Book Review:
"Unveiling the Shocking Reality of America's Hidden Homelessness in 'Evicted' by Matthew Desmond"
Evicted by Matthew Desmond is a powerful and eye-opening account of the devastating impact of eviction on low-income families in America. Through detailed research and compelling storytelling, Desmond sheds light on the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and homelessness, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complex realities of housing insecurity in our society.
What Is the Book About?
Evicted Book by Matthew Desmond is a powerful and eye-opening non-fiction book that follows the lives of eight families in Milwaukee who struggle with poverty and housing insecurity. The author, through extensive research and interviews, sheds light on the harsh realities faced by these families as they navigate the unstable world of eviction and homelessness.
The core message of this book is to bring attention to the urgent issue of affordable housing in America. It highlights how evictions not only disrupt individuals' lives but also perpetuate a cycle of poverty and further marginalize already vulnerable communities. Through personal stories, statistics, and policy analysis, Desmond shows us that evictions are not just a result of personal choices or failures but rather systemic issues within our society. This book serves as a call to action for policymakers and citizens alike to address this crisis and provide better support for those struggling with housing insecurity.
What Makes This Book Different?
The first aspect that sets Evicted apart from other books in its category is its powerful and poignant storytelling. Author Matthew Desmond seamlessly weaves together the stories of eight families struggling with eviction in Milwaukee, giving readers a deeply personal and intimate look into their lives. Through his vivid descriptions and empathetic portrayal of these individuals, Desmond captures the harsh realities of poverty, housing insecurity, and the devastating cycle of eviction.
Another notable feature of Evicted is its thorough analysis of the root causes and systemic issues surrounding eviction. While many books on poverty focus solely on individual choices or shortcomings, Desmond delves deeper to examine how larger societal factors such as discrimination, gentrification, and inadequate government policies contribute to this widespread issue. This comprehensive approach not only provides a more nuanced understanding but also offers potential solutions for addressing the problem at its core.
Lastly, what makes Evicted stand out is its impact beyond just being a book. It has sparked important conversations about poverty and housing instability across various platforms including media outlets, academic circles, and policy discussions. The book has also inspired action through initiatives like The Just Shelter website which connects people facing eviction with resources for assistance. By shedding light on an often overlooked issue and amplifying marginalized voices through his writing, Matthew Desmond's Evicted has become a catalyst for change in both awareness and action towards addressing evictions in America.
Writing Style & Pacing
Evicted by Matthew Desmond is a non-fiction book that tells the story of eight families in Milwaukee who struggle with poverty and eviction. The book is written in a journalistic style, with extensive research and interviews conducted by the author. It has a neutral tone, presenting facts and stories without bias or judgement.
The structure of Evicted alternates between chapters that follow each family's personal experiences and chapters that delve into the larger social and economic issues surrounding poverty and eviction. This structure allows readers to understand both the individual struggles of these families as well as the systemic issues at play. The writing style is engaging yet informative, making it an easy read despite its heavy subject matter.
Overall, Evicted can be considered a slow read due to its detailed examination of poverty and housing instability. However, this does not take away from its impact on readers as it sheds light on an important issue often overlooked in society. The book's thorough research, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking analysis make it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding poverty in America.
About the Author
Matthew Desmond is an American sociologist and author who is widely recognized for his work on poverty, inequality, and housing in the United States. He was born in 1979 in Arizona and grew up primarily in Winslow, a small town on the Navajo Reservation. After attending college at Arizona State University, Desmond went on to earn his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He currently serves as a professor of sociology at Princeton University.
Desmond's interest in issues related to poverty and housing began early on in his academic career when he conducted field research with poor families living in Milwaukee's inner city neighborhoods. This experience inspired him to delve deeper into these topics through rigorous quantitative research methods. His groundbreaking book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City is based on years of immersive fieldwork living among low-income families struggling with eviction and homelessness.
