Josh's Reviews > The Year Before the Flood: A Story of New Orleans

An utterly arresting intersection of political, cultural, and personal histories. On one level, it’s a memoir about growing up in Louisiana, then being forced to leave; returning to New Orleans years later, only to see the city destroyed by a hurricane. It’s also a compelling chronicle of the city’s history of racial injustice; a document of the criminal negligence of the Bush administration, and the irresponsible governance of right-wing politics in general; a fascinating study of a city’s rich musical traditions, from jazz to hip hop; an immersion in parade culture; a true crime anthology; and a reflection on hating a city before coming to love it. Incredible book.