By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Matthew Desmond's "Poverty, by America" is a scathing indictment of the systemic structures that perpetuate poverty in one of the wealthiest nations on Earth. Desmond, renowned for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work "Evicted," shifts from narrative-driven storytelling to a more direct, manifesto-like approach in this latest endeavor. While the book's brevity—clocking in at under 300 pages—might suggest a concise examination, it is densely packed with data, analysis, and a fervent call to action.

Desmond's central thesis is unambiguous: poverty in America is not an unfortunate accident but a deliberate outcome of policies and practices that benefit the affluent at the expense of the poor. He meticulously dissects how institutions—from housing and healthcare to banking and labor markets—are designed in ways that exacerbate the challenges faced by those living in poverty. For instance, he highlights the mortgage tax deduction, a government benefit that disproportionately rewards the wealthy, costing the government more than all public housing expenditures combined. ([goodreads.com](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61358638-poverty-by-america/?utm_source=openai))

One of the book's most compelling aspects is Desmond's ability to humanize statistics through poignant narratives. He presents heart-wrenching stories of individuals navigating the harsh realities of poverty, bringing a deeply personal and emotional element to the book. These stories are not mere anecdotes; they serve as powerful illustrations of the broader systemic issues Desmond addresses. ([thestlliteraryreview.com](https://www.thestlliteraryreview.com/latest-nonfiction-reviews/poverty-by-america?utm_source=openai))

However, the book is not without its shortcomings. Some critics argue that Desmond's proposed solutions lack concrete implementation plans. While he advocates for higher minimum wages, increased unionization, and more public housing, the pathways to achieving these goals remain nebulous. Additionally, his critique of the decline in union membership and its impact on worker protections is seen by some as lacking empirical evidence and failing to account for the complexities of labor economics. ([cato.org](https://www.cato.org/regulation/winter-2023-2024/book-review-poverty-america?utm_source=openai))

Despite these critiques, "Poverty, by America" is an urgent and accessible work that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nation's economic disparities. Desmond's writing is both accessible and academically rigorous, making the book a valuable read for both laypersons and scholars. It is a call to action, urging a reevaluation of policies and social attitudes towards poverty. ([thestlliteraryreview.com](https://www.thestlliteraryreview.com/latest-nonfiction-reviews/poverty-by-america?utm_source=openai))

In conclusion, while "Poverty, by America" may not provide all the answers, it is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of poverty in the U.S. Desmond's work is not just an analysis but a powerful plea for empathy and change. Highly recommended!

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 5/1/2025