
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
by Matthew Desmond
Approximately 448 pages
This book presents a gripping account of the housing crisis in America, blending personal stories with rigorous research.
Difficulty
Accessible
Pace
Medium
Mood
empathetic, informative
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- social justice narratives
- you are interested in economic issues
- you appreciate human stories within statistics
Consider another book if
- you prefer fictional stories
- you seek lighter topics
What it is about
"Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" examines the housing crisis in America through the experiences of low-income families in Milwaukee. The author, Matthew Desmond, follows several households facing eviction and the impact it has on their lives. He highlights the systemic issues within the housing market that contribute to poverty.
The book illustrates how eviction is a common experience for many renters, not just a rare occurrence. Desmond explores the relationships between landlords and tenants, revealing power dynamics and economic pressures. He discusses the role of government policies in exacerbating housing instability.
The narrative includes personal stories that humanize the statistics surrounding eviction. Desmond argues that stable housing is essential for economic mobility and well-being. The book calls for a reevaluation of housing policies to address the crisis.
Ultimately, it sheds light on the intersection of poverty, housing, and profit in urban America.
Award recognition
2017 winner
Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction
United States
Reader comments
Loading comments…
Similar award-winning books
Selected from shared categories, regions, award history, and reading profiles.

The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke
by Jeffrey C. Stewart
Also recognised in biography.

Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America
by Eliza Griswold
Also recognised in non fiction.

The Yellow House
by Sarah M. Broom
Also recognised in non fiction.