Ep. 42 Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey into the Heart of America by James Fallows and Deborah Fallows vs. Our Towns (2021)

Send us Fan MailThe age-old question of whether books truly outshine their film adaptations takes an intriguing turn with "Our Towns," a fascinating exploration of America's overlooked communities. Unlike traditional adaptations, this HBO Max documentary serves as a complementary companion to James and Deborah Fallows' non-fiction journey across the United States.For five years, the Fallows traveled to dozens of small cities and towns that rarely make national headlines, documenting how these communities tackle their unique challenges. What began as a simple blog post asking readers to share stories about their hometowns blossomed into a comprehensive investigation of American resilience and innovation at the local level.The documentary revisits eight of these communities, providing viewers with a vivid, on-the-ground perspective of how places like Sioux Falls, South Dakota and East Port, Maine are reinventing themselves. The film beautifully captures what makes each town unique while highlighting universal themes that emerge across different regions.What stands out most powerfully are the unexpected heroes of these revival stories. Libraries emerge as crucial community hubs, offering far more than books—they provide internet access, educational programs, and even specialized resources like gardening tools. Immigrant populations breathe new life into struggling economies, often becoming the backbone of industries local residents have abandoned. Artists transform vacant buildings into vibrant cultural spaces, while innovative educational approaches prepare students for meaningful work in their communities.The timing of these projects offers a fascinating historical snapshot: the book captures pre-Trump America (2013-2016), while the documentary filmed just before the pandemic reshaped our world again. Though I ultimately give the documentary a slight edge (3.5 stars vs the book's 3 stars), both works provide valuable insights into how America's forgotten places are writing their own comeback stories—not through federal intervention or grand economic schemes, but through grassroots creativity and community determination.Discover these inspiring stories of revival and find out why the documentary version narrowly wins this round in the eternal books versus movies debate. Leave a rating and review if you enjoyed this exploration of America's heartland renaissance!All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/shareConnect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog