Off the Books: The Underground Economy of the Urban Poor (Chicago: neighborhood, income)

[Elder18]

Has anyone read this book by Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh?

It's about the underground economy (i.e. income not reported to the government) and the role it plays in impoverished urban areas.

I read it a few weeks ago and I was really blown away. It gives you a great idea of what life is like in the "ghetto" and how people make ends meet and attempt to solve the problems that the underground economy causes.

Very good reading.

[Elder18]

The book takes place in a neighborhood in the Southside. The author gives it and the people in the book fake names. It's a great source of Chicago history as well.

[Manigault]

You may want to check out "The Promised Land" in that vein.

[ontheroad]

Sounds interesting.

You might consider having the thread moved to the Book, et al forum to get more feedback.