As a highly regarded sociologist, Desmond has received numerous awards for his work including a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship, Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, and Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. In addition to Evicted, he has also written several other influential books such as On The Fireline: Living And Dying With Wildland Firefighters and The Racial Order (with Mustafa Emirbayer). With his expertise and extensive knowledge of poverty and housing issues gained through years of research and firsthand experiences with affected communities, Matthew Desmond is undoubtedly credible to write this book that sheds light on one of the most pressing social problems facing America today.
Historical or Topical Context
The book "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the early 2000s. At this time, Milwaukee was facing a severe housing crisis with high rates of eviction and homelessness. The city had also been struggling economically for decades, with industries such as manufacturing declining and leaving many residents without stable job opportunities.
Desmond's narrative takes place primarily in two neighborhoods: the predominantly black North Side where most of the tenants are renters, and the mostly white South Side where landlords own multiple properties. These neighborhoods represent different sides of the housing crisis in Milwaukee - on one hand, there are families living in poverty who struggle to make ends meet and face constant threats of eviction; on the other hand, there are landlords who profit from their properties while neglecting maintenance and exploiting their tenants.
Overall, Desmond's portrayal of Milwaukee provides a backdrop for understanding how economic inequality and systemic issues contribute to evictions and perpetuate cycles of poverty. The setting highlights not only the struggles faced by those living in poverty but also sheds light on larger societal issues that need to be addressed.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. Creation of the characters: The author, Matthew Desmond, does an exceptional job in creating vivid and complex characters that truly come to life throughout the book. He highlights their struggles and triumphs in a way that makes them relatable and humanizes the issue of eviction.
2. Sherrena's perspective on being a landlord: In Chapter 3, "Sherrena's Way," the reader is given insight into how one of the landlords featured in the book views her role as a landlord. She sees it as a business opportunity rather than providing decent housing for her tenants, which sheds light on some of the issues surrounding affordable housing.
3. Scott's story: One of the standout scenes in this book is when we are introduced to Scott, a single father struggling to raise his children while facing multiple evictions due to unstable employment and financial difficulties. His story showcases how easily someone can fall into poverty and be trapped there due to circumstances beyond their control.
4. Impact on children: Throughout the book, Desmond emphasizes how eviction has devastating effects on children who experience constant instability and disruption in their lives because of it. This is highlighted through Arleen's sons Jori and Jafaris' experiences with eviction and its impact on their education, health, and overall well-being.
5.Insight into systemic issues: Through real-life stories from both tenants and landlords, this book provides valuable insights into systemic issues such as racism, discrimination against low-income individuals, lack of affordable housing policies by government institutions that contribute to widespread evictions in America.
Lessons or Takeaways
is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of poverty, housing insecurity, and the impact of eviction on individuals and families. Through vivid storytelling and in-depth research, Desmond sheds light on the harsh realities faced by low-income Americans who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Readers will learn about the systemic issues that contribute to high rates of eviction, from discriminatory housing policies to exploitative landlords. They will also gain insight into the daily struggles and sacrifices made by those living in poverty, as well as the resilience and strength they possess.
After reading Evicted, readers may feel a sense of empathy towards those facing housing insecurity and poverty. The book humanizes these often stigmatized communities, showing that they are not defined by their circumstances but rather shaped by them. This can lead readers to reflect on their own privilege and how they can use it to advocate for change or support organizations working towards addressing these issues. Additionally, readers may be inspired to take action in their own communities through volunteering or donating resources to help those in need. Overall, this thought-provoking book offers valuable insights into an important social issue that affects millions of people across America.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
The general sentiment from reader reviews of "Evicted" by Matthew Desmond is overwhelmingly positive. Many readers praise the book for its powerful and eye-opening portrayal of poverty and eviction in America. They commend the author for his thorough research, compelling storytelling, and empathetic approach to the subject matter. Readers also appreciate how Desmond sheds light on a topic that is often overlooked or misunderstood.
