This is a raw look at the way poverty and abuse impact a young mother’s life. Her struggle to provide for her daughter and constant difficulties in accessing government benefits are told in striking prose.

Stephanie’s story really made my heart ache for her and any person, especially a parent, who is fighting for their own survival every day. I think I enjoyed it even more since I listened to her tell it in audio format.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes that I think sums up the message of this one well: “I was overwhelmed by how much work it took to prove I was poor.”