40 pages • 1 hour read
Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth
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Book Brief
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Kansas • 1980s-1990s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Heartland by Sarah Smarsh is a memoir and social analysis exploring her upbringing in rural Kansas among hardworking, impoverished families, and examining the class system in America, using personal anecdotes to reveal systemic barriers that prevent socio-economic mobility. The book delves into issues such as poverty, labor, and the stigma surrounding economic hardship.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
18,018 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sarah Smarsh’s Heartland is widely praised for its compelling narrative and insightful exploration of poverty in rural America. Smarsh's personal stories are poignant and well-articulated, though some critics suggest the book lacks comprehensive socioeconomic analysis. Overall, it offers a powerful and empathetic look at the struggles of the working class.
Who Should Read Heartland?
A reader who enjoyed Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls would appreciate Heartland by Sarah Smarsh. They are likely interested in poignant, personal narratives that explore themes of poverty, resilience, and the American Dream, with a focus on rural America’s socio-economic struggles.
18,018 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Betty
Betty
Sarah's maternal grandmother, who works at the Wichita courthouse and provides stability to Sarah during her difficult upbringing.
Jeannie
Jeannie
Sarah's mother, who became a teen mom at 17 and faced challenges with depression and resentment, influencing her relationship with Sarah.
Arnie
Arnie
Sarah's step-grandfather and Betty's husband, a farmer whose stability and paternal influence support Sarah's journey through socioeconomic challenges.
Nick Smarsh
Nick Smarsh
Sarah's father, a farmer who instills in her the importance of hard work, yet faces his own struggles with maintaining a stable livelihood.
Teresa
Teresa
Nick's mother, who encourages Sarah to focus on her education and talents to overcome poverty, offering crucial support in her life.
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Kansas • 1980s-1990s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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