Detroit: A Biography Audiobook

" Disclaimer: I've always been horribly bored by early MI history and generally more interested in the 20th century than all years prior, so it should be no surprise that I found the first two thirds of this book to be a bit of a chore. The thing is, I get the feeling that Scott Martelle did as well. There were points where I tuned out and then back in and didn't feel I'd missed much of real importance, or anything I hadn't already read in Sugrue's The Origins of the Urban Crisis. That said, he does ramp up in the last chapters and epilogue with actual insight and opinion, and a genuinely passionate response to those who attempt to blame the state of Detroit on those who have not abandoned the city. Hence the third star. "

" Very interesting read. Martelle says up front that this isn't an exhaustive history of the city, and he's true to his word. It offers a history of the city grouped around the nexis of race, class, industry, and political movements. Offers a sad glimpse of what may await other great American industrial cities with an over reliance on one industry. "

" It held my interest, but man what a tough life that city's had in the last century or so. "

" The book is a good overview of the past, present, and future of Detroit. Definitely a good read for those interested in the effects of inner-city blight. "

" I really enjoyed the history in the first part of the book, about the settling of Detroit. The end of the book, however, was focused solely on unions and racial tensions. The result was a limited view of the city. The author seemed biased, making statements such as, "A common theme among present-day whites is that blacks have achieved equality (a questionable assertion in and of itself) so the sins of the past should be left in the past." There are those who believe equality means equal opportunities and those who believe it means equal outcomes, and never the two will agree! "

" This is one of the best nonfiction books I have read on Detroit! Martelle is succinct and yet covers the entire span of Detroit's history from the French Fort to Mayor Bing. His case studies of real life Detroiters make the themes and ideas resonate. "

" I loved the history of such a wonderful city. I am not from Michigan but it will be nice to be able to see a landmark and know the history of it. "

" Borrowed this book because I was interested in the earliest history of Detroit, so I read only the first few chapters. Skimmed the rest, which is a good read for anyone wanting to know more of the recent history of this city. "

" It's a bit on the brief and surface-level side. And there are a few places where Scott is obviously trying to score political potshots in a very exaggerated fashion. That said, this is a pretty good book otherwise. "

" A concise, intelligent, thought-provoking book about the history of the city. Highly recommended. "

" Not in depth, but a good overview of the rise and decline of Detroit and its people. "

" This is a pretty bleak history of Detroit, mostly focused on riots and mistakes in leadership surrounding city government and the automobile barons. It is full of interesting facts but not much optimism for the future. "

" An interesting book about a tortured city. Martelle manages to write about the systematic rise and fall of a great American city all the while keeping the story personal through the telling of individual drama. "

" So, if one was to purchase and read said book: whipty-do. If one were not to purchase and read said book: congratulations, you just saved yourself money and time. Unfortunately, I fall into the former. "

" Very interesting and good! Opened my eyes as to why the city is as it is today. Had so much potential yet time after time shot itself in the foot. "

" Really rich. The recurring themes are amazing "