth a read. Too often in America, we denigrate the poor and blame their condition on moral flaws or poor decisions. As Desmond shows, this is a toxic and facile lie that serves only to absolve those who can and should help of bearing any responsibility for their fellow humans.
The stories of these men, women, and children living on the fringes of society will stay with you long after you've finished the book. Sadly, the people who most need to read this book, who could most effectively advocate for change, will most likely never see it.
This is a searing, emotionally stirring look at some of America's poorest households and how they are relentlessly ground down by a court system that is geared towards serving landlords rather than tenants. Those who are already vulnerable are further punished for not being able to afford transportation, representation, or a safe place to live.
Desmond has done an amazing job of bringing us stories of poor Milwaukeeans struggling even to afford the basic necessities of life, let alone lift themselves and their families out of poverty. He describes the process in his author's afterword, and it's well worth a read. Too often in America, we denigrate the poor and blame their condition on moral flaws or poor decisions. As Desmond shows, this is a toxic and facile lie that serves only to absolve those who can and should help of bearing any responsibility for their fellow humans.
The stories of these men, women, and children living on the fringes of society will stay with you long after you've finished the book. Sadly, the people who most need to read this book, who could most effectively advocate for change, will most likely never see it.
ahmedaminea's review against another edition
5.0
Another incredible book by Desmond. A must read for any person interested in urban sociology, or just anyone really.
_jacket_oil_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Really lays out how systems in America are made to keep people poor and destitute. Even systems that are in place to help are under funded and overwhelmed that so many people who are seeking help simply won’t get it. And as always ACAB
cvalerio's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
This book deserves no less than 5 stars. Matthew Desmond does a great job at narrating one of Americas biggest problem. It is heartbreaking and extremely reflective. I was left wanting to learn more and figuring out how I can be a part of a solution. This is a must read for all.
nataliaagnieszka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
zoe_271's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
This book was an important read. While I don't live in the US, Evicted starkly displayed how systems and policy intertwine in a way that disadvantages people. If anybody in 2024 somehow still thinks that people in poverty are 'choosing' to be there, don't wish to work and want to live off benefits - you need to read this book.
Evicted follows several real people in poverty between 2008-09, Desmond having lived among them for months to get as true a look into their lives and struggles as possible. He masterfully depicts how hopelessness and struggle can keep people down. The importance of having a stable roof over one's head truly cannot be understated, and yet this is a privilege the richest, supposedly most well-developed nation on the planet does not choose to prioritise, allowing children to grow up in cockroach-infested drug-ridden homes, not through parental failure, but policy choices.
I cannot emphasise the need to read this book enough for anybody wanting to understand the intersectionality of poverty. Desmond displays fantastically what we all know - home is the centre of our lives, and for that to be unstable tilts everything else off-balance.
Evicted follows several real people in poverty between 2008-09, Desmond having lived among them for months to get as true a look into their lives and struggles as possible. He masterfully depicts how hopelessness and struggle can keep people down. The importance of having a stable roof over one's head truly cannot be understated, and yet this is a privilege the richest, supposedly most well-developed nation on the planet does not choose to prioritise, allowing children to grow up in cockroach-infested drug-ridden homes, not through parental failure, but policy choices.
I cannot emphasise the need to read this book enough for anybody wanting to understand the intersectionality of poverty. Desmond displays fantastically what we all know - home is the centre of our lives, and for that to be unstable tilts everything else off-balance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, and Fire/Fire injury