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Janesville

384 pages, 2018

Takeaways
Description

In 2010, a small midwestern city in Wisconsin voted for Tea Party Republican Paul Ryan—a decision that would have far-reaching consequences. Pulitzer Prize winner Amy Goldstein spent years immersed in Janesville, Wisconsin where the nation’s oldest operating General Motors plant shut down in the midst of the Great Recession. 

She witnessed heartbreak, but she also saw an inspiring resilience and strength in a community that banded together to fend off what was once unthinkable: the shuttering of a major American corporation. This book is a portrait of that city as it struggles with change and illuminates America’s larger story of hollowing out and up-scaling.

The Impact of Economic Shifts

In Janesville, Amy Goldstein explores the devastating effects of the Great Recession on a small town. She shows how the closure of a General Motors plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, led to job losses and economic hardship. It's a stark reminder of how global economic shifts can impact local communities.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Goldstein's book is not just about economic decline, it's also about resilience. The people of Janesville show incredible strength and adaptability in the face of adversity. They retrain for new jobs, start their own businesses, and find ways to support each other. It's a powerful lesson in resilience and community spirit.

The Struggle of the Middle Class

Janesville is a deep dive into the struggles of the American middle class. It shows how job loss and economic insecurity can lead to a downward spiral, affecting everything from education to mental health. If you're interested in understanding the challenges facing the middle class, this book is a must-read.

The Role of Politics in Economic Recovery

Goldstein also looks into the role of politics in Janesville's economic recovery. She examines how political decisions at both the local and national level can either help or hinder economic recovery. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of politics and economics.

The Human Side of Economic Change

Finally, Janesville is a reminder of the human side of economic change. Behind the statistics and economic theories are real people with real lives. Goldstein's book is a powerful reminder that economic policies have a direct impact on people's lives. It's a compelling read that will make you think differently about the economy.

Quotes 3

A deeply reported and powerfully moving account of the American dream in crisis.

Barack ObamaBarack Obama - 44th U.S. President

A remarkable book that provides a textured, deeply reported look at the lives of the Americans who were hit hardest by the recession.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-Founder

A heartbreaking account of the toll that economic change and uncertainty can take on working families.

Sheryl SandbergSheryl Sandberg - Facebook COO
Barack ObamaBill GatesSheryl Sandberg

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