The Inevitable City: The Resurgence of New Orleans and the Future of Urban America by Scott Cowen, Betsy Seifter

4.06 AVERAGE

sailorlawmareads's review against another edition

4.0
Great book about the resurgence of NOLA post-Katrina and Scott Cowen's hand in same.

skylarkochava's review against another edition

5.0
I loved this book. LOVED IT. I feel so inspired and hopeful after reading it! Problems are not insurmountable when there are creative, realistic leaders available. I was surprised by the candor of the book, both recognizing his own compromises and the failures of leaders who should have stepped up after Katrina. I think the author makes an important point: we always say "the perfect is the enemy of the good," but we don't realize this applies in everything. If you're going to accomplish anything, it will never be perfect. Some people will be let down or angry, and they have every right to be. But it's better to choose some progress than none. Every step of progress has hurt throughout history, and that hurt is often unevenly distributed. A good leader recognizes that, empathizes, but remains firm and committed to the bigger picture. They may not like you (though I suspect the author is probably well-liked), but they will respect you and know where you stand.

stevenk's review

4.0
The story of the devastation of New Orleans and its struggle out of that devastation told by the president of Tulane University. Mixed in with the recounting of events relating to the recovery of NOLA were the leadership principles demonstrated in that chapter that Cowen felt were important. A great inside take, even if from the ivory tower perspective, on the recovery of NOLA, leaning heavily toward the positive but not afraid to show some of the negative as well. I would rate this book 3.5 stars if Goodreads allowed half stars. I received a free ARC of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.