Crystal Edwards

This was a really good book, it was very enlightening on various view-points of poverty. I have always been aware that there are those who are less fortunate then we are. This book was a real eye opener to the causes of poverty. One of the things I liked best about the book was how Ambrasky discussed breaking the cycle of poverty. The most successful way of doing this is through education and empowering individuals in their ability to provide for themselves and their families. There are so many families that are under privileged and they do not know how to help themselves. Through education and programs that enlighten and help individuals and families learn how to work and earn a living and how to manage their finances wisely.

I also enjoyed the many sections on helping individuals with their addictions, mental illnesses and diseases as a way to break the cycle of poverty. Ambrasky discusses JoAnne Page’s work with individuals in need. Page played a key role in many individuals’ lives through her work and dedication to helping others. Page advocated for individuals that not many were willing to sacrifice for. Page know that in order for these individuals to turn their lives around and to rise out of poverty they would need ground to stand on. This is not feasibly possible without assistance in many of these situations.

There are so many issues with poverty, reasons for poverty and effects of poverty. Poverty effects all members of a family unit in different ways. One of the issues that the book discusses was the federal poverty line. Many families that are struggling on a daily basis to make ends meet, maybe due to loss of jobs or jus tough times may not be eligible to any assistance because they make just enough to set them over the poverty line. When our children were younger it was not feasible for me to work, even though we really needed the extra income. My husband alone made enough just to put u over the limit for help with day care. Without that assistance, we could not afford for me to work at the time. This is the case for many families, not only with child care. They are hard working families trying to make ends meet are not able to and do not qualify for any help, these families are left feeling hopeless.

Ambrasky was fantastic at pointing out that most of the time poverty is not a choice. Individuals are often left with the effects of poverty due to another life altering situation. I would definitely recommend this book to those who need a greater understanding of poverty. Overall I give this book 4 stars!