In 'Evicted', Matthew Desmond immerses readers in the harsh realities of housing instability in America. Following eight families in Milwaukee, he reveals how eviction is not just a symptom of poverty but a driving force that perpetuates it. Through vivid storytelling and rich social research, Desmond highlights the emotional and financial toll of losing a home. As we witness their struggles and resilience, the book challenges preconceived notions about poverty and housing. It's a powerful call to action that compels readers to reconsider the importance of stable housing in achieving social justice.
By Matthew Desmond
Published: 2017
""The experience of eviction is a brutal reminder that in America, housing is not a right. It’s a game where many play and few win, leaving those who can least afford to lose too often on the streets, fighting for survival in a system that treats them as disposable.""
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • NAMED ONE OF TIME’S TEN BEST NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE DECADE • One of the most acclaimed books of our time, this modern classic “has set a new standard for reporting on poverty” (Barbara Ehrenreich, The New York Times Book Review). In Evicted, Princeton sociologist and MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they each struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Hailed as “wrenching and revelatory” (The Nation), “vivid and unsettling” (New York Review of Books), Evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of twenty-first-century America’s most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY President Barack Obama • The New York Times Book Review • The Boston Globe • The Washington Post • NPR • Entertainment Weekly • The New Yorker • Bloomberg • Esquire • BuzzFeed • Fortune • San Francisco Chronicle • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Politico • The Week • Chicago Public Library • BookPage • Kirkus Reviews • Library Journal • Publishers Weekly • Booklist • Shelf Awareness WINNER OF: The National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction • The PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction • The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction • The Hillman Prize for Book Journalism • The PEN/New England Award • The Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE AND THE KIRKUS PRIZE “Evicted stands among the very best of the social justice books.”—Ann Patchett, author of Bel Canto and Commonwealth “Gripping and moving—tragic, too.”—Jesmyn Ward, author of Salvage the Bones “Evicted is that rare work that has something genuinely new to say about poverty.”—San Francisco Chronicle
Matthew Desmond is an acclaimed sociologist and author best known for his groundbreaking work on poverty and housing in America. He is a professor at Princeton University and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. Desmond's award-winning book, "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City," received a Pulitzer Prize for its in-depth exploration of eviction and its impact on urban communities. Through his research, he highlights the systemic issues surrounding homelessness and affordable housing. Desmond is also the founder of the Eviction Lab, a project dedicated to providing data and research on eviction rates across the United States.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In 'Evicted', Matthew Desmond immerses readers in the harsh realities of housing instability in America. Following eight families in Milwaukee, he reveals how eviction is not just a symptom of poverty but a driving force that perpetuates it. Through vivid storytelling and rich social research, Desmond highlights the emotional and financial toll of losing a home. As we witness their struggles and resilience, the book challenges preconceived notions about poverty and housing. It's a powerful call to action that compels readers to reconsider the importance of stable housing in achieving social justice.
In 'Humanitarian Intervention', Sean D. Murphy explores the complex interplay between sovereignty and the responsibility to protect innocent lives in times of crisis. He examines historical precedents and legal frameworks that shape the debate on intervention. With compelling case studies, Murphy raises critical questions about ethics, legitimacy, and the role of international organizations. Can military action ever be justified under the guise of humanitarian aid? This thought-provoking book invites readers to reconsider the boundaries of global responsibility and the moral imperatives that drive intervention.
In 'The American Occupation of Japan', Michael Schaller delves into the transformative years following World War II, exploring how American forces reshaped Japanese society, politics, and culture. Through vivid accounts and meticulous research, he unveils the complexities of this unique period where East met West under extraordinary circumstances. As Japan navigated the challenges of democratization and economic recovery, the interplay of Japanese resilience and American influence forged a new political landscape. Schaller’s narrative prompts readers to reconsider stereotypes and the historical implications of this unprecedented occupation. What lessons remain from this pivotal chapter, and how did it set the stage for modern Japan?
In 'The Anatomy of the Nuremberg Trials', Telford Taylor offers a gripping account of the landmark proceedings that sought to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. With meticulous research and firsthand insights, he reveals the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by the tribunal. Taylor uncovers the profound implications of the trials on international law and human rights. As both a participant and a historian, his unique perspective sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of legal accountability after atrocities. This compelling narrative invites readers to ponder the legacy of justice in a world plagued by unresolved conflicts.
In 'The Meritocracy Trap', Daniel Markovits challenges the widely-held belief that meritocracy is fair and just. He delves into how the system actually perpetuates inequality, favoring the privileged while stifling the potential of the underprivileged. Through compelling arguments and real-world examples, Markovits uncovers the dark side of meritocracy that leads to social stratification and disillusionment. This provocative exploration raises questions about ambition, success, and the true cost of the meritocratic ideal. Are we truly rewarded for our talents, or are we simply playing into a flawed system?
In 'Seeing Around Corners,' Rita McGrath unveils the art of recognizing transformative opportunities before they arise. With a focus on strategic foresight, she empowers leaders to anticipate market shifts and innovate with confidence. Through engaging anecdotes and practical tools, readers learn to navigate uncertainty and harness change to their advantage. McGrath’s insights challenge traditional thinking, encouraging a proactive approach to future threats and possibilities. Discover how to position yourself at the forefront of your industry, seeing what others cannot.
In 'Tightrope', Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn unveil the gripping realities of America’s working-class struggle through deeply personal narratives. They share the poignant stories of individuals from their hometown in Oregon, highlighting the stark contrasts between privilege and poverty. The authors dig into systemic issues like drug addiction, economic despair, and the elusive American Dream. Through powerful storytelling, they challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality and resilience. This eye-opening exploration not only evokes empathy but also urges a critical examination of societal values.
In 'Unveiled,' Yasmine Mohammed fearlessly exposes the paradoxes within Western liberalism that inadvertently bolster radical Islamic ideologies. Drawing from her own harrowing experiences as a former Muslim girl in a fundamentalist household, she reveals how cultural blind spots and political correctness hinder meaningful dialogue. With incisive clarity, she confronts the uncomfortable truths that challenge the prevailing liberal narratives. This provocative book invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about faith, freedom, and feminism. Prepare to be enlightened and challenged as you delve into a world where liberal intentions collide with radical realities.
Showing 8 of 25 similar books

