A review by alexdpar
Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better by Jennifer Pahlka

challenging funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

I feel confounded by this book. On one hand, it kind of enraged me. There was a deep dive (literally the whole book) into the combination of antiquated bureaucratic systems designed from top-down policy makers without user-focused engagement that explains why so many of our meant-to-be-beneficial governmental programs are broken or un-functional. When it came to discussing expungement and SNAP benefits, oh I wanted to scream. But at the same time there is an optimistic perspective as one traces the stories of how to beat these waterfall-styled systems that produce checklist results rather than actual measurable success. I think if you work for any sort of large bureaucratic system, if it be in the government, advocacy, nonprofit, think tank, or the likes, then this is a necessary read for you. It completely reoriented my thinking on our approach to national policy and how legislation is crafted.