Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream by David Leonhardt

4.07 AVERAGE

shoelessmama's review against another edition

4.5
informative reflective medium-paced
This author is one of the current voices I have learned to trust over the past few years through his articles and podcast discussions. Those venues often contain his opinions but he has a way of speaking that isn't inflammatory and covers where all sides are coming from. I like his balanced look at history. He gives credit where credit is due, speaking highly of both liberal and conservative actors, as well as equally placing blame for our current state.

This is a history of economics in our country that is easily graspable by the layman. I liked how this book was laid out- by tackling the history through many different facets of our history such as unions, class division, education, our elected leadership, crime, immigration and many others. The information was shared in an enjoyable conversational tone and left me with a lot of food for thought.

taylortummons's review against another edition

4.5
challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

emnordhoff's review against another edition

4.0
challenging informative slow-paced
A well written and valuable perspective on American history through an economic lens. Sections on labor unions and immigration are the strongest and provide info in a nuanced and arching way not often covered in news articles. This book lacks commentary on many influential women and/or why they aren't included (Betty Freidan and Barbara Jordan are the only ones that get real air time). Another big miss is how "law and order" campaigns on the national and municipal stage resulted in more aggressive policing and mass incarceration, significantly affecting the economics of poor and often Black & brown communities. 
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michael_levy's review against another edition

4.0
challenging medium-paced