Poor
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  • Published: 25 May 2023
  • ISBN: 9781405961158
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $32.00
Categories:

Poor

Formats & editions
Audiobook
25 May 2023
Paperback
15 Mar 2024
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An inspiring story about the lasting effects of growing up poor, even for those who 'escape'

As the middle of five kids growing up in dire poverty, the odds were low on Katriona O'Sullivan making anything of her life. She became a mother at 15 and ended up homeless. Five rackety years followed - barely coping, drinking to escape - until Katriona, now living in her father's native Dublin, hit rock bottom.

Poor is the extraordinary story - moving, funny, brave, and sometimes startling - of how Katriona turned her life around. During her schooldays there had been teachers who looked out for her - beacons of stability in a chaotic childhood. They planted seeds of self-belief. In Dublin when she sought help, she found mentors whose encouragement revived that self-belief. She got her act together, got a flat and a job as a cleaner, and got into Trinity College. Today Dr Katriona O'Sullivan is an award-winning lecturer whose work explores barriers to education.

Despite her professional success, and happiness in her marriage and as a loving mother, Katriona lives with the indelible legacy of her early years. Her book is a stirring argument for the importance of looking out for our kids, of giving them hope, practical support and meaningful opportunities.
  • Published: 25 May 2023
  • ISBN: 9781405961158
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $32.00
Categories:

Praise for Poor

[A] story for the unheard and unseen that is fearless, funny and searingly honest

Adil Ray OBE

Katriona has taken her life and turned it into a call for action. She has given us all of her in her radically honest memoir and all who read it must meet that honesty with action. Poor is a book that can change society, and we must all level up to change it with her.

Lynn Ruane

Phenomenal

Louise O'Neill

A book of empowerment and hope

Patricia Scanlan

An important contribution to our understanding of poverty and its impact

Sinéad Gibney, Business Post

Raw and remarkable

Irish Independent

An incredible read

Business Post

One of the most important books I have ever read . . . a beautiful telling of determination despite the odds

Lynn Ruane, Irish Times

Moving, funny, brave and original - just like the author . . . absolutely incredible

Róisín Ingle, Irish Times Women's Podcast

One of the best books I have ever read about the complexities of poverty . . . one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet

Guardian

I read [Poor] in one sitting I found it so compelling. An amazing story . . . moving, uplifting, brave, heroic

Nuala McGovern, Woman's Hour, BBC

They should put it on the leaving cert . . . an extraordinary book

Brendan O'Connor, RTÉ Radio One

Absolutely brilliant. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is, as far as I'm concerned, the book of the year!

Pat Kenny, Newstalk

A fascinating story of overcoming great adversity, so well told

Matt Cooper, Today FM

Full of insight into a life lived right up against the boundaries placed on it by poverty . . . so important . . . we'd highly recommend

Fi Glover, Off Air with Jane and Fi, Times Radio

If I was a student who could be lectured by her, I would feel beyond privileged ... I really do recommend the book.

Jane Garvey, Off Air with Jane and Fi, Times Radio

The remarkable story of her ascent from the trenches [of poverty] and her determination to inspire others . . . a vivid retelling of Katriona flourishing, despite her beginnings

BBC News West Midlands

Just finished this brilliant book ... it strikes at the heart of the damage we as a society are doing to children living in poverty.

June Shannon, Twitter