An American Summer by Alex Kotlowitz explores the impact of gun violence in Chicago through personal stories. Over the course of one summer, individuals affected by violence share their experiences, revealing trauma, resilience, and the complexity of life in affected neighborhoods. The book offers a poignant look at the human cost of violence.

Informative

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.5

5,306 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

An American Summer by Alex Kotlowitz receives acclaim for its poignant narrative and deep empathy in portraying violence in Chicago. Readers appreciate its powerful storytelling and emotional depth, though some criticize its lack of solutions and repetitive structure. Overall, it sheds light on human resilience amidst hardship.

Who Should Read An American Summer?

Readers who appreciate An American Summer by Alex Kotlowitz often enjoy gripping narratives about social issues, such as those found in Evicted by Matthew Desmond. They are drawn to real-life stories that explore the complexities of urban life, gun violence, and community resilience, with a journalistic yet empathetic lens.

4.5

5,306 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Alex Kotlowitz, the author of An American Summer, is widely known for his earlier work, There Are No Children Here, which detailed the lives of two brothers growing up in a Chicago housing project.

An American Summer was published in 2019 and serves as a poignant exploration of the impact of gun violence over a single summer in Chicago, a city frequently afflicted by such issues.

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Kotlowitz's storytelling weaves together various true-life narratives, providing a deeply human perspective on violence in urban America, a theme he has spent decades exploring.

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Book Details

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Mystery & Crime Fiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 2010s

Theme

Topic

•

•

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult