Scott Doyon rewrote a classic children's book as a history of US cities since World War II. Fortunately, it's a quick read. Unfortunately, it's up to all of us how it ends.
"Not so long ago I was reminded of a book my Mom used to read me as a child: Fortunately, by Remy Charlip (briefly renamed What Good Luck! What Bad Luck! for a few years as well). It tells the tale of a young boy invited to a party and the series of misfortunes he experiences on his way there. For example:
Fortunately…
Ned got a letter that said,
“Please come to a surprise party.”
But unfortunately…
The party was in Florida and he was in New York.
Fortunately…
A friend lent him an airplane.
Unfortunately…
The motor exploded.
"It came to mind as I was pondering yet again the many challenges we presently face that are rooted in our urban renaissance, and how vexing it is that something generally perceived as a net-positive can still carry with it no shortage of downsides and externalities."
Doyon goes on to rewrite the children's classic as a history of US cities post WWII.
Read the full story: Fortunately, Unfortunately: A children’s primer on urban evolution
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