A review by bricycle
The End of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream Is Moving by Leigh Gallagher
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
Gallagher ties in a number of topics together in this easy-to-read, evidence-based exploration of the suburbs. From the failed economics of suburban municipalities to the public health issues and changing generational trends, suburbia is a dying creature (and one that was designed wrong in the first place). If you’re looking for a great place to be introduced to new urbanism, and especially if you grew up in a suburb yourself, this is a fantastic read.
Gallagher utilizes interviews, conferences, and surveys—along with a follow-the-money investigative approach on shifts in construction trends and reversals on real estate development marketing—to provide grounded evidence for her argument. The writing is simple and direct, which makes the weaving of different topics easy to follow. If I had to pick at one thing, it would be that the book had many opportunities to go in detail and provide a more opinionated analysis, but the author chose not to insert as much granular detail or personal opinion. That being said, the coverage of topics is mostly sufficient with just enough of the nitty-gritty to give you a working understanding of many things. Solid introduction.
Gallagher utilizes interviews, conferences, and surveys—along with a follow-the-money investigative approach on shifts in construction trends and reversals on real estate development marketing—to provide grounded evidence for her argument. The writing is simple and direct, which makes the weaving of different topics easy to follow. If I had to pick at one thing, it would be that the book had many opportunities to go in detail and provide a more opinionated analysis, but the author chose not to insert as much granular detail or personal opinion. That being said, the coverage of topics is mostly sufficient with just enough of the nitty-gritty to give you a working understanding of many things. Solid introduction.