Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families.

"Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families" by J. Anthony Lukas is a masterful exploration of racial and social tensions in Boston, set against the tumultuous backdrop of school desegregation in the 1970s. Through the intimate stories of three families—the African-American Twymons, the working-class white McGoffs, and the affluent white Divers—Lukas weaves a complex narrative that lays bare the intersections of race, class, and education in urban America. His exhaustive research and unbiased storytelling offer a nuanced understanding of the era's strife, making the book a pivotal reference for anyone looking to grasp the profound challenges and enduring legacies of desegregation in Boston. Lukas's commitment to depth, empathy, and journalistic rigor makes "Common Ground" not just a compelling read but a significant historical document, shedding light on the struggles and hopes that define the American experience.