"Norman presents a thought-provoking and important analysis of an urban world often overlooked by most social science researchers. Those seeking to understand the future of metropolitan America would be wise to read this book."
~Robert Adelman, University at Buffalo, SUNY
"Norman attempts to fill a gap in the study of US urban regions by focusing exclusively on what he labels 'small cities,' those with a population of between 100,000 and 200,000. The changes in smaller cities are the results of a myriad of social forces, including globalization, immigration and internal migration, educational attainment, ethnic diversity, and economic opportunity, inequality, and diversification, among other factors. Though many of these variables have no doubt contributed to changes in large US cities, Norman
argues that the way in which they have influenced the development of small cities is more nuanced. As a result, scholars must develop new conceptualizations and theories that better reflect those subtleties. This book is one contribution toward that end. Recommended."
~Choice
"In Small Cities USA, Norman surveys a largely overlooked segment of U.S. urban areas: cities that contain 100,000 to 200,000 people and that are not part of a larger metro area. Norman sees these places as an important—and neglected—piece of the urban puzzle."
~Planning
"Norman’s Small Cities USA takes an important step toward reminding urban scholars of the importance of smaller cities. It is a welcome alternative to the deluge of global cities research and offers a clear and concise point of entry for those wanting to explore this neglected side of urban studies."
~American Journal of Sociology
