Janesville: An American Story

"Janesville is narrative-driven long-form reporting at its best. Amy Goldstein spent years following roughly a dozen workers who were affected by the closing of General Motors’ Janesville Assembly Plant just before Christmas 2008, at the height of the economic crisis. The plant was the center of economic, social and civic life, employing generations of family members for more than 80 years. The Wisconsin city also has a history of civic responsibility – looking out for those who didn’t get the comfortable middle-class life the plant provided. Goldstein follows workers determined to find jobs either through re-invention and significant obstacles, or unyielding belief in the American auto industry. Janesville’s pride is tested at every turn."