Poor: Grit, courage, and the life-changing value of self-belief

The No. 1 Bestseller

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

As 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.

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'Full of insight into a live lived right up against the boundaries placed on it by poverty ... so important ... we'd highly recommend' - Fi Glover, Times Radio

'I read poor in one sitting ... I found it so complelling. An amazing story ... moving, uplifting, brave, heroic' - Nuala McGovern, Woman's Hour, BBC

'Moving, funny, brave and original - just like the author ... absolutely incredible' - Roisin Ingle, Irish Times Women's Podcast

'One of the most important books I have ever read ... a beautiful telling of determination despite the odds' - Lynn Ruane, Irish Times

'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' - Sinead Gibney, Business Post

'An incredible read' - Business Post

'Phenomenal' - Louise O'Neill