By the late 1960s, it had become a symbol of urban decay and blight, compared by journaliststo bombed-out Dresden and war-torn Beirut. Several decades and a dozen casinos later, Atlantic City is again one of America's most popular tourist spots, with thirty-five million visitors a year. Yet most stay for a mere six hours, and the highway has replaced the Boardwalk as the city's mostimportant thoroughfare. Today the city doesn't have a single movie theater and its one supermarket is a virtual fortress protected by metal detectors and security guards. In this wide-ranging book, Bryant Simon does far more than tell a nostalgic tale of Atlantic City's rise, near death, and reincarnation. He turns the depiction of middle-class vacationers into a revealing discussion of the boundaries of public space in urban America. In the past, he argues, thepublic was never really about democracy, but about exclusion. During Atlantic City's heyday, African Americans were kept off the Boardwalk and away from the beaches. The overly boisterous or improperly dressed were kept out of theaters and hotel lobbies by uniformed ushers and police. The creationof Atlantic City as the Nation's Playground was dependent on keeping undesirables out of view unless they were pushing tourists down the Boardwalk on rickshaw-like rolling chairs or shimmying in smoky nightclubs. Desegregation overturned this racial balance in the mid-1960s, making the city's public spaces more open and democratic, too open and democratic for many middle-class Americans, who fled to suburbs and suburban-style resorts like Disneyworld. With the opening of the first casino in 1978, the urbanbalance once again shifted, creating twelve separate, heavily guarded, glittering casinos worlds walled off from the dilapidated houses, boarded-up businesses, and lots razed for redevelopment that never came. Tourists are deliberately kept away from the city's grim reality and its predominantlypoor African American residents. Despite ten of thousands of buses and cars rolling into every day, gambling has not saved Atlantic City or returned it to its glory days. Simon's moving narrative of Atlantic City's past points to the troubling fate of urban America and the nation's cultural trajectory in the twentieth century, with broad implications for those interested in urban studies, sociology, planning, architecture, and history.

    In this lively yet rigorous book, John Joe Schlichtman, Jason Patch, and Marc Lamont Hill take a close look at the socioeconomic factors and individual decisions behind gentrification and their implications for the displacement of low-income residents. Drawing on a variety of perspectives, the authors present interviews, case studies, and analysis in the context of recent scholarship in such areas as urban sociology, geography, planning, and public policy. As well, they share accounts of their first-hand experience as academics, parents, and spouses living in New York City, San Diego, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Providence. With unique insight and rare candour, GENTRIFIER challenges readers' current understandings of gentrification and their own roles within their neighborhoods. A foreword by Peter Marcuse opens the volume. 　REVIEWS"Gentrifier is the sort of book that vintage, pre-Kardashian Kanye West might have written had he had a PhD in urban policy, supplying it with an irresistible hook: "We're all gentrifiers, I'm just the first to admit it." Schlichtman, Patch, and Hill help us shelve what we thought we knew about gentrification, and give us instead a brutally honest reckoning with the ills, conveniences and virtues – but especially the consequences on the vulnerable – of gentrification. They ably wrestle with a characteristic facet of modern existence, rescuing the term from automatic demonization while never once letting it off the hook for the damage it can do."–Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University and author of 'Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America'“In their book Gentrifier, instead of trying to solve the gentrification Rubik’s cube, they decide to pull it apart, block-by-block, naming each part and its role in neighborhood change. The book provides not only a glossary of terms, but also tools and rules of engagement for deploying this thing that—if we can all agree on nothing else—has now become a fully loaded and weaponized word. The function of this breakdown is that by using a more scrupulous lexicon for describing the changes happening to one’s neighborhood or environment, legislators and regulators can be more responsive and accurate in their policy proposals.”–from CityLab’s Books That Influenced Us in 2017, Brentin Mock"The co-authors of Gentrifier take a daring tack: Professors all, they break the third wall of social science..." –from the New York Times Book Review, Daniel Brook"By making themselves and their choices part of the analysis, they have produced a unique and important contribution to the progressive literature on gentrification, one that truly does work in the much-sought middle ground between supply and demand side explanations of this form of urban change." –from Antipode Journal, Amy Starecheski"This book will provoke outrage among many gentrification scholars. But it provides a welcome corrective to the slap-dash way ‘gentrification’ is used an explanatory force in popular narratives and some scholarship. The…price puts it just within reach of the interested general reader, who I would encourage to read it. It would also be a valuable addition to reading lists on urban studies, urban geography and urban planning."–from LSE Review of Books, Peter Matthews"Schlichtman, Patch, and Hill present a rich discussion of gentrification as a socio-economic force—touching on much more than soft complaints about tall condos, disappearing neighbourhood bookshops, and $8 lattes …The book encourages us to look inward, arming us with tools and experience to dissect our ideologies to better understand gentrification and gentrifiers."–from Spacing Magazine"Gentrifier, a co-written effort by John Joe Schlichtman, Jason Patch, and Marc Lamont Hill, takes a slightly different approach, and one that was most enjoyable to read. It’s a more nuanced take on what it means to join an existing community..."–from Curbed, Alissa Walker"Gentrifier does a masterful job of explaining, unpacking, and grounding the key analytical concepts that underpin debates on gentrification. In clear, readable, and entertaining prose, John Joe Schlichtman, Jason Patch and Marc Lamont Hill make gentrification more tangible and relevant as an important social topic worthy of rigorous and careful understanding."–John L. Jackson, Jr., Richard Perry University Professor and Dean of the School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania"John Joe Schlichtman, Jason Patch and Marc Lamont Hill clearly engage in the theoretical and policy debates surrounding gentrification while offering very smart analyses of their own narratives. There is a lot out there on gentrification but Gentrifier is most definitely fresh!"–Mary Pattillo, Harold Washington Professor of Sociology and African American Studies, Northwestern University

