2020: One City, Seven People, and the Year Everything Changed was a book I had high expectations for. I am often a fan of this style of narrative nonfiction that focuses on the stories and interviews of individuals to tell a greater story. In that way, this book met my expectations. 

The first half of 2020 focuses on in depth personal interviews that the author conducted with seven individuals during the height of the pandemic. Klinenberg showcased excellent skills as a writer and interviewer in this first section, doing such an excellent job that I felt sympathy even for folks who took much different stances than I did during the pandemic. From an elementary school principal in NYC to a conservative small business owner in Staten Island, these people showcase the diverse experiences that New Yorkers had during that very trying year. 

Unfortunately, the second half of this book falls apart in several ways. The timeline becomes convoluted, the information becomes highly repetitive, and it felt very circuitous. Also, in his chapter about the impact of the pandemic on young people, Klinenberg sets aside his balanced viewpoints from earlier in the book and casts obvious judgements on which of the youth he highlights have let the pandemic improve their lives and outlooks and on those who have "become directionless." It smacks of a boomer judging the way younger people choose to live. 

I think the book would have been much stronger with just the conclusion and epilogue after the first half of personal stories. If you liked Evicted by Matthew Desmond, I think you'll really like the front half of this book. Despite it's flaws, I'm glad I read it. It was a great reminder of what unites us after a year that sparked so much derision.