Heat Wave by Eric Klinenberg

A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago

In the sweltering summer of 1995, Chicago experienced a devastating heat wave that claimed the lives of over 700 residents, predominantly affecting the city's most vulnerable populations. This gripping narrative delves into the social, political, and environmental factors that contributed to the tragedy, revealing how systemic neglect and urban isolation exacerbated the crisis. Through meticulous research and poignant storytelling, the book examines the intersections of race, poverty, and public policy, offering a sobering reflection on the consequences of societal indifference and the urgent need for community resilience.

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