Blakely and Snyder's *Fortress America: Gated Communities in the United States* examines the rise of gated communities in the U.S., focusing on their social, economic, and cultural implications. The authors, both based in California, highlight the increasing prevalence of these communities, which range from luxury developments to security zones. The book traces the history of gated communities from the 19th century to the late 20th century, noting their growth and the controversies they have sparked. The authors propose a typology of gated communities—lifestyle, prestige, and security zones—to better understand their characteristics and the values they represent. Lifestyle communities emphasize leisure and exclusivity, while prestige communities are associated with wealth and status. Security zones, on the other hand, reflect a growing fear of crime and external threats. The book discusses the role of homeowners' associations (HOAs) in governing gated communities, emphasizing the privatization of public spaces and the shift toward professional management. It also explores the social and political implications of gated communities, including their impact on community cohesion and the division of society along economic and racial lines. The authors argue that gated communities reflect a broader "fortress mentality" in American society, where individuals seek security and control over their living environments. However, they also note that gated communities do not necessarily provide greater security, as evidenced by studies showing no significant difference in crime rates between gated and non-gated areas. The book concludes that gated communities are a complex phenomenon with significant social and political implications. While they offer certain benefits such as safety and order, they also contribute to social fragmentation and the exclusion of marginalized groups. The authors call for a more nuanced understanding of gated communities and a dialogue among planners, policymakers, and residents to address the challenges they pose. *Fortress America* is a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of a growing trend in American urban development.Blakely and Snyder's *Fortress America: Gated Communities in the United States* examines the rise of gated communities in the U.S., focusing on their social, economic, and cultural implications. The authors, both based in California, highlight the increasing prevalence of these communities, which range from luxury developments to security zones. The book traces the history of gated communities from the 19th century to the late 20th century, noting their growth and the controversies they have sparked. The authors propose a typology of gated communities—lifestyle, prestige, and security zones—to better understand their characteristics and the values they represent. Lifestyle communities emphasize leisure and exclusivity, while prestige communities are associated with wealth and status. Security zones, on the other hand, reflect a growing fear of crime and external threats. The book discusses the role of homeowners' associations (HOAs) in governing gated communities, emphasizing the privatization of public spaces and the shift toward professional management. It also explores the social and political implications of gated communities, including their impact on community cohesion and the division of society along economic and racial lines. The authors argue that gated communities reflect a broader "fortress mentality" in American society, where individuals seek security and control over their living environments. However, they also note that gated communities do not necessarily provide greater security, as evidenced by studies showing no significant difference in crime rates between gated and non-gated areas. The book concludes that gated communities are a complex phenomenon with significant social and political implications. While they offer certain benefits such as safety and order, they also contribute to social fragmentation and the exclusion of marginalized groups. The authors call for a more nuanced understanding of gated communities and a dialogue among planners, policymakers, and residents to address the challenges they pose. *Fortress America* is a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of a growing trend in American urban development.