This book investigates the profound impact of the foreclosure crisis on the American housing landscape and its broader societal implications. Barry Bergdoll, a noted architectural historian, examines how the widespread foreclosures following the 2008 financial crisis have reshaped not only the physical form of American cities and suburbs but also the very concept of the 'American Dream' tied to homeownership. The work analyzes the architectural and urbanistic consequences, the policy responses, and the human stories behind this significant period of displacement and reinvention.

The book is recognized for its scholarly examination of the foreclosure crisis, drawing on Bergdoll's expertise in architectural history to provide a unique perspective on a critical socio-economic event. It is noted for its comprehensive scope, connecting the physical manifestations of the crisis to broader cultural and historical narratives surrounding the American Dream. The work is considered a significant contribution to understanding the lasting impact of the 2008 financial crisis on housing and urban development.