Black Picket Fences by Mary Pattillo-McCoy

The book provides a sociological examination of the middle-class African American experience through the lens of a black neighborhood in a large American city. It challenges the conventional understanding of segregation and economic inequality by exploring the lives of the black middle class, their struggles, achievements, and the complex interplay of class and race. The author delves into the community's social dynamics, family structures, and the pressures faced by the youth, offering a nuanced perspective on the persistence of racial disparities within the ostensibly successful segment of the black population.

The 6847th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 84

Since this book was first published in 1999, there is a penalty of 40.0%. The age adjusted score is 50.4.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.