Cold New World: Growing Up in Harder Country by William Finnegan

"Cold New World: Growing Up in a Harder Country" is a gripping nonfiction book by Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner William Finnegan. In this work, Finnegan dives into the harsh realities of growing up in the United States during the tumultuous Reagan and Bush eras.

The book examines a range of social issues that were prominent during this period, such as economic inequality, racial tension, and the growing use of cocaine. Finnegan utilizes personal stories to show the impact of these issues on the lives of individuals, both young and old. He writes about several individuals throughout the narrative, including children growing up in New York, a girl in the rural Midwest, and an inner-city kid in Minnesota. Finnegan describes the various struggles these young people face as they try to survive and make it in a rapidly changing world.

The book starts with a chapter that highlights the dramatic economic changes that occurred during this time. Finnegan looks at the rise of the service industry and its effects on the middle class, as well as how deregulation affected the banking and investment industries. Through this chapter, the reader is able to understand how, even without any individual choice, some were pushed into poverty and others were able to benefit from the system.

The book then moves onto the topic of race relations and how families were affected by the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic. Finnegan paints a vivid portrait of the increased violence, poverty, and alienation that affected many citizens. He touches on the move toward more punitive criminal justice policies and how it caused further alienation for those living in economically disadvantaged areas.

Finnegan then shifts to a chapter on the education system, where he describes the troubled state of schools throughout the United States. He examines overcrowded classrooms and declining standards, as well as the lack of resources available to students. He discusses the consequences of this decline, such as higher dropout rates and lost opportunities.

The book culminates with a series of chapters examining how the generational divisions between the old and the young shaped society during this time. Finnegan looks at the ever-increasing gap between the older generations, who had lived through the turmoil of the past decades, and the younger generations, who had mainly grown up during the Reagan and Bush administrations. He speaks to how their individual experiences shape their outlook, which manifests itself in their relationships and politics.

Overall, "Cold New World: Growing Up in a Harder Country" is an engrossing narrative that offers an illuminating perspective on the sociopolitical developments of the 1980s and 90s. Through vivid storytelling and personal accounts, Finnegan paints a vivid portrait of a nation in transition. He shows how the political, economic, and racial forces at work during this period challenged traditional values and pushed society in unknown directions. By discussing the issues from multiple perspectives and showcasing the varied experiences of citizens, Finnegan ensures that this book is an indispensable text for understanding a nation in turmoil.