Reads like fiction- Really eye opening- gives such a vivid picture of the viscous cycle of poverty and welfare- but told through the riveting story of two girls/women who are each incredibly strong in their own ways.

This was a slow read and was really depressing. However, it led to a great discussion. The discussion is very likely to get political, so don't pick it if your club can't handle discussing social issues and politics.

LeBlanc spent ten years in close contact with two extended families in the Bronx and has written a stark documentary about the struggle to overcome poverty and the influences of drugs, gangs, prison and childhood molestation.