'One of the best books I have ever read about the complexities of poverty . . . one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet' GuardianAs the middle of five kids growing up in dire poverty, the odds were low on Katriona O'Sullivan making anything of her life. When she became a mother at 15 and ended up homeless, what followed were five years of barely coping.This is the extraordinary story - moving, funny, brave, and sometimes startling - of how Katriona turned her life around. How the seeds of self-belief planted by teachers in childhood stayed with her. How she found mentors whose encouragement revitalised those seeds in adulthood, leading her to become an award-winning academic whose work challenges barriers to education.Poor is not only Katriona's story, but is also her impassioned argument for the importance of looking out for our kids' futures. Of giving them hope, practical support and meaningful opportunities.
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
I read [Poor] in one sitting I found it so compelling. An amazing story . . . moving, uplifting, brave, heroic -- Nuala McGovern Woman's Hour, BBC
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
One of the most important books I have ever read . . . a beautiful telling of determination despite the odds -- Lynn Ruane Irish Times
[A] story for the unheard and unseen that is fearless, funny and searingly honest -- Adil Ray OBE
Raw and remarkable Irish Independent
A book of empowerment and hope -- Patricia Scanlan
An important contribution to our understanding of poverty and its impact Business Post
An incredible read Business Post
Dr Katriona O'Sullivan was born in Coventry to Irish parents. In 1998, at 20, she moved from Birmingham to Dublin and subsequently enrolled in the Trinity College access programme. After being awarded a PhD in psychology from Trinity she joined its staff. She now lectures in psychology at Maynooth University and lives with her family in Dublin. Poor is her first book.
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