PositiveThe Christian Science MonitorHope seeps into every page of this book, even in the language itself. Instead of referring to downtown Fresno, Calif., as \'rundown\' or \'blighted,\' James calls it \'an example of the ‘before’ stage of civic recovery\' ... Beyond documenting the contours of urban life most often ignored in national news, the book mainly serves as an instruction manual. At the end, the writers unveil a list of the key elements found in thriving towns. It reads almost like a recipe ... The message here is straightforward and earnest: These are the steps to making life better for the place where you live.
