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Book Reviews of Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community

Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Bowling Alone The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Author: Robert D. Putnam
ISBN-13: 9780684832838
ISBN-10: 0684832836
Publication Date: 6/1/2000
Pages: 544
Rating:
  • Currently 2.5/5 Stars.
 3

2.5 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Simon Schuster
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

3 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

subtlenerd avatar reviewed Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
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.
reviewed Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community on
Helpful Score: 3
An interesting account of how disjointed and fragmented American society has become. Readable, although certainly over-long and sometimes too polemical for my tastes.
maekala avatar reviewed Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community on
Helpful Score: 3
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.