Voices from the Street: Truths about Homelessness from Sisters of the Road [Paperback]

Jessica P. Morrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2007

Voices from the Street is a candid, guided exploration of homelessness poignant and powerful. The book aspires beyond mere literary voyeurism. Taken from over 500 interviews with those experiencing homelessness, Voices from the Street: Truths about Homelessness from Sisters of the Road is an exploration of their narratives with photographs and family maps. Monica Beemer, executive director of Sisters of the Road, explains, Our hope is that we will build a sense of community, relationship, compassion, and awareness. This book connects readers to individuals, not to ideas, theories, or politics real individuals whose stories and thoughts will enrich readers lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Both depressing and inspirational. All my colleagues in Congress and other public policymakers should read it!" --U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, 4th District Oregon

"An extraordinary and very moving book. There is not one word of hokum in it. It will break your heart, yet it offers solid hope. Just look at the 'maps' drawn by homeless people of their family, their human relationships. You'll have, in ten minutes, a great, unforgettable picture of human pride, fear, loneliness, and longing." --Ursula K. Le Guin, winner of a National Book Award and Pushcart Prize

"Read this beautiful chronicle of Sisters of the Road customers the crossroads of transient Portland street life for three decades." --Gus Van Sant, director of Good Will Hunting and Finding Forrestor

About the Author

Operating their groundbreaking cafe in Portland, Oregon, Sisters of the Road has worked side-by-side with the homeless and low-income community for over 26 years. Their nonviolent philosophy and innovative approach have made them a closely-watched, influential community leader.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Gray Sunshine (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976926164
• ISBN-13: 978-0976926160
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #773,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unique perspective on homelessness, January 10, 2008

By 

L. Smith (Beaverton, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Voices from the Street: Truths about Homelessness from Sisters of the Road (Paperback)

I was expecting a book with interviews of homeless people. This book is more complex than that. It contains short excerpts of interviews which are grouped under subjects pertaining to homelessness, plus interviewer notes, narrator observations, illustrations, and other extras. No single voice dominates the book or even a portion of the book. Look for Genny Nelson's powerful introduction and chapter introductions.

I thought I had some answers to the question of why people are homeless. I've got fewer answers now, and a lot more compassion for the folks that I see every day. This is a good book recommendation for the person who begins a sentence with "All homeless people..."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and Sad, September 11, 2007

By 

Alyssa Agee "NorthwestGirl" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Voices from the Street: Truths about Homelessness from Sisters of the Road (Paperback)

This book can be hard to read but it is full of beautiful stories, sad and touching. I had the honor of reading snippets before it went to press and was struck by many of the passages.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love Sisters!, July 10, 2007

By 

Terrence S. Killian "tkpunk" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Voices from the Street: Truths about Homelessness from Sisters of the Road (Paperback)

I helped out with the later results of Sisters' research, the Photovoice Project, where photographers (some of them participants in the research) were given cameras to document their lives on the streets. You can see some of the photos in this book. Buying this book, you will read and see incredible things. Sisters is dedicated to telling the truth in a non-violent and gently personal manner. You will not regret reading about the lives of the men and women of Portland's streets...