27. Genius of Common Sense

Genius of Common Sense: Jane Jacobs and the story of The Death and Life of Great American Cities

Genre

Biography

Review

Genius of Common Sense traces the life of author Jane Jacobs from her early childhood as a student who would question authority, to her reportage on the death of cities like her hometown of Scranton (work that often helped revitalize the cities, helping them to attract new industry), her book length works, and especially her activism in Greenwich Village: she helped organize efforts to repel the building of a highway through the neighborhood on three separate occasions.  Jacobs' observations of city life led her to conclude that thriving cities have peopled streets.  Such interactions create safety, friendships, and community.  Project- and suburban-housing, on the other hand, she argued, made people more insular.  Ultimately, these weren't happier or safer places to live.

Opinion

The book works to summarize many of Jacob's ideas and give a quick sketch of her activism and life.  It might operate best if supplemented by excerpts of her writings (if not a reading of The Death and Life of Great American Cities).  Regardless, it does encourage its readers to speak their mind and stand up for what they believe in.

Ideas

The book would make for a good selection in a display on successful women or a display on careers.  Events that discuss urban planning, activism, making yourself heard, or city life would also benefit from a reading of the book.