The Rich And The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Rich And The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 282 ratings · 63 reviews

Record unemployment and rampant corporate avarice, empty houses but homeless families, dwindling opportunities in an increasingly paralyzed nation—these are the realities of 21st-century America, land of the free and home of the new middle class poor. Award-winning broadcaster Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West, one of the nation’s leading democratic intellectuals, co-hosts...more

Paperback, 222 pages

Published April 17th 2012 by SmileyBooks

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

Colbert Report Book List

41st out of 64 books — 13 voters

Cornel West: Written, Recommended, Referenced or Read

16th out of 28 books — 1 voter

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,071)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Aug 12, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, 2012

It's a sad fact that the only people who read books like this are those that don't need to be. It’s just good old fashioned preaching to the choir. It's a sadder fact that the people who need to read this book the most never will. They're too busy voting against their own economic interests.

A few years ago as I would drive to work in the morning there'd be a group of "yes to prop 8" people gathered with their signs and their children and their idiocy, asking cars to honk in agreement to banning...more It's a sad fact that the only people who read books like this are those that don't need to be. It’s just good old fashioned preaching to the choir. It's a sadder fact that the people who need to read this book the most never will. They're too busy voting against their own economic interests.

A few years ago as I would drive to work in the morning there'd be a group of "yes to prop 8" people gathered with their signs and their children and their idiocy, asking cars to honk in agreement to banning gay marriage. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Californ...) I hadn't been in this country very long back then and was not only disgusted/confused, but morbidly curious. Who were these people? Where did they come from? What kind of tiny warped brain motivates suburban mothers and fathers to play arts and crafts with their kids like this? Constructing hateful billboards at the kitchen table the night before and then waking these kids from their beds, dressing them, no doubt feeding them sugary cereal while morning talk shows played in the background, then loading them and their art projects into their gas-guzzling SUV and setting up on a busy intersection corner at 7:30am to wave "God hates Fags" signs at passing commuters.

It just makes no sense.

So much of this book reiterates how much of this country's problems remain alive because people like the moronic Griswolds above are so preoccupied with issues that MAKE NO DIFFERENCE TO THEIR LIVES to even notice the real problems. Those kids who were dragged out of bed, crusty eyed and obligingly unaware - do you even stop to think that in 10 years it won't make a rat's ass difference if Adam and Steve have a marriage certificate or not - what will matter is that your freshly graduated sheltered suburban child won’t be able to find a job. And if they do, they sure as hell won’t be able to buy a house.

People are stupid. Busy them with something like gay marriage or abortion and there's no room left in their skulls for issues that actually affect them and their lives. Issues that threaten the futures of their children.

Poverty. One percent of country's richest individuals control 42% of the country's wealth. p.7 This isn't worth an arts and crafts session mom and dad? That isn't worth a micro-second of panicked thought in your stupid little brain?

For those of us informed and aware about the loss of the "middle class", the 50 million Americans who live at or below the poverty line, the 30 million American children who go to bed hungry each night, this book will not contain any surprises. Those of us reading it already know just how far out of proportion the pendulum swings. I want to leave my copy in the break room at my job. I want to buy copies and leave them on the seats at doctor's offices. I want to wrap them up in pretty red bows and thrust them in the fox-news watching faces of all fools I'm unfortunate enough to cross paths with every day.

This is not a difficult book. Clearly written, lots of information, statistics, facts. Important facts. Horrifyingly alarming facts. And the worst part? People, like me, will read this, nod in agreement, shake our heads and carry on with our day. (less)

32 likes · like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 Carol Dickerson rated it 2 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a book to give your conservative brother-in-law to convince him that his judgments about the poor in the U.S. and governmental priorities need reexamination, this is not it. I was hoping it might be, but it's just a sloppy book in need of a good editor. The authors throw in some barely legible graphics of poverty statistics and a thin sprinkling of narratives of real poor people they met on their "Poverty Tour." But there are not enough narratives to balance the repetitive...more

like · see review

Jan 19, 2013 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013, social-issues, philosophy, non-fiction

I had the chance to see Tavis Smiley and Cornel West speak on the topic of poverty tonight (January 18th 2013) and decided to buy the book so I could get it signed after the talk and I ended up finishing it in just a few hours- once I started I definitely didn't want to put it down.

