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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated A Girl in Parts in Books
Feb 13, 2018
A very lovely coming of age story, centering on Dottie, a child of divorced parents. The story is told in a series of nearly 100 vignettes, each of which is filled with wit and vulnerability. During the course of the novel, Dottie struggles with moving, poverty, an alcoholic stepfather, questioning her sexuality, race relations, playing sports, and her relationship with her mother, half-brother, and stepsister. Her character exhibits amazing grace and presence of mind as she continually questions the world around her.
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The Last Mrs. Parrish in Books
Oct 7, 2020
The tagline for Liv Constantine's psychological thriller "The Last Mrs. Parrish" is, "Some women get everything. Some women get everything they deserve." This is the story of Amber, who comes from poverty, and her decision to change all that by stealing the handsome Jackson Parrish away from Daphne, the gorgeous woman who seems to have it all. You can read more about this debut collaborative novel in my review here.
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/10/08/deceptions-large-and-small/
https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/10/08/deceptions-large-and-small/
Melanie Caldicott (6 KP) rated The Casual Vacancy in Books
Apr 29, 2021
Incredibly well written book proving Rowling's giftedness and diversity.
A brutal social commentary illustrating the complex issues surrounding class and problems that society doesn't know how to deal with. It reveals the selfish way humans attempt to shroud themselves protectively in ignorance, clinging to the pleasantries we manufacture in pretence that poverty, suffering and social malaise are not only a stones throw away.
Expect to be taken out of your comfort zone and confronted with stark reality exposing attitudes and prejudices within society and ourselves.
A brutal social commentary illustrating the complex issues surrounding class and problems that society doesn't know how to deal with. It reveals the selfish way humans attempt to shroud themselves protectively in ignorance, clinging to the pleasantries we manufacture in pretence that poverty, suffering and social malaise are not only a stones throw away.
Expect to be taken out of your comfort zone and confronted with stark reality exposing attitudes and prejudices within society and ourselves.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Anything is Possible in Books
Jul 24, 2017
An intricately beautiful collection of characters
Elizabeth Strout has a unique ability to create a whole world of detailed and emotional characters that you can just follow throughout the series of books. While you see much less of Lucy Barton in this book, we see how her family members and people in her community have fared. It seems to me like a modern day To Kill a Mockingbird, especially the part about poverty in areas of America.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Another Day in the Death of America in Books
Sep 12, 2017
A brutal look at American society and how teen deaths have become normalised
This is an incredible collection of accounts in which ten African America children and young adults were killed in one day. It's brutal and horrifically depressing, showing the day they led before their deaths. It highlights the prevalence of poverty and violence that seems to be a vicious cycle. And even more, it shows how mainstream teen deaths have become which is why it is no longer reported. It is a disturbing read so have the tissues at the ready.
Roxane Gay recommended We Are Never Meeting in Real Life in Books (curated)
Roxane Gay recommended We Are Never Meeting in Real Life in Books (curated)
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Down and Out in Paris and London in Books
Sep 9, 2017
George Orwell, a man of many experiences
I adore George Orwell, not only is he an incredibly gifted writer, he's a cat with nine lives. From living in Burma to fighting in the Spanish Civil War, Orwell has a lived a life rich with experiences hence he is able to make observations many journalists cannot. In this case, Orwell lived in squalor and absolute poverty in both Paris and London, not out of choice mind, but because he had become destitute and extremely poor during his early 20s.
His life living with an extrovert Russian in Paris is vivid, describing real hunger, having had nothing to eat for several days. He ends up working in a few godforsaken squalid hotels in Paris as a dishwasher, with long hours just to make ends meet and quench his hunger. Eventually, after working with rats, he has no choice but to return to England (borrowing money) and finds that it isn't much different. The homeless shelters are basically prison cells, dark and dangerous, but a way to keep off the streets.
In the end, he attempts to give recommendations to what can be done to alleviate the plight of the poverty stricken. It is another interesting chapter of his short but eventful life.
His life living with an extrovert Russian in Paris is vivid, describing real hunger, having had nothing to eat for several days. He ends up working in a few godforsaken squalid hotels in Paris as a dishwasher, with long hours just to make ends meet and quench his hunger. Eventually, after working with rats, he has no choice but to return to England (borrowing money) and finds that it isn't much different. The homeless shelters are basically prison cells, dark and dangerous, but a way to keep off the streets.
In the end, he attempts to give recommendations to what can be done to alleviate the plight of the poverty stricken. It is another interesting chapter of his short but eventful life.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City in Books
Jul 28, 2017
Grim, detailed outlook on the American poor
Absolute kudos to Matthew Desmond for his detailed look into the heart of America's troubled capitalist system. His research and first-hand accounts of people living in poverty in Milwaukee is desperate, heartbreaking and dire, at the same time he offers an alternative to attempt to remedy an age old discriminatory system.
Eight individuals and families in this book represent an ongoing endemic situation that has perpetuated over the last century. Desmond explains circumstances that many i.e. institutions are familiar with but choose to not deal with. Definitely deserved of the Pulitzer Prize.
Eight individuals and families in this book represent an ongoing endemic situation that has perpetuated over the last century. Desmond explains circumstances that many i.e. institutions are familiar with but choose to not deal with. Definitely deserved of the Pulitzer Prize.