This collection examines the intersection of personal tragedy and public turmoil through the lens of a veteran American columnist. Jimmy Breslin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his focus on the working class, compiles a series of columns that document the social and political landscape of the late 20th century. The work argues that the most significant stories are found in the daily lives of ordinary people caught in the machinery of power and violence.

Critics often cite this collection as a prime example of the 'new journalism' style, characterized by a distinct, gritty, and conversational voice. Readers frequently note the emotional weight of the personal essays, which contrast sharply with the cynical tone of his political reporting.