This was an eye-opening insight into the struggles people, particularly mothers with young children, face in the US. Welfare is a vital tool to help when absolutely needed but this book really showed how it starts a cycle and can be very hard if not impossible to get off of. It really made me look at the things I have and take for granted, like the simple luxury of being able to afford such basic things as trash bags and hand lotion. Well-written first-hand account!

This audiobook written and narrated by B.Morrison shares how the welfare system was brought into place in the 70s in the USA. A beautifully adapted extract of her life, friends, and family included.

Her battle with acceptance of the situation she found herself in is one I'm sure many people can relate to. These days there is still a stigma attached to people who are on welfare / benefits that some feel restricted as if they are not an equal part of society and for most this is not a choice but often a means to an end. Sadly, we do have some who may take advantage of such ways, which makes this read for anyone who has never had personal experience in this area rather informative from a first-hand experience. This is a mother doing her best to survive and raise her children.

This was well narrated and very easy to listen to, not overly long, nor was it extremely political, but it explained the dynamics of family life, the struggles, and also triumphs experienced. Just as stated, being on welfare doesn't mean you should have to live in poverty, nor does it mean this is forever it is simply a for now that this is the situation. It really is something to be greatful for in times of need for those who have to go down this path but never loose hope that this is your forever because like B.Morrison you can face various issues and still come back from the bottom and rise again!

With thanks to Netgalley & Cottey House Press for this ARC.

I love to read/listen to memoirs but I don't like to review them. This is an older book but it is just coming out in audio. It reminded me of Stephanie Land's memoir, Maid. I'm glad that I read this book. I think reading memoirs helps to understand why people are the way they are. The author does a good job of describing her life on welfare.

It was heartbreaking to hear her talk about how people would comment when they would see she was using food stamps. She also talked about employers who would not hire her because she was on welfare. Lots of government programs are messed up but I think this author is an example of how the welfare system is meant to work.

One thing that bothered me about this book is that it was never really said why her parents didn't like her as much as their other children. Maybe I just missed it. I know that she mentioned that she looked different than the rest of them and eluded to her not being her father's child but I did not here that confirmed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.