I tried to get into this book, but ended putting it down. ( )

I received this book for free from the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. Trash is the story of Cedar Monroe, and their journey from childhood in a poor community in Washington state that has now lost its main source of jobs. Cedar returned to this community as a chaplain, in an effort to both minister to and organize the community to combat poverty. Monroe’s thesis is that poverty can be overcome if poor whites join with people of color to change the driving forces of capitalism and white supremacy in American society. There are numerous statistics and vignettes that resonate, but this book would benefit from more concrete suggestions for change. Still, a relatively short, accessible, read that may be good for those new to these topics. ( )

I am writing this as a placeholder for the fuller review that I plan to provide. I've been deluged with things to read and have had to put this one on the back burner, but it does seem like a book that takes an interesting angle on the subject of poverty and one that is written in a way that I am likely to find compelling. ( )

I received a copy of this book from LT's Early Reviewer program.

Monroe grew up poor in the Pacific Northwest and after finishing at an Episcopal seminary in Boston, they returned to their home and served as a chaplain to the unhoused population occupying land along the river in Aberdeen, Washington. This book, while repetitive in places, is an important look at the intersection of race, ethnicity, powerlessness, unfettered capitalism, and how people living in poverty or on the edge of it - whether black or white, Indigenous or not, rural or urban - would be well-served to join forces to demand basic needs like health care and housing. Monroe's central thesis regarding white supremacy and poverty is an interesting one, and their voice is an important one.

3.75 stars ( )

"Trash" is Cedar Monroe's story of the poor white people in Aberdeen, Washington, and the surrounding area. She focuses on their community on "The River" and their struggle with the day-to-day needs. As a minister she does what she can to help them out, with the means of physical survival, and with emotional and psychological support. She herself had a difficult childhood in the same community, but succeeded with becoming educated, and then she came back to do what she could to help the people in the same situation. Despite the final termination of the homeless community camp by the river, she continues to help the people there. Her analysis of the causes of the poverty and homelessness is eloquently stated and explained, that the affected people are relegated to the bottom of the capitalistic society, which values money over people's lives. ( )