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ineffablebob's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
5.0
Matthew Desmond's Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City is almost a decade old now, based on research the author did circa 2008, and yet the systematic housing issues he describes for America's low-income population are just as relevant today. Desmond spent months alongside some of the most destitute of families in Milwaukee as they bounced from one squalorous living situation to the next, treated by their landlords as interchangeable income with the justice system as enforcement. The proximity of this reporting to the 2008 financial crisis does have some impact, but the majority of the policies and institutions that contribute to the situations described in the book are still with us. The stories themselves are difficult enough to read, but knowing that we're not making much progress in resolving the situation makes it that much worse.
jeffcarlson96's review
5.0
4.5
Desmond crafts a powerful narrative following the stories of poor families in Milwaukee. It is sometimes difficult to track which story is which and who all the people are, but overall the book moves you to think about the ways systems perpetuate inequality, particularly in terms of housing. The stories tug at your heart as you see people for who they truly are: broken people who want a better life for themselves and their family, yet can’t escape the snares of the system. Demond’s policy suggestions and plea for change is crucial and inspired me to think more about the power of place and what it means to be “home.”
Desmond crafts a powerful narrative following the stories of poor families in Milwaukee. It is sometimes difficult to track which story is which and who all the people are, but overall the book moves you to think about the ways systems perpetuate inequality, particularly in terms of housing. The stories tug at your heart as you see people for who they truly are: broken people who want a better life for themselves and their family, yet can’t escape the snares of the system. Demond’s policy suggestions and plea for change is crucial and inspired me to think more about the power of place and what it means to be “home.”
brikrush's review
5.0
one of the most important books I’ve ever read, maybe my favourite non-fiction since Nothing to Envy.
peaknit's review
5.0
I found this book so interesting in part because it takes place in my home state but also because I work in the criminal justice system and I see the effects of eviction first hand. It is a cycle of poverty. It seemed particularly relevant considering the timing following our recent election. I applaud the author, given that he actually lived in the field and work with real people who are truly struggling. This issue needs more attention, it is a cog in the wheel of this country's social problems. Where do we begin? Perhaps we begin by just recognizing the problem. Excellent work here.