Tracy Kidder's Rough Sleepers has been praised for its compassionate and immersive portrayal of homelessness in Boston, highlighting systemic issues and providing deep character insights. Some reviewers found the pacing slow and desired more diverse perspectives. Overall, it is lauded for its empathetic narrative and thorough journalism, making it a compelling read.

Readers who are intrigued by in-depth explorations of social issues and human resilience will find Tracy Kidder's Rough Sleepers compelling. Similar to Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed and Matthew Desmond's Evicted, this book appeals to those interested in empathetic storytelling and the complexities of homelessness in America.

Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People follows Dr. Jim O’Connell’s work with Boston’s unhoused population through the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tracy Kidder accompanies Dr. O’Connell as he treats patients and provides essential services, while exploring how class and houselessness influence health care in the Northeastern United States. This book mentions instances of extreme violence such as rape, domestic violence, and childhood sexual assault, as well as depictions of grievous injury, illness, and substance abuse. It also addresses extreme injustices like racism, classism, and anti-gay bias.

Informative / Emotional / Heartwarming / Challenging / Hopeful

Tracy Kidder

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Rough Sleepers and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Rough Sleepers Summary and Study Guide

Background

Rough Sleepers Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Rough Sleepers Part 1  Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Art of Healing”

Part 2 Rough Sleepers Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Pantheon”

Part 3 Rough Sleepers Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Rough Sleepers Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Searching for Meaning”

Part 5 Rough Sleepers Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “A System of Friends”

Part 6 Rough Sleepers Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “The Night Watchman”

Part 7 Rough Sleepers Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “The Portrait Gallery”

Part 8 Rough Sleepers Part 8 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Rough Sleepers Key Figures

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Themes

Rough Sleepers Themes

Index of Terms

Rough Sleepers Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

Rough Sleepers Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Rough Sleepers Essay Topics

Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Rough Sleepers?

Reading Age

Book Details