In 'A Prayer for the City', Buzz Bissinger takes readers on a gripping journey through the heart of Philadelphia, exploring the lives of its residents amidst socio-economic turmoil. This vivid narrative captures the resilience of a city battling crime, poverty, and decay, offering a powerful portrait of urban America. Bissinger weaves together individual stories that reflect larger societal issues, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of hope and despair. As the city grapples with its identity, the author raises poignant questions about community and belonging. This compelling chronicle not only reveals the struggles of a city but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of its people.
By Buzz Bissinger
Published: 1998
""In the chaos of a city teetering on the brink, the true spirit of the human heart emerges, revealing both its fragility and its indomitable strength.""
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Friday Night Lights, the heart-wrenching and hilarious true story of an American city on its knees and a man who will do anything to save it. A Prayer for the City is acclaimed journalist Buzz Bissinger's true epic of Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell, an utterly unique, unorthodox, and idiosyncratic leader willing to go to any length for the sake of his city: take unions head on, personally lobby President Clinton to save 10,000 defense jobs, or wrestle Smiley the Pig on Hot Dog Day—all the while bearing in mind the eternal fickleness of constituents whose favor may hinge on a missed garbage pick-up or an overzealous meter maid. It is also the story of citizens in crisis: a woman fighting ceaselessly to give her great-grandchildren a better life, a father of six who may lose his job at the Navy Shipyard, and a policy analyst whose experiences as a crime victim tempt her to abandon her job and ideals. "Fascinating, humane" (The New Yorker) and alive with detail and insight, A Prayer for the City describes the rare combination of political courage and optimism that may be the only hope for America's urban centers.
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“"In the chaos of a city teetering on the brink, the true spirit of the human heart emerges, revealing both its fragility and its indomitable strength."”
A Prayer for the City
By Buzz Bissinger
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Buzz Bissinger is an acclaimed American author and journalist, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work and literary contributions that often explore the complexities of American culture and society. His most notable works include 'Friday Night Lights,' a compelling narrative about high school football in Texas, which has been celebrated for its deep emotional resonance and sharp social commentary. Bissinger's writing style is characterized by its vivid storytelling, detailed character development, and a keen observation of the American experience. He continues to influence readers and writers alike with his insightful explorations of sports, celebrity, and cultural dynamics.
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