Reviews with content warning for Racism - The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal about Identity, Race, Wealth and Power

Well researched, informative.
Generally easy to follow writing style.
Time devoted to conversations on race, religion, and socio-economic class and how they relates to the topic
Myriad of experts consulted throughout.
Focus on both historical and contemporary trends.
Considers possibilities for the future.

The Bad:

Dry at times.
Would have liked to see discussion include lgbtq neighborhoods.

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Deep dives into single topics.
Cities and city life.
Learning how the things got started and why.

Dierdre Mask provides a very thorough look at the history of street addresses and how they influence our lives today. A major focus of the book is on the many people throughout the world living without addresses.

Mask asks how our addresses became so thoroughly tied to our identities to the point where we need them to open bank accounts, get jobs, insurance, and more. In her search of the answer, Mask consults with experts around the world to learn the history of addresses and to understand what particular addresses says about the residents. She visits the unaddressed slums in India, some of the first addressed homes in Vienna, gentrified neighborhoods, and the wealthiest addresses in Manhattan to learn the answers to her questions.

Content Warnings

mscalls's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

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