Out of the Easy

Set in New Orleans in the 1950s, this novel tells the story of Jo, the daughter of a prostitute, who lives in an unsavoury reality but dreams of a life where she can attend college and escape poverty. When a rich visitor is killed by her mother's boyfriend, Jo is caught up in a world of the mob that threatens to de-rail her plans for the future. Using the problems faced by a strong and clever female character, the novel discusses themes of prejudice, stereotypes, self-image, poverty, loyalty, and morality. Suitable as a literature circle novel or an individual novel.