Great study of the impact of lack of affordable housing and the complex problems of people from poorer backgrounds in America. I struggled a bit to follow the different stories - again, I might have found it easier to read in print than on audio - but the epilogue pulls everything together into a compelling argument.

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An economics book that makes you cry.

This is a really important book. I am not the kind of person to write reviews or tell you what to read, but I have learned far more from this book than most. Believe the hype.

Performance was also outstanding. Well done Dion. Easily one of the best narrated books I have found on Audible.

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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 ie. institutions are familiar with but choose to not deal with. Definitely deserved of the Pulitzer Prize.

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Close to home.

Altho based In America these stories are as true for us brits as they r for the Americans alike and this book really touches home as to how easy things can go wrong for any one. And how hard with out support at the right time it can be to stand on ur own two feet again. Loved this book from cover to cover. X

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a great both sides of the story

well researched, one minute you feel sorry for the tenant then they do something stupid and put themselves in an even worst position. As a non American I am baffled that the police want landlords to evict tenants that phone 911 to report someone being threatened as they consider it a nuisance call , hence people getting stabbed or putting up with drug dealers rather than get evicted, very sad. landlords who don't fix broken water/heater etc also terrible.
Everybody deserves a helping hand if they are down and a $1000 deposit would have made a huge difference to the people in this book (especially when banks were bailed out with billions) but how many time do you help the same people? so of these people just don't seem to have the life skills to cope, but then they help out another homeless person .
this book makes me realize how bless my life is .

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1 person found this helpful

The US is not a democracy

This truly horrific book shows the lives of a number of the most poor people in the USA. It is written in an intensely personal manner which keeps your interest as you feel at times as if you are standing among its characters. in a way the last chapter should be the first because otherwise the temptation might be there to omit reading it leading to the possible assumption that this is a negative view hand picked to show the US in a bad light. When you read the last chapter you realise that it is shockingly general and applies not to a small minority but if not to a majority then to a huge proportion of the population. The reason for the title I chose was that no upright, Christian group of people with some vestiges of reflection and self respect would subject so many of their own people to so much misery and pain based on a country run by the people for the people. It demonstrates that the country is run by the rich for the rich and indeed a comparatively small minority of them. And that good, Christian people only get to try to either pick up a very few of the pieces or to provide very poor palliative care.

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Enthralling

Absorbing stories of real people's struggles. A fascinating insight into a different world. Non judgemental and warm writing and narration.

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Great audio book

very easy to follow. An eye opener to what really goes on while trying to find accommodation.

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Wonderful narration also!

I haven’t even finished this book yet, but I can’t wait rating it already. It’s a rare find - a non-fiction book based on a sound research, beautifully written AND wonderfully narrated.
I’m hooked!
I’m a housing policy professional, but this book is a worth read way beyond my professional background. It’s about understanding society, and the intricate causes and implications of poverty.

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