This is a great look at stagnating American cities and economic mobility in the US. The author parses out the economics that gradually chip away at a city, and the culture that dies with it.

My sister went to college in Worcester and seeing it now vs 15 years ago is eye-opening. So many cities on the eastern side of the US look like this now- empty streets, too many bars, garbage filled lots, and an entire generation which still doesn't understand that the jobs are gone and not coming back.