Journalist Cole Stangler's thorough documentation of the development of Paris as a city over the centuries is a must-read for any Francophile. Having read quite a few French crime fiction novels I was aware of the social challenges facing the city, Stangler explains how the city grew and the impact it's growth, as well as the gentrification had on the city.

It makes for fascinating reading and provides valuable insight into the lives of immigrants and those living on the outskirts of the city. Ironically Paris has always been a city of economical extremes, and even though there's a common concern for city being lost, it's the cosmopolitan nature and it's people who are key to keeping it vibrant. But for Paris to survive the French government will have to make changes to the housing situation in the city to ensure that those who work there are able to also live there--instead of it turning into a museum or tourist attraction. Stangler believes this is possible and it would be interesting to revisit this in a decade or two to see if he's right.

Paris Is Not Dead is highly recommendable if social dynamics and the current challenges cities around the world are facing interests you. Although this is a case study of Paris, some of the patterns and repercussions cause by gentrification can be seen in other cities, such as Cape Town, as well.

I can't give this book enough praise!
What a transformational, eye-opening work!

Even after living in Paris for years, this book gave me so much missing perspective on the history and life of the city.

The prose itself and the descriptions read like a well-written exposition in a novel that you don't want to put down. This kind of books is usually a dry read that you wouldn't be pursuing unless you have a keen interest in the subject. I started reading this book with a mild interest and ended up so invested that I kept checking it during breaks and discussing it on a daily basis.

I think the author's interest and dedication to the topic ended up being contagious.

It is of utmost relevance for anyone interested in the subject of gentrification or even anyone living in Paris or interested in the city.

In Paris Is Not Dead, journalist Cole Stangler takes readers through the present-day hypergentrification of Paris, historical modes of gentrification and working class vs. upper class conflicts over property in the city, French governmental policies that allow/promote radical increases in housing affordability, and the actions that some Parisians are taking to fight back.

This is a great read if you're interested in housing policy, gentrification, class struggles, and worker's movements--especially if you have an understanding of Paris and its banlieues. It was incredibly informative and situated a lot of my personal observations in Paris in historical and political facts/examples. I really appreciated how immigrants' and workers' personal experiences were at the forefront throughout this book.

I do feel like the chapter on the history of gentrification in France was a little too long--however, it is important to understand how the working classes in France have been fighting against discriminatory housing policies for centuries.

Thank you to the author, The New Press, and Netgalley for a free copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to check this out because I'm familiar with gentrification in the US, as well as French culture, so I wanted to know what it is like there. This book is interesting, even if you don't have a trip planned. I appreciate the bit of hope the author provides

This book drew me in for several reasons. One, I’m going to Paris for the first time next month and when I travel, I like to learn what’s brewing under the surface, beyond the tourism. Two, I lived for a couple years in French speaking West Africa and have since followed news of rising social issues across France. Paris is Not Dead examines the problem of gentrification and exodus of the working class, but simultaneously leaves us hopeful that all is not lost. It’s incredibly well organized, brimming with historical details, and is still highly readable. Cole Stangler is an exceptional writer — establishing the severity of the problems with poignancy, while making me fall in love these communities and their inhabitants. You better believe I’ll seek out the Goutte d’Or, the 18th arrondissement and beyond.