An utterly original and entertaining investigation into one of the most unrecognized yet influential forces in modern American life—the humble parking spot. Parking has a death grip on life in America, often leading to tragic outcomes, with many killed each year over disputes. Beyond violence, people routinely reorganize their lives or spend exorbitant sums just to secure a spot. Over the past century, the rise of the car has led to the deformation—and in some cases, dismantling—of our cities in a futile quest for convenient car storage. Precious real estate is dedicated to idle cars while homelessness and affordable housing crises persist. Rentier businesses have proliferated, raising questions about the best use of our finite resources. Why have we prioritized parking over the places we cherish? These are the questions explored by Slate staff writer Henry Grabar, who tells a vivid story about the modern American city. Through a captivating blend of history, politics, and reportage, Grabar examines the parking crisis across major cities from Los Angeles to New York. He reveals how our obsession with car storage exacerbates urgent issues like housing affordability and the global climate crisis, ultimately prompting us to reconsider our values and priorities.
