Class

A Memoir

By: Stephanie Land

Narrated by: Stephanie Land

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

A Good Morning America Book Club Pick
A New York Times Most Anticipated Books of Fall

From the New York Times bestselling author who inspired the hit Netflix series about a struggling mother barely making ends meet as a housecleaner, a “raw and inspiring” (People) memoir about college, motherhood, poverty, and life after Maid.

When Stephanie Land set out to write her memoir Maid, she never could have imagined what was to come. Handpicked by President Barack Obama as one of the best books of 2019, he called it an “unflinching look at America’s class divide…and a reminder of the dignity of all work.” Later, it was adapted into the hit Netflix series Maid, which was viewed by sixty-seven million households and was Netflix’s fourth most-watched show in 2021, garnering three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Stephanie’s escape out of poverty and abuse in search of a better life inspired millions.

Maid was a story about a housecleaner, but it was also a story about a woman with a dream. In Class, Land takes us with her as she finishes college and pursues her writing career. Facing barriers at every turn including a byzantine loan system, food insecurity, the judgments of professors and fellow students who didn’t understand the demands of attending college while under the poverty line—Land finds a way to survive once again, finally graduating in her mid-thirties.

Class paints an intimate and heartbreaking portrait of motherhood as it converges and often conflicts with personal desire and professional ambition. Who has the right to create art? Who has the right to go to college? And what kind of work is valued in our culture? In clear, candid, and moving prose, Class grapples with these questions, offering a searing indictment of America’s educational system and an inspiring testimony of a mother’s triumph against all odds.

Critic reviews

"This deeply touching memoir sheds light on the seemingly insurmountable challenges encountered by impoverished people seeking better lives for themselves and their families. Fans of Maid and the Netflix series inspired by the book will want to listen to this." (Susan Cox)

"Stephanie Land, who wrote MAID, had a laser-focused goal to succeed as a writer, and this memoir proves that in spades. Her presentation of her life, which included an abusive husband, an unpredictable father to her daughter, and financial challenges, would send anyone over the edge. It all got her down, but she never gave up. Land’s exacting words and notable phrasing immerse listeners in a story of poverty, including the sacrifices she made to graduate from college and then get a Master of Fine Arts so she could write for a living. She concludes with an epilogue explaining her current successes. Fans of her previous work will be drawn to this memoir for its honesty, integrity, and candor."

Raw and Relatable

I enjoyed Maid so much, and this one lived up to my expectations. Ms. Land shares her story in a way that allows you to connect even when her story may not be exactly yours. Her stories will have a lifelong impact on my as a daughter of a single mom, and being a new single mom myself. I would love to thank her for shattering sterotypes.

Hooked from Page One

Another phenomenal book by the talented Stephanie Land. Tears stream down my face as I process the final words of your book. You are an inspiration, a survivor, and a thriver, and I am elated for the success you've had with Maid; Maid, the Netflix Series, Class, your in-demand speaking engagements, the gifts of your rich, full, personal life and what might be next. Perhaps another Netflix series?

Incredible

Just as amazing as MAID, but even better because we know her story now.

Well Done

Just as great as Maid. Loved learning about the tribe of folks that provided support to Stephanie. Great narrative. Must read.

Outstanding true story!

This book is so well written by a true warrior! If you have struggled as a single mother, I highly recommend this book! It will help you fight through life no matter what the circumstances. Stephanie is one of the strongest, most brilliant writers out there!