The Forgotten Girls: A Memoir of Friendship and Lost Promise in Rural America

The Forgotten Girls is a heart-wrenching memoir that delves into the lives of rural women in America, specifically those from small towns in Arkansas.

The author, Monica Potts, recounts her own experiences growing up poor and gifted in the Ozarks, where she formed a deep bond with her friend Darci.

Despite their shared love of learning, both girls faced numerous challenges, including family dysfunction, alcohol abuse, and economic decline.

While Monica went on to college and achieved her dreams, Darci struggled with addiction and ultimately became one of the "forgotten girls," a term used to describe the many women in rural America who are dying prematurely due to drug overdoses, suicide, and other "deaths of despair." Through this powerful narrative, Potts sheds light on the systemic issues that contribute to these tragic deaths and offers a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and support for those struggling in rural America.