## Book Review: *When the City Stops Working* by David Goldman
When the City Stops Working: The Urban Family’s Guide to Surviving Emergencies Without Panic”, by “David Goldman” is a refreshingly rational take on emergency preparedness tailored specifically to urban families. In a genre often dominated by extreme survivalist narratives, this book stands out for its calm, practical, and highly applicable approach.
### Overview
Goldman addresses a simple but powerful premise: modern cities are complex systems that can fail temporarily. When they do—whether due to power outages, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or infrastructure breakdowns—most urban residents are far less prepared than they think. Rather than encouraging fear, the author promotes measured readiness and family-centered planning.
### Strengths
**1. Urban-Focused Perspective**
Many preparedness guides assume access to rural land, storage space, or off-grid capabilities. Goldman instead focuses on apartment dwellers, small homes, and densely populated environments. This makes the advice realistic for city residents who depend heavily on utilities and public services.
**2. Practical, Actionable Advice**
The book emphasizes straightforward steps:
– Building manageable emergency supplies without hoarding
– Planning for short- to medium-term disruptions
– Creating communication plans for families
– Managing stress and preventing panic
The guidance feels achievable rather than overwhelming.
**3. Psychological Readiness**
A key theme is emotional control. Goldman highlights how panic often causes more harm than the emergency itself. This focus on mindset elevates the book beyond a simple checklist manual.
**4. Balanced Tone**
There is no alarmism. The book avoids apocalyptic rhetoric and instead frames preparedness as a responsible, everyday practice—similar to having insurance.
### Potential Limitations
– Readers seeking highly technical or extreme survival tactics may find the content too moderate.
– Those already deeply experienced in preparedness may see some advice as foundational rather than advanced.
### Writing Style
The writing is clear, accessible, and direct. Goldman communicates complex preparedness concepts in a way that feels approachable for beginners, particularly families who have never seriously considered emergency planning.
### Final Verdict
*When the City Stops Working* is an excellent starting point for urban families who want to prepare responsibly without descending into fear-based survivalism. It provides practical systems, realistic strategies, and a calm mindset framework that make preparedness feel both doable and sensible.
**Rating: 4.5/5**
A highly recommended guide for city residents who want resilience without paranoia.