In this landmark book, acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond draws on history, research, and original reporting to show how affluent Americans knowingly and unknowingly keep poor people poor.

Why? Why does this land of plenty allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit scores of its citizens to live and die on the streets, and authorize its corporations to pay poverty wages? The United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2023: The Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Salon, Kirkus Reviews The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling author of Evicted reimagines the debate on poverty, making a new and bracing argument about why it persists in America: because the rest of us benefit from it.

(Please note: Ann Patchett was originally announced as the moderator for this event, but due to schedule conflicts will no longer be able to attend. You will be notified if a space becomes available.(Note: If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, please call the store at 61 at least 24 hours before the event so your space can be provided to another guest.) Masks are strongly encouraged for all attendees during this event. To be placed on a wait list, please fill out the form below. Please note: This event is full and registration has closed. This is a free event which will take place IN STORE on Monday, March 20th at 6:30pm Central Time.

Parnassus Books is pleased to welcome Matthew Desmond to celebrate his new book, Poverty, by America, in conversation with Cybele Raver.

Matthew desmond books