Rita M. (ritarene) reviewed on 2/6/2010 + 47 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 5

Though this is a good book to read to get an idea about how the "poor" live, it is very unrealistic in that she started with a large sum of money and had an easy "out" at any time. We were required to read this for a class in my MSW program at UNC. Some of my fellow students who had never been poor found it very profound. After having been truly "poor" and dependent on welfare, I know that the prejudices and micro-aggressions against the poor run much deeper. This book only touches the surface of what it is like for the disadvantaged in this country. By all means, read this book...but just don't stop there. Volunteer in a soup kitchen or shelter. Sit and listen to their stories. Pay attention in the grocery store when someone uses food stamps. Look at the way other people in line scrutinize what they're buying. Listen at the doctor's office as they ask for Medicaid cards and watch how the poor person blushes and tries to hide her face. It is not a crime to be poor, and yet, we treat poor people as second class citizens. There are many reasons behind poverty, and it is very difficult to raise one's stature in life. No matter how much money is in a person's pocket, they are still a person and deserve as much respect as anyone else.

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