"Democracy's Data: The Hidden Stories in the U.S. Census and How to Read Them" by Dan Bouk is a groundbreaking and enlightening exploration of the United States Census and its profound impact on American society. Bouk's meticulous research and engaging narrative shed light on the hidden stories embedded within the census data, revealing its significance as a tool for understanding the complexities of democracy, identity, and social change. In addition to its exploration of the census itself, the book also raises important questions about the broader implications of data collection and surveillance in a democratic society. Bouk challenges readers to consider the ethical and political dimensions of census-taking, urging them to confront the ways in which data can be used to both empower and disenfranchise individuals and communities.

Democracy's Data takes a look at the consequential 1940 census, and while it is a very readable nonfiction book that has some interesting bits of information, I couldn't help but feeling like it was all a bit slight. I walked away finding the census a little less interesting than I thought it would be, and I doubt that was the author's intention. Either way, the book is interesting enough.

Interesting data driven way to look at elections, and the Hidden uses of the census. Was prepared to struggle through a lot of numbers and to be bored, but was quite intrigued.

I was excited to read Democracy's Data by Dan Bouk because, although it is very much a niche book, it fills a gap in the published histories of census taking. There are a few readable titles on the subject generally, but nothing that I have found is so full of census data and interpretation. In fact, if you are not a reader interested in family history and/or data iterations, you might find yourself drowning in the details (and some repetitions) Bouk provides.

The author explains what it was like to be a census-taker (or enumerator), how race and gender were counted in an era when racism and sexism abounded, and how heads of households reacted to being asked about their incomes and home ownership. He delves into the politics of the census and how important it was for all people to be represented so that House and Electoral College apportionments could be accurate.

I especially enjoyed the last quarter of the book where Bouk compares the 1940 census to earlier and subsequent ones, including the 2020 census. He notes the benefits of computers and standardization that have come about because of censuses. He also explains the difficulties in counting everyone and interpreting the data collected.

Overall, I liked this book. If you are a data nerd or enjoy genealogy, this might just be one to add to your TBR pile.

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