Ina May Gaskin is a midwife and author renowned for her advocacy of natural childbirth. She is the founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee and the author of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, which has inspired generations of women to embrace natural birth practices. Gaskin’s work focuses on empowering women with knowledge and confidence during childbirth, advocating for a holistic and less medicalized approach to labor and delivery. Her influence in the field of midwifery has been profound, helping to reshape modern perspectives on childbirth.

Marc Andreessen is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating the Mosaic web browser, the first widely-used web browser, and co-founding Netscape. Andreessen is also the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms, where he invests in groundbreaking technology companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Coinbase. He is a thought leader on the impact of technology and innovation, often sharing his views on the future of the internet and startups. His contributions to the development of the web and the tech ecosystem have made him one of the most influential figures in technology.

Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Principles, where he outlines his philosophy on life, leadership, and investing. Ray is renowned for his unique approach to transparency, radical truth, and thoughtful disagreement within organizations. His insights into economics and investing have made him one of the most influential figures in the financial world. Dalio continues to be a thought leader in business, economics, and philanthropy.

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

Jamie Dimon is an American business executive, best known as the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world. Dimon has led JPMorgan through multiple economic crises, including the 2008 financial crash, and has consistently been recognized for his leadership in the banking industry. Under his tenure, JPMorgan has grown into a global financial powerhouse, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Dimon is also an advocate for corporate responsibility and frequently speaks on economic and regulatory issues. His leadership style and strategic insights have earned him widespread respect in the business world.

Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.

Daniel Petre is a distinguished Australian entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist known for his impactful contributions to the business and literary worlds. He co-founded the venture capital firm AirTree Ventures, which has significantly influenced the technology startup ecosystem in Australia. Petre has authored several influential books on technology and leadership, including "The Clever Country?" and "Father Time," which explore themes of innovation and work-life balance. His writing often reflects his deep commitment to shaping a forward-thinking, inclusive society. Beyond his literary and business endeavors, Petre is also recognized for his substantial philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

Henry Rollins is an American musician, writer, actor, and spoken-word artist, best known as the frontman for the hardcore punk band Black Flag. Rollins’ music and performance style are characterized by intensity and aggression, often addressing themes of alienation, anger, and social injustice. After his music career, Rollins became known for his spoken-word performances and his work as a writer, where he explores personal and political issues with a sharp, critical voice. He is also an activist, supporting causes like LGBTQ+ rights and human rights. Rollins’ blend of music, performance, and activism has made him a countercultural icon.
Showing 8 of 13 related collections
“"The experience of eviction is a brutal reminder that in America, housing is not a right. It’s a game where many play and few win, leaving those who can least afford to lose too often on the streets, fighting for survival in a system that treats them as disposable."”
Evicted
By Matthew Desmond
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.