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Beyond the Beautiful Forevers
288 pages, 2014
In India, a country fast becoming prosperous, Katherine Boo’s book about Annawadi, a shantytown in the shadow of luxury hotels near Mumbai airport, is enlightening and illuminating.
Asha, a woman of formidable ambition, has identified a path to the middle class for her daughter through beauty pageants. Abdul sees “a fortune beyond counting” in the recyclable garbage that richer people throw away.
Kalu, a young thief who cannot read or write but dreams of escaping Annawadi, is electrified by hope. And then there is Annawadi’s brightest star: Annasuya, an enterprising teenager and Asha’s beautiful daughter.
Beyond the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo gives us a raw and unfiltered look into the harsh realities of poverty in India. It's a deep dive into the lives of people living in the slums of Mumbai, showing us that poverty is not just about lack of money, but also about lack of opportunities and hope.
Boo's book exposes the rampant corruption and injustice that the poor have to deal with on a daily basis. It's a stark reminder that the system is often rigged against those who are already disadvantaged, making it even harder for them to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Despite the grim circumstances, the book also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. The characters in the book, though living in dire conditions, never give up and continue to strive for a better life. It's a testament to the strength and determination of people living in poverty.
Beyond the Beautiful Forevers also sheds light on the stark societal inequalities that exist not just in India, but all over the world. It's a call to action for us to acknowledge these inequalities and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
Lastly, Boo's book shows us the power of storytelling. Through her detailed and empathetic portrayal of the characters, she makes us care about their struggles and triumphs. It's a reminder that every person has a story worth telling, and that these stories can help us understand and empathize with people whose experiences are different from our own.
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A mind-blowing, heart-rending portrayal of life in a Mumbai slum. A must-read for anyone who cares about the 'other half' and the inequities of the world.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founderA searing, unforgettable account of the struggle for survival in a Mumbai slum. It's a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Barack Obama - 44th U.S. PresidentA powerful, raw narrative that pulls back the curtain on the realities of life in a Mumbai slum. A book that will change your perspective.
Oprah Winfrey - Media MogulA deeply moving, eye-opening work that gives voice to the voiceless. A stark reminder of the disparities that exist in our world.
Sheryl Sandberg - Facebook COOA heart-wrenching, beautifully written book that shines a light on the harsh realities of life in a Mumbai slum. A call to action for all of us.
Malala Yousafzai - Youngest Nobel Laureate