In addition to receiving widespread acclaim from readers, "Evicted" has also received numerous awards and accolades. It was a New York Times bestseller, named one of the best books of 2016 by multiple publications including The New York Times Book Review and The Washington Post, and won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2017. The book has been praised by critics as a groundbreaking work that brings attention to crucial issues surrounding poverty, housing insecurity, and inequality in America. Its impact has sparked important conversations about social justice and policy reform.
Who Is This Book For?
1. Social justice advocates: This book would appeal to those passionate about addressing issues of poverty, inequality and housing insecurity in society.
2. Sociology students: The book provides a deep dive into the complexities of poverty and its impact on individuals and communities, making it an ideal read for sociology students looking to expand their understanding of these issues.
3. Policy makers and activists: Evicted offers valuable insights into the systemic factors that contribute to housing instability and eviction, making it a must-read for policy makers and activists working towards creating positive change in this area.
4. Empathetic readers: The author's writing style is powerful and evocative, allowing readers to connect with the personal stories of those facing eviction. This makes it a compelling read for anyone who values empathy and understanding.
5. Those interested in urban studies: The book takes place in Milwaukee, providing a detailed look at the city's history, demographics, economy, and social dynamics. Readers with an interest in urban studies or city development would find this aspect of the book particularly intriguing.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Eye-opening and thought-provoking: "Evicted" is a powerful and eye-opening book that sheds light on the devastating effects of eviction in America. Through vivid storytelling and thorough research, author Matthew Desmond offers readers a deeper understanding of poverty, housing insecurity, and inequality in our society.
2. Humanizes the issue of eviction: In his book, Desmond puts a human face to the often overlooked issue of eviction. He tells the stories of real people who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, making it impossible for readers to ignore or dismiss this problem.
3. Interdisciplinary approach: One of the strengths of "Evicted" is its interdisciplinary approach. The author draws on sociology, economics, psychology, and other disciplines to provide a comprehensive analysis of the causes and consequences of eviction.
4. Engaging writing style: Despite being based on years of rigorous research, "Evicted" reads like a novel with compelling characters and an engaging narrative style that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
5. Calls for action: This book not only educates readers about eviction but also calls for action to address this pressing issue. It challenges us as individuals and as a society to think critically about our attitudes towards poverty and homelessness and take steps towards creating more equitable housing policies.
Cons:
1. Can be emotionally draining: The subject matter of the book is eviction and poverty, which can be emotionally exhausting for some readers. The book does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of living in poverty and the struggles faced by those who are evicted.
2. Heavy on statistics and research: While some readers may appreciate the depth of research that went into this book, others may find it overwhelming. There are many statistics and data points throughout the book that can make it feel like a textbook at times.
3. Depicts only one side of the story: Although Desmond extensively interviewed both landlords and tenants for his research, the majority of stories presented in the book are from tenants' perspectives. This means that there may be a bias towards portraying landlords as greedy or heartless, while not fully exploring their side of things.
4. Lacks solutions or actionable steps: While Desmond sheds light on an important issue through his writing, some critics have noted that he falls short when it comes to offering tangible solutions to address eviction rates and poverty in America.
5. Not suitable for all ages: Due to its heavy subject matter, this book may not be appropriate for younger readers or those who are sensitive to depictions of poverty, violence, drug use, etc.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
is a powerful and eye-opening account of the devastating effects of eviction on low-income families. Through in-depth research and personal stories, Desmond paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by those living in poverty and the complex systems that perpetuate their cycle of hardship.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the root causes of poverty and homelessness in America. It sheds light on issues such as housing discrimination, lack of affordable housing, and economic inequality that are often overlooked or misunderstood. The personal narratives shared by individuals facing eviction humanize this issue and make it impossible to ignore.
Desmond's writing is both informative and compassionate, making this book an engaging read despite its heavy subject matter. It challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about poverty while also offering potential solutions for addressing this pressing issue. Overall, Evicted is a thought-provoking and necessary read for anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of poverty in America.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Evicted" on Amazon
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