The layout of the book is really nice- the information is well-organized, although the last section of the book- The Poverty Manifesto- seemed a bit redundant. It was broken up into 2 parts- the basic manifesto where...more

like · see review

Apr 24, 2012 Michael Cremin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: life-lessons

Last summer, media personality Tavis Smiley and Professor Cornell West undertook a 'poverty tour' of ten or eleven states, video taping as they went, and reporting on what they found on their radio program. I followed their tour intently, and I was very moved by the stories of the people they met along the way. I am interested in poverty; I think the issue is of the greatest importance in our nation, and in the world, and I am saddened that--quite literally--these are the only two people in the...more Last summer, media personality Tavis Smiley and Professor Cornell West undertook a 'poverty tour' of ten or eleven states, video taping as they went, and reporting on what they found on their radio program. I followed their tour intently, and I was very moved by the stories of the people they met along the way. I am interested in poverty; I think the issue is of the greatest importance in our nation, and in the world, and I am saddened that--quite literally--these are the only two people in the media covering the issue.

I have studied poverty in America during my graduate studies at BU a few years back. I am also compelled to understand, and to face, poverty because of my Christian faith. I have experienced poverty as a child in a much kinder and gentler America, and I work with children living in poverty each and every day at my school. Poverty is something that is important to me, as an American, as a Catholic, as a teacher, and as a human being. It is not something I wish to avert my eyes from, even as it is often times difficult to look at.

In this book, Mr. West and Professor Smiley bring the latest statistics and thinking about poverty into sharp focus, and suggest many ways we as Americans can begin to address the issues faced by the poor. Tragically, the Great Recession has created a large group of folks who have descended into poverty, as well as deepening the poverty already being experienced by many black, Hispanic, and Native Americans. I have read many of the statistics and reports that the authors mention in their book, but having them all in one place makes it easier to see the whole picture. Homelessness, foreclosures, hunger, illness, stress, violence...it is all related to poverty, and as more and more people find it harder and harder to make it here in America, we will have a more difficult time dealing with what Samuel Johnson called "the great enemy of human happiness."

According to the United States Census Bureau, 50% of all Americans are now considered to be low income or in very close proximity to low income. We as a nation have to reckon with this reality or we will face a grim future. Whether you believe the solution is more government, more charity, or some combination of both, we have to talk about, and reckon with, this most difficult and uncomfortable subject. The Romans had a saying: "The mills of the gods grind slow, but they grind exceeding fine." Too many of our people are being ground. It's not right.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-5...(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 29, 2012 Angel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: business-and-economics, commentary-and-opinion, current-affairs, politics-and-political-science, social-sciences

Finally finished this book, and I certainly was moved. At the end of the day, I do have some mixed feelings about the book. This is not due to the content. It is just that it is the kind of book that the choir will pretty much pick up, nod in agreement, and then move on, and the clueless will just completely miss. I get the feeling that the people who really should be reading this book will either miss it or ignore it. After all, pointing out that poverty exists and calling out those actually re...more Finally finished this book, and I certainly was moved. At the end of the day, I do have some mixed feelings about the book. This is not due to the content. It is just that it is the kind of book that the choir will pretty much pick up, nod in agreement, and then move on, and the clueless will just completely miss. I get the feeling that the people who really should be reading this book will either miss it or ignore it. After all, pointing out that poverty exists and calling out those actually responsible for it is just not done in polite company. Smiley and West are saying a lot that needs to be said, but how many out there will listen? More importantly, how many of those who listen will be moved to substantial action? That is my question.

Having said that, this book is a must-read. The book is a follow-up of the authors' 2011 Poverty Tour, a tour that went to 18 cities in the U.S. to highlight issues of poverty. The book combines personal stories, commentary, historical overviews and statistics to show how poverty is not just a significant issue in the U.S. It is a national security threat, not to mention a shame upon the nation since it is something that can be solved, but Americans as a whole choose not to solve it. It is not a new problem. What is new is that white suburbanites, who always saw themselves as solid middle class are suddenly falling into poverty. That is what makes the news now, but poverty has been around long before the recent Recession. At any rate, there is an opportunity for substantial change, but it is going to take a lot of will, courage, and compassion. This is what the authors argue. Unlike other books, the authors also offer a full plan for a solution that is worth a look, and one that politicians, if they actually cared for their constituents, could work toward implementing.

