Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took Over America and How We Can Take It Back Book

I started this book enthusiastically but soon lost steam. It's split into three sections. The first diagnoses the problem, the second gives the history behind it, the third offers solutions. It seems like Holtz Kay gives EVERY example she possibly can. The book could have been half its size. That said, it's a huge and fascinating topic - the car-driven (pun) society in which we live and how that is killing: our economy, sense of community, environment, mass transit, beautiful architecture, and is helping the trend towards more obesity. Quite a lot. And I agree with her wholeheartedly. I found the history part particularly interesting - how highways are funded, how the New Deal played a role and what that meant to mass transit, and much more. I would recommend skimming the first and third section just to read the second. But there lies the rub...just as I was halfway through the first section - and feeling like I couldn't take another example of which highway destroyed what neighborhood, I tuned into NPR to hear someone talking about how we are so accustomed to getting our information quickly that we've changed our ability to read longer articles, books, etc - to stay focused. So, I became determined to read the WHOLE book. And I did. Phew. The third section was rough at times. It was written in 1996, I think, and is no longer as relevant as it once may have been. I also flat out disagreed with some of her solutions. If you read the book, let's discuss. Otherwise...let's all try to drive less, walk/bike more, promote multi-use zoning and electric (or whatever) cars.