Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

This book by Pulitzer prize winner Katherine Boo really challenged me. Boo takes you into the lives of people living in a slum next to the Mumbai airport. Her writing style reads like fiction - which is good, because the topic is so heavy.

The challenge for me was remembering that in a survival situation, humans are wired to fight to survive - and some aren't. It was hard for me to grasp the imbalance of morality, the harsh conditions, the corruption (even by those who have money), the naivety of westerners, the embarrassing attempts to help by non-profits, and the discouragement to report crime or have hope or help others ... the list goes on. I think the important thing is to read books like this, to learn what I can from it, and to not compare that reality to my own (because it is clear that any correlation to my own life would be terribly disrespectful).

It is hard to read books like this, because you are left feeling hopeless. But, I think it is far better to at least read about it - to acknowledge that we live different lives and that their lives are being lived - that life is a gift, but not in all parts of the world.

I do recommend this book.