Gut wrenching

Another incredible book. I taught this one, too, in a class full of privileged white kids who'd only thought of the issues raised in the book as an abstraction, a bit of political or economic theory. What a wake-up call! It was a stretching experience for teacher and students alike.

I have always felt very passionately aware of poor single mother's struggles and how no matter how hard they work to give their children a better life, usually all their efforts go in vain...but this book made me more aware than I probably would have honestly liked. I don't know how I will sleep at night knowing these people's struggles. It was heartbreaking on numerous accounts. I just wish I could truly do something.

Racism in America. It exists. And Jonathan Kozol, in every book he writes, portrays this horrible cruelty with open eyes and an open heart. Everyone should read at least one of Kozol's books.

I grabbed this book because it was written by Kozol, education... except this was not about education, but Bronx and the inequality between the poor and the rich. Interesting---but maybe a bit outdated?? I have no idea. The book was interesting.

This is a super depressing book and only recommend if you want your heart torn

Update Feb 2021: Just read [b:The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America|32191706|The Color of Law A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America|Richard Rothstein|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1493422076l/32191706._SY75_.jpg|52832599] which shows how pervasive discriminatory housing laws, policies, and norms were and are; it reminded me of this book I read almost 10 years ago that provides an intimate look at how local government housing policies "grind the faces of the poor." (Isaiah 3:15) Increasingly relevant and highly recommended.

Feb 2012:

This book was so simply written and was so heartfelt. I think part of what made it so effective was that he didn't push any specific agenda, but simply tried to convey what he read, heard, and felt - true journalism.

I know that God will hold us all accountable for how we treat those who are poor and suffering. It is so easy to ignore, forget, avoid, and rationalize. I am grateful that Kozol wrote this book to expose the things that are hidden to those who aren't looking (I'm not holding myself exempt, by any means).

Even though Kozol implies that he isn't very religious (in a formal way), he still manages to convey that that this is at its root a spiritual and moral issue for all of us. I will add my testimony to his: "this is pure religion, to visit [the poor in their] affliction" (James 1:27) instead of avoiding and relocating them.

This book is not really about poverty. This book is about segregation & the violence it inflicts.