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, and how she managed to escape the cycle of poverty and despair that surrounded her.

Through her powerful storytelling, Potts sheds light on the systemic issues that plague these communities, including unemployment, drug abuse, sexism, and evangelicalism. The book is not just a memoir, but an in-depth exploration of the challenges faced by rural women in America today.

Potts' personal experiences are interwoven with extensive research and data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal factors that contribute to the "deaths of despair" - suicide, alcoholism, and drug overdoses - that have become all too common among these communities. The Forgotten Girls is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, gender inequality, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

Through Potts' powerful storytelling, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing rural women in America today, and be inspired to take action to create positive change.