There was a deep and abiding shame that came with asking for handouts. Poverty was a soul-crushing thing. A cave that tightened around you, its pinprick of light closing a little more at the end of each desperate, unchanged day.
Ellen’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Ellen’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
Favorite Genres
Polls voted on by Ellen
Lists liked by Ellen
























