Our Town

Book excerpt: "This book is both an inspiring account of public interest law at its best and a sobering assessment of how 'the soul of suburbia' continues to resist social justice. . . . an unexpectedly moving account of hope, idealism, and intelligence." --The New York Times Book Review "A well-written, exhaustively researched account of the legal battle to open New Jersey's suburbs to the poor . . . The authors actually took the time to talk to the lawyers and litigants on both sides of the controversy. Their chronicle of the legal developments is informed, and much improved, by the flesh-and-blood stories of those who actually lived the case. . . . a cautionary and inspiring tale." --The Philadelphia Inquirer "The authors of Our Town in particular enable readers to see historical continuity in legal and popular discussions of race, realism, and housing patterns in American society. Our Town also explores the challenges to public policy raised by the existence of residential segregation patterns." --The Nation " This book] is valuable both as a case study of judicial activism and its consequences and as a detailed anaylsis of suburban attitudes regarding race, class, and property." --Urban Affairs Review