Get 3 audiobooks free with a 30-day Free Trial Sign Up Free

Poor: The Award-Winning Memoir of Grit, Courage, and the Life-Changing Value of Self-Belief

Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

Listen Free Now
  • Listen free with a 30-day free trial
  • Choose 2 bonus VIP books
  • Enjoy 10,000 always free books
Ratings
Book
93
Narrator
53
Release Date
May 25, 2023
Duration
6 hours 48 minutes
Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.

'We love a rags-to-riches story, and we love to see someone triumph through sheer determination. But the story is rarely that simple. My story isn't, anyway.'

As the middle of five kids growing up in dire poverty, the odds were low on Katriona O'Sullivan making anything of her life. When she became a mother at 15 and ended up homeless, what followed were five years of barely coping.

This is the extraordinary story - moving, funny, brave, and sometimes startling - of how Katriona turned her life around. How the seeds of self-belief planted by teachers in childhood stayed with her. How she found mentors whose encouragement revived those seeds in adulthood.

Now an award-winning lecturer whose work challenges barriers to education, Poor stands as a stirring argument for the importance of looking out for our kids' futures. Of giving them hope, practical support and meaningful opportunities.

'One of the best [books] I have read about the complexities of poverty . . . one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet' Guardian

'An amazing story . . . moving, uplifting, brave, heroic, shocking at times' Nuala McGovern, Woman's Hour, BBC

'[Poor] is moving, funny, brave and original - just like the author . . . an absolutely incredible read' Roisin Ingle, Irish Times' Women's Podcast


©2023 Katriona O'Sullivan (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Reviews
Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2024

A really enjoyable listen. Katriona's story is amazing and all the better when narrated by herself!

Profile Avatar Edwin M. Feb 2026

Very well done and helpful!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2024

Brilliantly written and very moving, especially the end.

Profile Avatar Namarran Feb 2026

Inspiring and honest. Raw and real.

Profile Avatar Michael P. Feb 2026

Her story was heartrending, compassionate and inspiring. Loved her narration!

Profile Avatar Rachel I. May 2026

Very well done! Mother, wife thanks for putting pen to paper. It was a great read doctor! Thanks.

Profile Avatar Lizbeth H. May 2026

Incredible story of survival and growth without falling into meritocracy

Profile Avatar Jennifer B. Apr 2026

It was difficult to listen to, my heart goes out to her. Although I don't always agree with her opinion, it is very clear she is a triumphant ,strong and very intelligent woman. It brings hope and light to a difficult subject. Very moving!

Profile Avatar MCothranJr Mar 2026

A good listen about the struggles of trying to rise from poverty. The narrator is the author, and the emotion and power can be heard during the reading

Profile Avatar Katerri C. Mar 2026

Such a heartfelt and profound book definitely read it!!!

Profile Avatar Todd D. Mar 2026

Fantastic book. Well written and the narrator being the author just made it perfect. It’s a very miserable storyline though and not for the faint of heart

Profile Avatar Meg Lowry Mar 2026

Interesting prospective with thought provoking moments.

Profile Avatar QueenB Feb 2026

Wow what a brave story told! It had me gripped from start to finish!

Profile Avatar Miss Biggun Feb 2026

Wow a hard hitting read

Profile Avatar Jimi Feb 2026

Heartbreaking and honest telling of Katriona’s life and the reality of poverty. Childhood traumas and what it takes to get above it. A book that should be a requirement for officials and people in general. A mirror into herself, but also this world we live in.

Profile Avatar Lisa B. Feb 2026

Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Made all the better by the narration of the author.

Profile Avatar C D. Feb 2026

An intresting story about how drugs can ruin everything and the long term effect of it. Glad I listened

Poor: The Award-Winning Memoir of Grit, Courage, and the Life-Changing Value of Self-Belief

Poor: The Award-Winning Memoir of Grit, Courage, and the Life-Changing Value of Self-Belief

Author: Katriona O'sullivan
Read by: Katriona O'sullivan
Listen Free Now Get any book plus
2 bonus VIP books
1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$0.00
View Cart