A well-written and well-researched book on the reality of poverty in America. Desmond not only focuses on the problems, however, but also on potential solutions, especially in the latter chapters of the book.

“The end of poverty is something to stand for, to march for, to sacrifice for. Because poverty is the dream killer, the capability destroyer, the great waster of human potential. It is a misery and a national disgrace, one that belies any claim to our greatness. The citizens of the richest nation in the world can and should finally put an end to it.” (189)