My Detroit, Growing Up Greek and American in Motor City

New York: Pella Publishing Company, 2006 Book. As New. Soft cover. Signed by Author(s). First Edition.. (Modern Greek Research Series) My Detroit is a fascinating, entertaining and informative book. The author, Dan Georgakas, describes life in Detroit during the first 26 years of his life as he grew to adulthood in mid 20th century America. As a result, he provides a slice of Detroit history. told from a young person's unique point of view. In the first part of the book, he describes growing up in vibrant and ethnically mixed east Detroit, focusing on school years and his youthful social life. The latter pages cover Georgakas's college days and early work experiences as a high school teacher. The reader comes to see that, in his early years, the author was somewhat of a contrarian to the prevailing norm. He reveals, "As I proceeded through college, I found myself drawn to individuals and organizations highly critical of many American norms. Even in literary matters I was usually attracted to writers who were out of favor." This was a period when student unrest was prevalent in many U.S. colleges. 'During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Detroit was the powerhouse of the automobile industry. The city was thriving economically, artistically and industrially. The State of Michigan was also in a dynamic growth period: its universities were expanding; super highways were under construction; and businesses were growing rapidly. Incredibly, within a few years Detroit fell into an economic dive and lost about half of its population. By 1950 the automobile industry was led, not by the auto pioneers, but by hired managers. These so called "whiz kids" proceeded to set in motion the ruin not only of the automobile industry, but other private and governmental institutions as a result of their myopic, misplaced practices. My Detroit reveals the actions that led toward the tragic decline. Georgakas believes that the decline would have been avoided if the city's business, labor, education and government leaders had implemented more enlightened policies. The author, however, has not lost hope for a Detroit renaissance. He writes, "Greek mythology offers the hope that a resplendent phoenix can arise from the most uncompromising ashes. I hope fervently for a Detroit phoenix." 310 p. illus.Author inscription on half title .