"Nothing to Envy" is a non-fiction narrative that provides an in-depth look at life in North Korea through the eyes of six defectors. The book covers a span of 15 years, during which the country faced a devastating famine. It explores the lives of ordinary citizens, their indoctrination, their gradual realization of the truth about their government, and their decision to defect. The book paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life under a totalitarian regime and the struggle for survival and escape.

"Death Without Weeping" is an anthropological study that delves into the lives of impoverished families in Northeast Brazil, particularly focusing on how extreme economic and social deprivation has led to a numbing acceptance of infant mortality. The book explores the complex interplay between societal structures, health, and local cultural attitudes towards death and motherhood. Through detailed fieldwork, the author reveals how scarcity of resources and the harsh realities of daily survival necessitate a pragmatic approach to grief and maternal attachment, challenging conventional Western perceptions of motherhood and human responses to death.

The book is an intimate exploration of urban life in the Bronx, focusing on the struggles of two women, their families, and their community. The narrative delves into the complexities of love, drugs, teenage pregnancy, and poverty, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the American underclass. It reveals the cycles of disadvantage and the impact of societal neglect on marginalized communities.

"Little Heathens" is a memoir of Mildred Armstrong Kalish's childhood on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression. Kalish recounts the daily struggles and joys of life on the farm, from making do with limited resources to finding creative ways to entertain themselves. Through her vivid descriptions and humorous anecdotes, Kalish paints a picture of a resilient and close-knit community that persevered through tough times with a spirit of determination and optimism.

The book examines the impact of economic and social changes on the urban poor in the United States, particularly focusing on the African American community. It discusses how factors such as deindustrialization, suburbanization, and public policy have led to the isolation of the inner-city poor, exacerbating issues like unemployment, crime, and family instability. The author argues that both structural and cultural factors contribute to the challenges faced by the truly disadvantaged and calls for a combination of social and economic policies to address these deep-seated issues.

This memoir recounts the unconventional, poverty-stricken upbringing the author and her siblings had at the hands of their deeply dysfunctional parents. Their father, an alcoholic, and their mother, an eccentric artist, frequently neglected them, leaving them to fend for themselves. Despite their parents' personal struggles, they instilled a love of learning and a sense of self-sufficiency in their children, which helped them to escape their chaotic home life and build successful lives as adults.

"Hillbilly Elegy" is a memoir that explores the author's personal journey from a troubled upbringing in a working-class Appalachian family to achieving success as a Yale Law School graduate. Through his own experiences, J. D. Vance delves into the challenges and complexities faced by the white working class in America, addressing issues such as poverty, addiction, and the cultural dynamics that shape their lives. This poignant and thought-provoking account offers a compassionate and insightful examination of social and economic struggles, while also reflecting on the importance of family, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

"Unequal City" examines the intersection of race, class, and education in the urban environment, focusing on how the American educational and criminal justice systems shape the lives of young people in Chicago. The book delves into the experiences of Chicago high school students, highlighting the stark disparities they face based on where they live and go to school. Through a sociological lens, it explores the systemic inequalities that are perpetuated by institutional policies and practices, revealing how schools and policing policies not only reflect but also reinforce existing social hierarchies, contributing to a cycle of disadvantage for minority and low-income youth.

"Invisible Child" is a non-fiction book by journalist Andrea Elliott that tells the story of Dasani, a young girl living in poverty in New York City. The book follows Dasani and her family as they struggle to survive in a city that seems to have forgotten them. Despite the challenges they face, the family never loses hope, and their resilience and determination are a testament to the power of the human spirit. Through Dasani's story, Elliott sheds light on the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty in America and the urgent need for change.

This book delves into the complex world of poverty, challenging conventional wisdom and assumptions about the economic decisions of the poor. Through rigorous analysis and empirical evidence, the authors explore how the poor make choices regarding education, health care, savings, and investments, revealing the logic behind these decisions. They argue that understanding these choices is crucial for designing effective anti-poverty policies. The book advocates for a more nuanced, bottom-up approach to economics, emphasizing the importance of specific, targeted interventions over broad, one-size-fits-all solutions. By combining detailed field research with economic theory, it provides insightful perspectives on how to empower the world's impoverished populations.

This book is a gripping exploration of homicide in America, focusing on the disproportionately high rates of murder among African American men in the country's inner cities. Through a detailed case study in South Los Angeles, the narrative delves into the lives of those affected by these crimes, including the dedicated detectives working tirelessly to solve them. The author presents a compelling argument that the lack of effective law enforcement and the criminal justice system's failure to address these homicides are at the heart of the issue, leading to a cycle of violence that devastates communities. This work is both a poignant account of individual stories and a powerful call to action for systemic change.

This book is a detailed account of a family living in rural Pennsylvania, whose lives are disrupted by the fracking industry. It explores the economic desperation that leads small towns to welcome fracking, the environmental and health disasters that follow, and the legal battles that families must wage to protect their rights. The narrative also delves into the political and social divides that the fracking industry exacerbates, providing a comprehensive look at the impact of this controversial practice on American society.

This book delves into the pressing economic challenges of our time, offering insightful analysis and solutions grounded in rigorous research. The authors, both Nobel laureates, tackle issues such as immigration, inequality, and job automation, debunking common myths and presenting evidence-based strategies for fostering economic growth and reducing poverty. Through a blend of compelling narratives and empirical data, the book argues for the importance of nuanced, informed policymaking that prioritizes human well-being and sustainable development. It serves as a clarion call for economists, policymakers, and the general public to rethink how economic principles can be applied to address the complex problems facing society today.

"So Human an Animal" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work that explores the complex relationship between the environment and human health. The book argues that the rapid technological advancements and urbanization of the 20th century have negatively impacted human health and happiness. The author suggests that a return to a more natural way of living and a reconnection with nature could help to alleviate these issues. The book is a call to action, urging society to consider the impact of its actions on the environment and human well-being.

"Hunger" is a powerful memoir that delves into the complex relationship between the author's body and her experiences of trauma, shame, and self-worth. Roxane Gay fearlessly explores the physical and emotional implications of living in a world that often judges and marginalizes individuals based on their appearance. Through her raw and honest storytelling, she invites readers to confront their own biases and challenges societal norms, ultimately advocating for self-acceptance and compassion.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the lives of the American working class during the 1980s. It provides a detailed and poignant account of the struggles and hardships faced by the families in the Rust Belt region, as they grapple with job loss, poverty, and a rapidly changing economic landscape. The narrative follows the authors as they travel across the country, interviewing and photographing the individuals and communities affected by these changes, offering an intimate portrait of the American working class during a time of significant transition and turmoil.