I took some notes, so I will probably do a longer write-up of the book in my blog, but I wanted to jot down some thoughts here and to note that I did finish it. Now, don't just sit there. Go find and read this book.
(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Brianna Wright rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely loved this book! I caught Tavis Smiley on an episode of Carson Daly and quickly requested it from my library. I waited for close to three months for it to fill my hold and it was well worth the wait! I read the entire thing in one night and then ended up going to buy my own copy because I found I wanted to high light important pieces and write my own notes on topics.

Tavis Smiley and Cornel West break down the horrific facts of the poverty that literally is silently plaguing our countr...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Elias Demeropolis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although burdened with lengthy (and sometimes excessive) statistics at times, the book does an extraordinarily great job of preaching the necessity for an overhaul in the United States' government's treatment of the poor, near poor, and working poor. An overhaul both in regards to the legislation the United States passes, as well as an overhaul of its citizens mentality towards groups of poverty stricken individuals and accepting the definition and reality of "poverty". The latter of which is sl...more

like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Sam Orndorff rated it 5 of 5 stars

YES. yes yes yes. Cornel West is my hero. And that's a bold statement, coming from a true cynic. Tavis is also a hero of mine. If it weren't for their compassion and encouragement I would not be able to contain my rage about the assault on the poor. Hearing their weekly radio show is the only reason I don't have to go to church. And I'm an atheist so you know I have no moral barometer, every godless day brings me one step closer to murdering a dozen lobbyists. Smiley & West bring me peace in...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Naomi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, non-fiction, political

i’ve longed admired Cornell West (in spite of his religiosity – he at least seems to embody what most christians claim to be, which is empathetic, kind, forgiving, etc. anybody that can refer to “brother rush” [Limbaugh] without making a gagging sound is a truly open and loving person.)

the book is full of history and statistics, graphs and charts; but it has a very personal aspect to it as well as the authors quote real people who have lost their jobs, their homes, and their hope since 2008. th...more i’ve longed admired Cornell West (in spite of his religiosity – he at least seems to embody what most christians claim to be, which is empathetic, kind, forgiving, etc. anybody that can refer to “brother rush” [Limbaugh] without making a gagging sound is a truly open and loving person.)

the book is full of history and statistics, graphs and charts; but it has a very personal aspect to it as well as the authors quote real people who have lost their jobs, their homes, and their hope since 2008. these are the newly poor; people who were not raised in poverty, but people who expected to improve on their parents’ economic status. they have educations, they had jobs, but since the great recession, they have lost it all.

part of the history in this book contrasts the newly poor with the way that poor people have been portrayed in our society for generations now. the poor, we have been told, and many still believe, are people who do not want to work – they are people looking for a handout, people who are on drugs or are alcoholic, people who are just plain lazy. and we have also been led to believe that the poor are mostly minorities. this long-believed fallacy is dissected and refuted by West and Smiley: “We would like to present an alternative theory … poverty is a shortage of money. And the biggest reason for that shortage of money is that most working people are not paid enough for their work and then we don’t have work.” white people overwhelmingly comprise the ‘new poor’ in the US, and have found that they are treated with the same contempt that has been shown to the minority poor for generations.

Smiley and West show how government programs have plenty of money for prisons, for police, for the “war on drugs,” for weapons and invasions, but somehow lacks sufficient funds for proper education, housing, and job creation that will decrease poverty in this country. “There is something warped about a society that has invested $300 billion for the expansion of the prison industrial complex’s jails, prisons, and juvenile justice institutions while claiming it has no money for schools, housing the homeless, feeding the poor, or creating jobs with a living wage.” there is a failure of government policy and we see this every day on the news.

there’s much more to this book; including ideas of how to improve the situation. i think we all know that there’s poverty; regardless of the fact that the news doesn’t cover it and poor people are pushed into a corner where we don’t care to look. this book was a real eye-opener and in spite of the tragic stories, there is a sense of hope and a call for change.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Toby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-at-home, non-fiction-at-home

I came to "The Rich and the Rest of Us" after one of the two authors made an appearance on the Daily Show. Opening it, I expected to hear how terrible poverty is, but I was really looking forward to some fresh thinking on how to deal with it.

