Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs By Benjamin Herold

In "Disillusioned," Benjamin Herold weaves a tapestry of American suburbia's complexities through the intimate narratives of five diverse families. Each story encapsulates the collision of hope, racial dynamics, and historical legacies within suburban schools and communities.

From Atlanta to Chicago, Dallas to Compton, and Pittsburgh, the reader is taken on a journey that exposes the underbelly of suburban life. Through meticulous storytelling, Herold unveils a harsh truth: the suburban dream, once promising prosperity and opportunity, is revealed as a Ponzi scheme. White families historically capitalized on subsidized suburban development, leaving behind a legacy of neglect and inequality for Black and Brown families.

However, as demographic shifts disrupt the status quo, communities are forced to confront their troubled past and reimagine their future. "Disillusioned" prompts urgent questions about accountability, justice, and the creation of equitable spaces for all children to thrive.

Herold's background as an education journalist lends authority to his exploration of these complex issues. Through collaboration with Bethany Smith, a resident from his childhood neighborhood who provides a poignant epilogue, the book offers not just critique but a pathway to renewal.

In essence, "Disillusioned" transcends mere reportage; it is a journalistic masterpiece that compels readers to grapple with uncomfortable truths and envision a more inclusive and just suburban landscape. 📚❤️