Good with Their Hands

Discover the vibrant tapestry of urban life in Good with Their Hands by Carlo Rotella, published by the University of California Press in 2004. This compelling collection of essays, spanning 278 pages, delves into the rich narratives of American cities, highlighting unique stories that emerge from boxing matches, musical performances, and cinematic experiences. Rotella takes readers on a journey through women's boxing in Erie, Pennsylvania, the blues scene with Buddy Guy in Chicago, and the gritty realities of police work and crime in New York City, particularly as they intersected in the iconic film "The French Connection." Through his insightful observations, Rotella reveals how the essence of urban communities can be captured in the most unexpected places, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in sociology, history, and the stories that shape our cities.