Poor by Katriona O'Sullivan (2023), published by Penguin
What it's about? Pregnant and homeless at 15, psychologist Katriona O’Sullivan chronicles her struggle to overcome abject poverty, drug addiction and trauma and end up attaining a PhD. Poor is a story about changing one’s life and the supports needed in order to do so.
Why you should read it? A deeply personal and inspiring story about one woman’s resilience to survive and thrive against extreme adversity. Poor is a powerful argument for the importance of giving children hope, practical support and meaningful opportunities. A revealing insight into the detrimental impact of poverty and courage beyond the ordinary.
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Watch: Meet Katriona O'Sullivan, author of Poor | An Post Irish Book of The Year
What the critics say: "What emerges here is not a comfortable rags-to-riches story, but one in which O’Sullivan’s redemptive arc has had to break through the systemic discrimination that our society imposes on poor people. Although a cast of characters help and inspire O’Sullivan to this redemption, there is a deeper societal punishment inflicted on her and constantly reminding her of her place. And there is a painful legacy – a lifetime of dealing with childhood trauma. To this very day." - Sinéad Gibney, Sunday Business Post.
What does O’Sullivan do now? Katriona is a Senior Lecturer in the Assisting Living & Learning Institute in the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University. She is the Principal Investigator on the STEM Passport for Inclusion project. She also has spearheaded an initiative to tackle digital inequality in education.
For readers of… Educated by Tara Westover, O Brother by John Niven, The Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts.
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