Once In A Great City by David Maraniss

Once In A Great City by David Maraniss is a book that delves into the socio-political topics of the Civil Rights Movement, labor union organization, and the rise of the soul music label Motown.

It is set in Detroit in 1963, a crucial year in the city’s history, marking the end of its boom times and the beginning of its end times. The book casts a wide net, collecting and seeking to synthesize these seemingly disparate strands.

The auto industry was selling more cars than ever before, yet the shadows of collapse were evident even then. Maraniss shows that before the devastating riot, before the decades of civic corruption and neglect, and white flight; before people trotted out the grab bag of rust belt infirmities and competition from abroad to explain Detroit’s collapse, one could see the signs of a city’s ruin.

What I Liked

I liked the writing, research, and storytelling. I also liked how he was able to tell a larger stories about how cities have to continually change, evolve, and adapt to survive long-term. It was also interesting to learn that a city can be unhealthy even when it’s at a peak of influence. Just as with business, you are most vulnerable to disruption when you think you’ve “won”.

What I Did Not Like

It’s a pretty niche book that’s focused on one city. I would definitely pair it with Warmth of Other Suns for a better understanding of the racial side of Detroit’s struggles.

Once In A Great City by David Maraniss

$12.30

In Once In A Great City, David Maraniss explores Detroit in 1963, a pivotal moment for the city as it faces the decline that follows its boom. He tackles major themes like the Civil Rights Movement, labor unions, and the rise of Motown, weaving them into a compelling narrative. I appreciated Maraniss's engaging writing and thorough research, which highlight how cities must adapt to survive, even during their most prosperous times. However, the book feels a bit niche, and I think pairing it with Warmth of Other Suns would give a fuller picture of Detroit's racial challenges.

Pros:

• Strong writing and storytelling
• Thorough research on socio-political topics
• Insightful perspective on urban evolution

Cons:

• Niche focus on one city

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01/20/2025 09:42 pm GMT