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miss_jules's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
jakobitz's review against another edition
4.0
Palaces for the People provides us with an overview of social infrastructure and its vital role in creating and maintaining a harmonious society. Klinenberg makes a case for increased focus and funding in the institutions and places that foster and support positive social connection and interaction. As the digital world increasingly encroaches upon every aspect of society, Palaces for the People argues that only through face to face interactions with one another can we truly foster unity and grow as a healthy community. Libraries, parks, playgrounds, plazas and cafes are vital for ensuring a healthy and thriving democratic society. Within a US context, Klinenberg presents us with a timely read on how we can seek to unify as a people of commonalities, rather than continue to be divided by our differences.
chadstep's review against another edition
3.0
Really wanted this book to go for it, to do a Hail Mary pass on lifting up and pushing the ball down the field for the value of public spaces. Ended up soft-pedaling it with reminders of what society used to do together for the common good and how it is becoming a lost art. More passion, please!
sde's review against another edition
3.0
I heard the author speak at a conference, and he was very engaging. As I librarian, I am all for people who promote libraries as vital to the community! I also thought his study of the fate of neighborhoods with similar demographics but different sorts of social infrastructure during a Chicago heat wave was fascinating. That was the topic of a previous book of his, but he refers to it in this one.
He makes excellent points about social infrastructure and the building of community across different sorts of people as being vital to health, happiness, safety, and the economy. I completely agree that this factors need to be considered more in planning, development, and service programs. I just felt that he said it too many times or went off on tangents a bit. Think this may have been better as a long form article, such as in the New Yorker.
He makes excellent points about social infrastructure and the building of community across different sorts of people as being vital to health, happiness, safety, and the economy. I completely agree that this factors need to be considered more in planning, development, and service programs. I just felt that he said it too many times or went off on tangents a bit. Think this may have been better as a long form article, such as in the New Yorker.
nopunkintended's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5