Welcome to a new edition of “From Our Shelves,” where I read a book from our collection and write a short review. Today's featured book is White Poverty: how exposing myths about race and class can reconstruct American Democracy (link to library record).

Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II looks at the issue of poverty in the United States, focusing on white poverty. The U.S. as a whole tends to ignore or refuse to see white poverty. Heck, white poor people often refuse to see themselves as poor, and the politicians of both parties take full advantage of that attitude to push their agendas. Barber, a Black minister, writes on white poverty because in the end poverty is poverty, and poverty does not care about the color of your skin nor any other demographic traits. 

Barber has a lyrical and moving writing style that is also down to earth. You can't help but keep reading as he draws you in with warmth and kindness.

On campus, this book may be of interest locally for classes in General Studies, regional studies, ethnic studies, political science, and sociology.