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

The title intrigued me as someone who also grew up without money or splendor. My parents were not addicts but hard working folk but many scenarios described in this book really resonated with me. What a struggle the author's life was. What true grit and fight she had. I am forever amazed by such strong women and forever in awe of them. I feel all you g women need to read this book. If their life is just a fraction of the struggle, to see a woman get herself out of such circumstances is just life changing. I am so happy that I have read this book and will treasure it for my granddaughters to come. To show them true fight and anything is possible.

I'd like to thank Katriona for her absolute honesty in writing down her unbelievably shocking life experiences. I thought I had succeeded through resilience and determination, but this is another level, and shines a light on the human races ability to knock/bully/put down/hurt the poor so that they lose themselves in addiction & 'no hope'. Katriona's story also shines a light on how a few people in children's and young adults lives can help to bolster their self-esteem and provide little glimmers of light, open doors slightly & give someone that hope & self-belief.... the match that lights the fire, to help them find a route out. Not only have you found your route out Katriona, you are brighte enough and bold enough to shine with success, and you are a beacon of light for other kids & adults who find hope in your story. Everybody should read this story to understand what our society is really like, to understand themselves, and to help change peoples attitudes & ensure that everyone has a chance in life and can take pride in what they do. Whoever they are, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.....they deserve more! You did it Katriona! Be very proud of telling your whole story. You really did it, and I am in awe & full of admiration for your truth and honesty.

I think this should be on the reading list for student teachers, social workers, health professionals, youth workers, counselors etcIt’s so important to understand where people come from but also have hope for where they can go. I also love that Katriona acknowledges the systems (or lack thereof) that helped and hindered her on her journey.

As a voracious reader, much like the esteemed author, this is simply one of the best books I have ever read. It is one of the single, most authentic and heart-wrenching accounts of poverty I have ever read. It also gives painful insight into the far reaching, all encompassing damage that undiagnosed mental health and consequent addiction can cause. And yet, in the midst of the chaos and devastation lives a spirited, kind, brave and incredibly intelligent little girl. Katriona O'Sullivan, despite a lifetime of trauma, possessed within her a belief that she was destined to climb out of the 'trenches' through sheer grit, a refusal to continue the cycle and through the benevolence of those few special people who could recognise her worth. While this memoir is hugely inspirational, it makes me want to weep that other Katrionas are entrenched in a non equitable system that makes fulfilling ones potential nigh on impossible. I commend Dr. O' Sullivan being a force for change but above all else, I am so very happy that she is now surrounded by the love she deserves. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

Wonderful read...true grit, determination & self belief...if you fall or fail get up & try again, only you can change your life. Little steps & one day at a time.

Read it in one sitting. Very grateful that Katriona bravely put pen to paper to share her story with the world. Powerful insights which I will take forward with me in life. Thank you!

Katriona,You are incredible, thank you for sharing your story.It was just what I needed at a low point in my life.

Bought this book as a birthday gift.The response was that she couldn’t put the book down and read it in a day.“It was brilliant”