Susan's review
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
by Jane Jacobs
Susan's review
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
Susan's review
rating:
bookshelves:
non-fiction,
sociology,
urban-studies
recommended for: Urban planners, community & economic developers
I know, I know. Most everyone I've talked to and observed here love this book. I appreciate the idea of Jane Jacobs and her passion for healthy communities. Her personal story is quite impressive. I agree that the concepts and ideas she put forth are essential and spot on, even today. I found myself having those "Well, duh!" moments when something so simple makes so much sense and wondered why we do sometimes over-complicate things. She was certainly ahead of her time.
Given that, here's the rub...I am most impressed with urban planners and community activists who spend more time concentrating on influencing positive change in the field than attacking other's efforts. To me in this book, Ms. Jacobs doesn't fit that profile. I found it taxing to wade through her criticisms and objectively consider her perspectives. I felt that at some points she came off shrill, which for me undermined her credibility.
While it shouldn't detract from it's worth, overall the bo...more
Given that, here's the rub...I am most impressed with urban planners and community activists who spend more time concentrating on influencing positive change in the field than attacking other's efforts. To me in this book, Ms. Jacobs doesn't fit that profile. I found it taxing to wade through her criticisms and objectively consider her perspectives. I felt that at some points she came off shrill, which for me undermined her credibility.
While it shouldn't detract from it's worth, overall the bo...more