Search - Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community

If, like me, you can recall the 'good ole days' of frequent community participation and involvement in the areas covered by Putnam - and have ever wondered what happened to make things change - you'll find this book facsinatingly depressing. Don't be put off by the large numbers and charts and graphs employed. They only amplify the author's message. Prior to reading Bowling Alone I often wondered what had happened to society to make us less involved with each other (thinking many times it was just me) but now have a better understanding of just how common and widespread the experience is.

This book was recommended to me a number of my political science professors and, when the opportunity came to read it for a class, I jumped at the chance. I was disappointed. The book seemed more like a place for Putnam to show off how much information he had collected than to really expound upon the concepts presented.

If you enjoy reading tables and having them described in great detail to you, I highly recommend the book or if you need something to review for a class, then this is the book. However, if you want an easy read that really delves into the theoretical aspects of the concept, look elsewhere.

An interesting account of how disjointed and fragmented American society has become. Readable, although certainly over-long and sometimes too polemical for my tastes.