Poverty, by America

January 2, 2023
Pulitzer winner Desmond follows up Evicted with a powerful inquiry into why the U.S. is “the richest country on earth, with more poverty than any other advanced democracy.” Noting that 38 million Americans cannot afford basic necessities, Desmond argues that poverty persists because others benefit from it: workers are paid non-living wages and unions are discouraged in order to boost the pay of corporate executives; poor consumers are overcharged for rental housing and financial services so that landlords and banks can prosper; and affluent families benefit from tax breaks, student loans, and other forms of federal aid while welfare programs are publicly belittled and made difficult to access. Poverty is further entrenched by the underfunding of education, mass transit, and healthcare, Desmond argues, creating a world of private opulence and public squalor. His solutions include eliminating the residential segregation that blocks poor families from well-funded public services and employment and housing opportunities. More broadly, he calls for better-off Americans to acknowledge their complicity in perpetuating poverty and to pressure the government to undertake “an aggressive, uncompromising antipoverty agenda.” Though the path to achieving these reforms isn’t always clear, Desmond enriches his detailed and trenchant analysis with poignant reflections on America’s “unblushing inequality” and the “anomie of wealth.” It’s a gut-wrenching call for change. Agent: Katherine Flynn, Kneerim & Williams.

June 10, 2024

Pulitzer Prize winner Desmond (Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City) explores why there is still poverty in the United States. How can this be the wealthiest country on earth but still have more poverty than any other advanced democracy? Thoughtful and compassionate, this searing indictment of the public and private systems that foster poverty, from low-paying jobs without the benefit of union support to runaway housing and healthcare costs. In all situations, these systems benefit the rich at the expense of the poor. Addressing myths and misunderstandings about poverty, the book also provides many suggestions for ending it. His call is for all to become "poverty abolitionists...refusing to live as unwitting enemies of the poor." Is it possible to convince people to give something up to benefit others? Perhaps a hard sell. Dion Graham does a masterful job narrating, bringing heft and significance to this important topic. His narratorial talents extend to facts and statistics, which are relayed with compelling gravity. VERDICT Although the message may not be welcomed by all, this thought-provoking book delivers. Recommended for all audio collections.--Christa Van Herreweghe

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