Rated of 5
by Charlene M. (Murrells Inlet, SC) Beautiful Forevers
Interesting look at the underside of a caste society that I will never experience. Ms. Boo has written a story richly speckled with pathos & the humaness of the invisible life in India.
Rated of 5
by Carolyn A. (Sarasota, FL) behind the beautiful forevers
Everybody in Annawadi talks like this - oh, I will make my child a doctor, a lawyer, and he will make us rich. It's vanity, nothing more. Your little boat goes west and you congratulate yourself, "What a navigator I am!" And then the wind blows you east. Abdul's father, Karam Husain The author Katherine Boo, draws you into her explosive, powerful, world of women, men and children, who spend their days and nights living in one of the worst slums of India. This is not a novel, there is no happy ending. These are real people, who live in world in which from the moment you open your eyes, till sleep overcomes you, life is a struggle. "Everything around us is roses" is how Abdul's younger brother MIrchi, put it. "And we're the shit in between'. There is very little of truth in their lives. Corruption, lies, bribery, filth, is every where in this slum community which borders the International Airport of India. They watch the planes bring the beautiful and the wealthy. Yet this is the place where they go to steal food, where they scavenge to find garbage which they can resell and earn a rupee or two. Yet they dream of a better tomorrow. They dream of love, education, a job, a place in country around them. This is a book I will suggest that others read, that my book groups read and discuss. Katherine Boo has used her writing skills to encourage each of us to open our eyes and view the global world, to see what's wrong and find a way to make a difference..somewhere.
Rated of 5
by Carm D. (Omaha, NE) Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
This book was so well written and well researched. I really had no idea about the sub-society that exists in Mumbai and probably other large cities in India. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it made me so sad! I had to read a chapter and then walk away for a day or two before I could continue. I am wiser and more compassionate for having read this book, and for that I am grateful to Ms Boo for writing it.
Rated of 5
by Karen J. (Bremerton, WA) Not easy to read, not easy to put down.
Some books carry me along, this one pulled. It was not easy to read, yet not easily put down. Poverty, corruption, racism, economic envy, brutal indifference toward human life pummel the inhabitants of Annawadi, Mumbai’s undercity, yet amazingly, in spite of the slum city’s parched soil of opportunity there exists pockets of hope and aspiration, nurturing a hope for a better life in some of its citizens. It is their indomitable spirit and stories that have humbled and continue to linger with me. I have been inspired by this book. It has given me much to think about. A good book for a book club.
Rated of 5
by Sande O. (Rochester, NY) A Compelling Look at India's Motivated Poor
Pulitzer Prize Winning journalist Katherine Boo has given readers a fascinating look at the poor in a slum near Mumbai's international airport. These poor are not stereotypical, however, they are individuals with names, histories and personalities. They are entrepreneural. They have hopes and dreams and flaws. Their lives are impacted by corruption, chance, and their own destiny. This book is a revelation to anyone like me who like me is used to seeing the poor as victims with their hands out. Boo's research is incredible. Her style is that of a reporter, but underneath she is oboviously championing her subjects cause. A worthwhile and enjoyable read.
Rated of 5
by Norman G. (Diamond Bar, CA) Enlightening
The author gives a fascinating look at a very unusual aspect at the lives of the vast majority of Indian citizens.The characters follow form but do not engender any deep feelings from the reader and this detracts from the overall experience. I highly recommend the book for what the reader experiences but cannot give it 5 stars as I wanted to feel more affinity to the characters as people.
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of 5
by Charlene M. (Murrells Inlet, SC) 
of 5
by Carolyn A. (Sarasota, FL) 
