Duneier manages to be both analytical and, at once, appreciatively attuned to the complex people who gradually open themselves to him. With integrity and artistry, he brings the reader to new understanding. This understanding is sorely needed during times as these in which desperately poor people are demeaned and discarded by those who would use their political power heartlessly.
The author here seems well intentioned in his research, but the books strikes me a little too much as "middle class white professor comes to New York to reveal the plight of the oppressed black street guys and in the process becomes one of them" sort of thing. It would be so much more refreshing to see the story told by one of the guys out there, rather than have it told by someone else.
But I'm glad the message is getting out there, because all the sidewalk vendors seem to be getting it pretty bad.