So, here's what I learned: I'm not as poor as I like to think, and that poverty really stinks. Further, that poverty has been so stigmatized that it's difficult to discuss.

And that the authors have some clear ideas of the causes of poverty. . . But are not b...more

like · see review

May 25, 2012 Dustin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West wrote this book to expose the reality of poverty in the United States. Their goal is to give the poor a voice and to begin a national dialog about poverty, something Washington refuses to do. Politicians barely acknowledge poverty out of fear of being labeled a socialist.

The Great Recession left millions of middle class people either unemployed or underemployed. Poverty rose by 2.6 million people between 2009 and 2010. The “new poor” have been added to the ranks...more

like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Andrew rated it 4 of 5 stars

A comprehensive book that serves as a wrap up and exploration of the ideas West and Smiley examined on their Poverty Tour. The first part of the book is excellent. It provides a look into poverty with stats and graphs. But the two authors go beyond that and provide an in depth examination at the emotions involved in poverty. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the different voices the two authors provide. But where I feel the book really lacks is when the time comes to solutions to the pr...more

like · see review

May 01, 2012 Arpan Dasgupta rated it 4 of 5 stars

An important issue that often is overlooked, the book provides an accessible reader on the issue. Through the stories of real people, the book looks to change the perception of the causes of poverty and who are the faces in poverty. The book makes a case that it's not only stereotypical issues of drugs and laziness but rather structural issues that have increased the number of middle class families who now find themselves in uncharted territory.

The lack of development of the individual stories w...more

like · see review

Jun 04, 2012 Ashley rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the book. I found it to be completely relevant, factual, and it added a historical lends (what can I say? i love history). With that being said, I did have some issues with the book. A better structure to the book would have helped. Some of the things they talked about toward the last one-third of the book should have been in the beginning. I think readers would have been better served if the authors had provided the old (20th century) definition of "the middle-class" and "the working...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2012 Edward Sullivan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: philosophy, adult-nonfiction

If you are familiar with the work of West and Smiley, nothing in this book will surprise you. It is an impassioned, sincere call to action, nothing less than the eradication of poverty in America. The profiles of some of the desperately poor people they met on their poverty tour are heartbreaking, and the historical analysis of how government has gradually abandoned anti-poverty programs over the past few decades is deeply troubling. West and Smiley call for a new society of compassion, fairness...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

I wanted to read this because of all the (really negative!) dialogue regarding "the rich," "the poor," "class warfare," "welfare bums," "Occupy Wall Street," "the 99%" so on and so forth. This book is a summary of the current (2012) state of poverty in America, how it relates to the rise and fall of poverty throughout the nation's history, and how we might try to mobilize the nation as a whole to reduce or eliminate some of the desperation people are in now.

The title and summary led me to believ...more

like · see review

Jul 06, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: political

On this sweltering 4th of July, I finished this persuasive book by Tavis Smiley and Cornel West. Without hyperbole, it declares our nation to be in a state of emergency. The Rich and the Rest of Us calls us to action. It urges us to write to the President urging him to make the eradication of poverty in America his highest priority. Until we work toward long-term solutions and living wage jobs, we cannot regain status as a great nation. A vast majority are barely getting by, and America has done...more

like · see review

Aug 10, 2012 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the back of my mind I wondered "Is this book going to make me feel guilty about having a job and existing while others are suffering considerably?" However, I wanted to understand what the argument was and am glad to say it's far from any guilt propaganda, but rather educational and humane reading.

I won't break down details because anyone who is inclined to read this ought to, for themselves. But here were some things that surprised me:

1. The idea that "poverty" does not look the same as it...more In the back of my mind I wondered "Is this book going to make me feel guilty about having a job and existing while others are suffering considerably?" However, I wanted to understand what the argument was and am glad to say it's far from any guilt propaganda, but rather educational and humane reading.

