A college professor of mine who i greatly admire once labeled Jonathan Kozol as a modern day prophet. The idea is that he is a person willing to say things that most of us don't want to hear. And that he is willing to say it starkly. Its true. Kozol does an excellent job in this book talking about a number of failing school systems in the country, and then comparing them to thriving (and well-funded) school systems very close by. I read the book a long time ago, but it still resonates, and i still pick it up on occasion to read a chapter or two. Most striking was the chapter on Cherry Hill and Camden, NJ. I mean, the fact that districts can have such differences in wealth, and be so close together, well its shocking. Growing up in Washington, DC i knew this, though its different when you realize that the problem is more widespread and not just local. Kozol is an excellent writer. Its an easy read, though his words don't leave you as quickly as they come. If this is a topic that even remotely interests you, i highly recommend.