    Anton must figure out how to tell Tasmine about the son he fathered with Violet. Santino struggles with his parents attempting to ruin his relationship with Bella for the second time around, while attempting to fight off a jealous ex bed buddy. Oden's past comes back to haunt him in more ways than one, and Truman finds himself wanting to become a changed man. Will the couples make it through another hefty plate of drama? Or will they fall victim to it all? But most importantly, will Oden get to Khyle's dorm room in time?

    But in the late 1980s, activists rose up to tackle the social problems that had plagued the area for decades. Black on the Block tells the remarkable story of how these residents laid the groundwork for a revitalized and self-consciously black neighborhood that continues to flourish today. But theirs is not a tale of easy consensus and political unity, and here Pattillo teases out the divergent class interests that have come to define black communities like North Kenwood–Oakland. She explores the often heated battles between haves and have-nots, home owners and apartment dwellers, and newcomers and old-timers as they clash over the social implications of gentrification. Along the way, Pattillo highlights the conflicted but crucial role that middle-class blacks play in transforming such districts as they negotiate between established centers of white economic and political power and the needs of their less fortunate black neighbors. “A century from now, when today's sociologists and journalists are dust and their books are too, those who want to understand what the hell happened to Chicago will be finding the answer in this one.”—Chicago Reader “To see how diversity creates strange and sometimes awkward bedfellows . . . turn to Mary Pattillo's Black on the Block.”—Boston Globe

    With her kids being married and in relationships, comes other people who may or may not be so welcoming. Hurricane wants nothing but the best for his kids but when a woman pops up out of nowhere making accusations against his son he will do whatever it takes to make sure Ray Jr. doesn’t spend a day in jail. Raya and Kane are still together but he’s constantly dealing with anger from his past. As his wife, Raya does what she has to, to make sure it doesn’t ruin Christmas. Take a ride with the Hollis family as they all do everything possible to make this the best Christmas ever.

    That saying holds true for Yasmeen Thomas, a successful beauty who thought that she had the perfect marriage to Kadeem. But Yasmeen soon learns that she’s married to a complete stranger. Now that her husband’s mask is off, Yasmeen is forced to make a decision, either accept who he is or start planning her future without him. Kadeem thought that he could he have his cake and eat it too, but what happens when his indiscretions catch up to him? Although he’s aware of his wrong doings Kadeem never prepared himself for the repercussions that he is bond to face. He’s forced to wonder if Yas will fight for their marriage or will she gain the courage to finally leave him after having enough? Sierra and Dominic were the ideal couple along with Yasmeen and Kadeem, but they’ll soon face issues that makes them question the foundation of their marriage as well as :trust. What happens when a blast from their past reappears, bringing drama to the happy couple? Will they remain strong or will the secrets break up a happy home? Lives are forever changed, trust is broken, and betrayals are at every turn as you follow on this journey of love. .

    Each couple has their own issues that they will have to work through if they want to keep their relationships strong. Ryan is trying to get over the heart break Enzo caused. Just when she thinks that she's found closure, Enzo tells her just who his baby mother is. The beans Enzo spills are too close to home leading Ryan down a path of confusion. Isiah is trying to deal with a mistake that was made. It could have changed his life forever. And, if that's not enough to deal with, a surprise enemy decides they want to play. Isiah has to figure out how to call checkmate before it's too late. Everyone's favorite couple, Alani & Ques are back with more problems than before. Alani is still holding back her feelings for Ques. She's scared to let her guard down and allow him to just love her. But with a turn of events, the love they tried to hide blossoms for everyone to see. Everyone in the crew has their own issues. Find out if they pull together to beat the odds in this highly anticipated sequel of, All She Wanted Was A Rider 2.

    Jared discovers that the person he has been doing business with has been keeping secrets, but the secrets he thinks are being kept aren't what they seem. What will happen when all the skeletons are revealed? Will Peyton be able to stand the heat and fight for her love for Jared? Will Shania be found in time? Who will survive this time in Her Baby Daddy; My Bae 3.