I won't break down details because anyone who is inclined to read this ought to, for themselves. But here were some things that surprised me:

1. The idea that "poverty" does not look the same as it did during the Great Depression, or as we envision in our minds and from the images we have. The book also made reference to late night commercials of third-world poverty and poor people surrounded by flies, etc. We've all seen those and have an image of what "poor" looks like and therefore think we ourselves are far from it; but the authors make it clear that in the 21st century and post-manufacturing economy, poor people do indeed have luxury items (such things being cars, microwave ovens, flat-screen TVs, etc.) and can appear to be doing fine. The challenge in dealing with or facing this new kind of poverty is in how deceptive it is to both individuals faced with it and society as a whole. So, the book talks about "new poor," "near poor" and the "perennially poor" and breaks down differences and history of attitudes over time.

This highlights another point which is that working class people who once thought they were solidly middle class and secure really maybe are NOT in this economy. It's a slippery slope, according to this book and it illustrates cases from people they've met that went from one grand situation to precipitously fall into another where they've exhausted all means and are living in tent cities or homeless shelters. And how could it be that extreme so quickly? How so easy??? The book talks about values, misplaced values and false impressions of comfort.

2. Also, surprising was the reminder that the current condition is a threat to democracy. Having 1 out of every 2 Americans being "poor", living paycheck to paycheck, disenfranchised, jobless, homeless- or near that, without any opportunity while a slim 1% enjoys an average of 1.3 million/year is problematic esp. because of the length of time the imbalance has remained. According to the book, this is the longest in 5 decades that the imbalance has remained. Alarmist? Maybe but historically, it points out that the greatest civilizations crumbled when they failed to look after the majority of its citizens, and the weakest of those. This was the frightening revelation for me, personally.

Data, tables and charts support claims made in the book and were all pretty straight forward. One of the notable quotes in the book was from Aristotle: "In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme." But in this country, the poor have no political power. Add to that, they are looked down on, thought of as lazy and morally deficient and ignored by people and politicians. It doesn't exonerate individuals from personal responsibility but points out that greed is also built into the system that runs this country and has disenfranchised so many. So the question lingers: where are we headed as a country.

3. Book also discusses the most vulnerable people being historically women, children and minorities but that the current situation really crossed every section of race, gender, social position based on their case studies. I liked that, at the heart of the book, it wasn't about finger-pointing or pitting the rich against the poor vice versa, but rather about values and challenging people to change the way they look at the misfortunes of others so that ultimately there is a readiness to do something about it.

One does not need to read this book to see in the news everyday that there is a problem on a larger scale. I appreciated the fact that it talks about individual accountability for misplaced priorities but the larger problem in dealing with people struggling is lack of compassion for others. It reviews some of the past efforts by presidents Carter, Reagan, Clinton, Obama and FDR and also where they failed and succeeded; it didn't point fingers but it did call people out on failed policies that were mostly political.

4. Lastly, the twelve ideas proposed ranging from inflation fairness to universal food delivery system, to tax codes, the authors laid out some general ideas for alleviating the current poverty situation that is dire and being ignored. They were not in depth ideas but proposals to get the conversation started. Also included was a form letter to write to the President about demanding a White House conference on the eradication of poverty.

Complete eradication of poverty is obviously not realistic right now. But I do agree that the situation can be changed, starting first with a change in attitude.

A very worthwhile read.
(less)

like · see review

Aug 26, 2012 Hollie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Two great minds with so much wisdom and yet I got the impression that this book was hastily written and produced. (Typos?!) Read the actual poverty manifesto, it's chapter 7 I think, and you will find the most valuable parts of this book. Suitable for high schoolers and up. Helpful stats and anecdotes throughout, though failed to enlighten or inspire me as their brilliant show and live lectures do. Good material for reflection during the upcoming election.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2013 Lucy Pollard-Gott rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book grew out of the Poverty Tour undertaken by Tavis Smiley and Cornel West, but it is a well-documented treatment of the whole subject of poverty in America, not just a report of the tour. Combines instructive historical overview with practical analysis of public policy options. It's about the future well-being of our citizenry, not about election politics, so it is just as important to read post-election. Highly recommended!

like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Jeff rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Mind you, I don't mind reading statistics and percentages...but I think the average person would be quickly disenchanted with this (similar to my review of Jesse Ventura's book). Nevertheless, this was still an informative book and a quick read, and I appreciated the fact that the authors criticized both political parties, although I did feel at certain points in the book that they were endorsing one political party.

