Summer Urban Readings: Book Recommendations

The first is Thomas Friedman's Hot, Flat, and Crowded. I read this just over a year ago, but I frequently think about the questions it raises. The first half of the book refers to the challenges facing the world: climate change, the Westernization of the world, and the exploding populations, particularly in developing countries. The second half details a green revolution for America and how that can help combat some of these issues. He goes into great detail about the energy crisis and a proposal for a new smart grid system. While there are certainly critical issues that are overlooked in the book, Friedman's ideas are very interesting and thought provoking.

Friedman is also the author of The World is Flat, another interesting book which focuses more on the economy and globalization.

The second book is The Geography of Nowhere by James Howard Kunstler. I am in the process of finishing the book and I believe Fernando mentioned it in his studio towards the beginning of [IN]CITY. Kunstler essentially details how America has become the country where "every place is like no place at all." The book traces the history of the American built landscape considering the economy, society, and major events. He uses specific examples ranging from his backyard of upstate New York to national transportation policy to the causes and policies for post-war suburban sprawl. He also goes more in depth with three cities: Detroit, Portland, and Los Angeles. It's a very interesting account of 20th Century America and her society.

I hope you guys are able to check these books out and find them as intriguing as I do!