    After all, she was a hustler’s girlfriend. Riding side by side with her man while he ran the streets of Philly, she stayed down until those same streets sent him to the grave. This in turn, causes her to reevaluate her life and start anew. Months later, she finds herself in South Carolina with her family and has gotten a job as a correctional officer. After a few months of working at the state Prison, Camille meets someone from her home city of Philly and immediately they develop an astronomical bond. While adjusting to this new life of hers, Camille learns that the people closest to her may not be as they appear. Can she handle her new life of greed, betrayal, envy, secrets and power? Find out in Every Thug Needs A Down Ass Bitch.

    DEM BOYZ is a crew who is ran by DeMoni, his younger brother Kashawn and their best friend KeyMarley. Loyalty is tested and friends quickly become frienemies. The people you put all your trust and faith into will betray you the worst. Who can be trusted? Secrets are revealed that will either make or break the crew! Will DEM BOYZ be able to protect the sheltered women they love most? If so, at what cost? Enter the lives of 18yr olds Golden and Nickayla. These best friends have it all! Brains, beauty, money, Power and respect. Golden has a bright future ahead of her, but hits a slight bump in the road. She has 2 very overprotective big brothers that love her more than life. She has a boyfriend who in her eyes can do no wrong! Everything that glitters surely is not gold! When the wool is snatched from her eyes will she be able to handle the truth? Nickayla has been holding on to secrets of her own. The heart loves who it loves no matter the circumstances. What happens when webs of lies and deceit slowly unravel? Once everything is out in the open, who will be left standing to pick up the pieces? You can truly expect the unexpected.

    Remember little Ray’Shun, Niyah and Destiny? In this installment the kids are older and have problems of their own. Have you ever heard of that saying: Like father, like son? Well Ray’Shun is every bit of his father and even at the young age of seventeen, he’s having a hard time being faithful to his girlfriend of two years. Let’s just see if he takes after his dad and learns to appreciate and cherish what he have.Most of you have heard of the saying, I get it from my mama. Well, Shaniyah is the younger version of Shaniqua and it makes it complicated for them to get along because they’re so much alike. Once she begins dating a guy that goes by the name of Kush, she began smelling herself and it might become a little too much for Shaniqua to bear.Meanwhile, though Destiny is dating Kush’s younger brother, Man, she remains the sweetheart that Shaniqua only wished Shaniyah would be.

     Imagine being closely connected to eight people that you don’t know. Different occupations and backgrounds that all fatally intertwine. Being dangerously in love with with one person that is full of lies and secrets. Every corner you turn, phone call you make, and fear you have is all connected to one individual through eight lovers. They say keep your friends close but your enemies closer, but sometimes, you have to keep the strangers the closest. In the first chapter of Sha Jones’ new intricate love story, loyalty will be tested, lives will be ruined and put on the line creating THE COLDEST LOVE OF ALL!

     Betrayed by one of her most trusted friend’s, pop-star Aneesah “Anì” Bradshaw is left fighting for her freedom in the court of law. Catching a break, she is released from prison but pays the ultimate price of losing the love of her life. Now shunned by the media and critics alike, Aneesah is left to pick up the pieces of her fallen career. Going out on a whim and doing things her way, she regains her popularity in the music industry but struggles with the loneliness that seems to be embedded in her heart. Rekindling an old flame, life seems to finally fall back into place for the pop-princess; however, a dark secret looms over her head, jeopardizing her relationship. Hit with a life-altering tragedy that shatters her world, Aneesah gives up her career, isolates herself from loved ones, and ultimately spirals out of control, leading her down a dark, twisted path of self-destruction.

    Shortly after meeting her, he finds out he's part of a secret race of powerful people that has stayed hidden in humanity's shadow. While continuing to learn more about himself and his heritage, he is chased halfway across the country. On the run, and separated from Abby, he no longer knows who he can trust. All the while discovering a power inside him he doesn't understand, and never knew he had.The Dunamis Covenant is a new urban fantasy series from the author of the Deep space Endeavor sci-fi series. While this novel is geared towards adults, it is written for all ages in a family-friendly style. Thanks for checking it out. Enjoy!

    Goldman covers all of the major developments: • The rise and decline of the city’s downtown and ethnic neighborhoods • The impact of racial change and suburbanization• The role and function of the arts in the life of the community• Urban politics, urban design, and city planningWhile describing the changes that so drastically altered the form, function, and character of the city, Goldman, through detailed descriptions of special people and special places, gives a sense of intimacy and immediacy to these otherwise impersonal historical forces. City on the Edge unflinchingly documents and describes how Buffalo has been battered by the tides of history. But it also describes the unique characteristics that have encouraged an innovative cultural climate, including Buffalo’s dynamic survival instinct that continues to lead to a surprisingly and inspiringly high quality of community life. Finally, it offers a road map, which—if followed—could point the way to a new and exciting future for this long-troubled city.