like · see review

Jun 21, 2012 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Enlightening and depressing. Being a fan of Dr. West, I was happy to read something by him (co-authored, actually) that was not a six hundred page philosophy text. Regardless of your political tendencies, this little tome will open your eyes to the shameful manner in which our nation is failing its people generally, and the middle class (the engine of our greatness) specifically.

like · see review

Apr 22, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK; I couldn't put it down! Such an easy read- it clearly explains difficult topics and has several charts and graphs to illustrate the history of poverty in the US. I have a better understanding of our current economic crisis after reading this book and feel even more informed to defend those living in poverty when I hear people playing the blame game.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 26, 2012 dianne rated it 2 of 5 stars

As i have great respect for both of the authors of this book, and they are both talented orators, i was really looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, i think they knocked it out over a beer or two, or perhaps had their favorite college kids do it; it is sloppy, redundant, all over the place. Their ideas for solutions never quite make it to profound - still using gushy platitudes and bandaid attempts to fix an irretrievably broken system. The very real crisis of "the rich and the rest of u...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 04, 2012 Robert rated it 4 of 5 stars

As other books in this genre I found myself nodding and agreeing with the text. The information contained therein is not new but I still found it to be informative and interesting. Sadly however as other comments surrounding this book highlight and what I have found myself doing with reading other books similar to this one and from Michael Moore and such is that as I mostly 100% agree with the call to action and what have you, usually after I finish reading I move on. The bulk of our population...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 03, 2013 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Incredibly enlightening. Smiley and West speak the truth about the American poverty situation. That in fact it is not new but it is worse right now and that we need a new commitment to change the disparity between the rich and the rest of us so that it does not continue to widen.

like · see review

Aug 28, 2012 Artracer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Unabashedly leftist, this book is easier to handle then Smiley & West's over the top conversational style. The ideas will make you think, even if like "reassess properties and adjust mortgages based on true-market value and to end homelessness." ain't never gonna happen.

like · see review

Jun 20, 2012 Bill Littell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-nonfiction, adult-professional-books, philosophy-psychology, progressive-lit

For the most part, this is a book created from the Poverty Tour just completed by Smiley and West. Their Manifesto found at the end of the book is fresh and forward-looking; the model letter to Congress is action-oriented. Overall, an important read for progressives.

like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Spicy T AKA Mr. Tea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: activism, occupy-movement, political-science

A pretty good call to action from West and Smiley. Not quite what I had expected. I've read other books like this--calls to action--some being far worse reading. A good mix of anecdote and fact with a coherent analysis. Accessible. It's time to end poverty!

like · see review

Dec 29, 2012 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

After listening to Smiley and West on Charley Rose, I decided to read this all important book, and was inspired by their passion for the plight of the poor in America. Read this, and then figure out how you can volunteer in your community.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 35 36 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

Genres

Non Fiction

31 users

Politics

16 users

Economics

8 users

Sociology

7 users

Philosophy

4 users

Social Science

3 users

Social Movements > Social Justice

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley is a talk show host, author, political commentator, entrepreneur, advocate and philanthropist. Smiley grew up in Kokomo, Indiana. After attending Indiana University, he worked during the late 1980s as an aide to Tom Bradley, the mayor of Los Angeles. Smiley became a radio commentator in 1991, and starting in 1996 he hosted the talk show BET Talk (later renamed BET Tonight) on BET. Con...more

More about Tavis Smiley...

Books by Tavis Smiley

What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America

Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure

How to Make Black America Better: Leading African Americans Speak Out

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Rich And The ...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from The Rich And The Rest ...

“In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme. --Aristotle” — 8 people liked it

“The Poverty Tour provided the opportunity to meet many people who had been living paycheck to paycheck even before the economic downturn. To so quickly slide from the great middle into the underworld of the poor validated our suspicions that perhaps these citizens never really were bona fide, middle class Americans. Indeed, some economists assert that the middle class evaporated decades ago.” — 1 person liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Rich And The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto
avg rating	preview: The Rich And The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto Goodreads rating: 3.89 (282 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13587526-the-rich-and-the-rest-of-us?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334606952l/13587526.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13587526-the-rich-and-the-rest-of-us?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Rich And The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto by Tavis Smiley[/url]

The Rich And The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website