In 'Golden Gates,' Conor Dougherty unveils the gripping tale of how California's housing crisis became a critical issue affecting millions. Through compelling narratives and eye-opening statistics, he explores the intricate web of policies, politics, and human stories behind soaring rents and homelessness. Dougherty takes readers on a journey through bustling cities and quiet suburbs, revealing the struggles of everyday people amidst a broken system. As he delves into the history of urban development, readers will question how we got here and what it means for the future. This thought-provoking exploration challenges assumptions and ignites a crucial conversation about the right to housing and the path forward.
By Conor Dougherty
Published: 2020
"The true cost of housing is not just measured in dollars, but in the dreams deferred and lives disrupted, revealing the intricate dance between aspiration and access."
A Time 100 Must-Read Book of 2020 • A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice • California Book Award Silver Medal in Nonfiction • Finalist for The New York Public Library Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism • Named a top 30 must-read Book of 2020 by the New York Post • Named one of the 10 Best Business Books of 2020 by Fortune • Named A Must-Read Book of 2020 by Apartment Therapy • Runner-Up General Nonfiction: San Francisco Book Festival • A Planetizen Top Urban Planning Book of 2020 • Shortlisted for the Goddard Riverside Stephan Russo Book Prize for Social Justice “Tells the story of housing in all its complexity.” —NPR Spacious and affordable homes used to be the hallmark of American prosperity. Today, however, punishing rents and the increasingly prohibitive cost of ownership have turned housing into the foremost symbol of inequality and an economy gone wrong. Nowhere is this more visible than in the San Francisco Bay Area, where fleets of private buses ferry software engineers past the tarp-and-plywood shanties of the homeless. The adage that California is a glimpse of the nation’s future has become a cautionary tale. With propulsive storytelling and ground-level reporting, New York Times journalist Conor Dougherty chronicles America’s housing crisis from its West Coast epicenter, peeling back the decades of history and economic forces that brought us here and taking readers inside the activist movements that have risen in tandem with housing costs.
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“The true cost of housing is not just measured in dollars, but in the dreams deferred and lives disrupted, revealing the intricate dance between aspiration and access.”
Golden Gates
By Conor Dougherty
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Conor Dougherty is a noted American author and journalist, recognized for his insightful explorations of economics and society. He is best known for his book 'Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America,' which delves into the challenges of the housing crisis in the United States, blending personal stories with economic analysis. Dougherty's writing is characterized by its clarity and engaging narrative style, making complex issues accessible to a broad audience. He has contributed to various major publications, including The New York Times, bringing a keen perspective to contemporary issues.
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