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How To Live In Detroit Without Being A Jackass
Are you moving to Detroit because your rent is too high? Did you read somewhere that the only thing you needed to buy a house was the change in your couch cushions? Are you totally terrified about living in one of the most crime-plagued cities in the United States? Welcome to Detroit, and welcome to your social guidebook for all of you coastal transplants, wary suburbanites, unwitting gentrifiers, curious onlookers, die-hard natives and everyone in between. With advice on everything from buying and rehabbing a house to not sounding like a completely uninformed racist when you talk to a black person, let us help you avoid falling into the jackass trap and become the productive, healthy Detroiter you've always wanted to be.
Table of Contents:
Seven Rules for Living in Detroit: Or How Not To Be A Dumbass The Moment You Get Here
The Quick and Dirty Tour
Difficult Questions About Detroit With Simple Answers
How Not To Offend People When Talking About Detroit
How You Should Be Talking About Detroit
How To Be White In Detroit
How To Make Peace With The Suburbs
How To Drive In Detroit
How To Party Like A Detroiter
How To Deal With The Men In This Town
How To Raise A Detroit Kid
How To Do Business In Detroit How To House-Hunt In Detroit
How To Renovate A Detroit House Without Being A Jackass
How Not To Be A Jealous Jackass
How To Take In Detroit Media
How To Be Gay In Detroit
How To Be A Detroit Hipster
How To Be Black In Detroit
Table of Contents:
Seven Rules for Living in Detroit: Or How Not To Be A Dumbass The Moment You Get Here
The Quick and Dirty Tour
Difficult Questions About Detroit With Simple Answers
How Not To Offend People When Talking About Detroit
How You Should Be Talking About Detroit
How To Be White In Detroit
How To Make Peace With The Suburbs
How To Drive In Detroit
How To Party Like A Detroiter
How To Deal With The Men In This Town
How To Raise A Detroit Kid
How To Do Business In Detroit How To House-Hunt In Detroit
How To Renovate A Detroit House Without Being A Jackass
How Not To Be A Jealous Jackass
How To Take In Detroit Media
How To Be Gay In Detroit
How To Be A Detroit Hipster
How To Be Black In Detroit
240 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2015
32 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 9, 2018
I have a lot of thoughts coming away from this book, many of them ambivalent. There were many sections where I agreed with/related to the author's portrayal of Detroit or at least sympathized and understood, and others that envoked a critical response in me. Being born and raised in Metro Detroit and having lived in its environs my entire life, I found a lot to appreciate here, coming across things that I love and cherish about it, and learning new things about it as well.
However, the author's commentaries on race and class were hit or miss for me, and at times rather frustrating. This is not surprising, because a lot of the things brought up are old arguments, but I did my best to read with an open mind. For instance, the author being Black American spoke often about not treating "blackness" as monolithic, which I completely agree with. What would frustrate me to no end is that in the next breath, he would speak about whiteness as if it were monolithic, and that he did not see the contradiction. I don't think the author necessarily intended for it to come off that way. But I think a weakness in the book is that while he had a very well-rounded, three-dimensional take on a lot of the topics to do with the city itself, he did not have the same nuanced perspective when it came to the city-suburb relationship here, e.g. at one point in the book, he indirectly described an entire county as toxic, because one man in charge says stupid and ignorant things about Detroit.
I have more to say on this and other things, but I will leave it there for now. Despite the criticisms that I've described (there were a few more, but small things), I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about Detroit, if they are intending on moving here or just curious.
However, the author's commentaries on race and class were hit or miss for me, and at times rather frustrating. This is not surprising, because a lot of the things brought up are old arguments, but I did my best to read with an open mind. For instance, the author being Black American spoke often about not treating "blackness" as monolithic, which I completely agree with. What would frustrate me to no end is that in the next breath, he would speak about whiteness as if it were monolithic, and that he did not see the contradiction. I don't think the author necessarily intended for it to come off that way. But I think a weakness in the book is that while he had a very well-rounded, three-dimensional take on a lot of the topics to do with the city itself, he did not have the same nuanced perspective when it came to the city-suburb relationship here, e.g. at one point in the book, he indirectly described an entire county as toxic, because one man in charge says stupid and ignorant things about Detroit.
I have more to say on this and other things, but I will leave it there for now. Despite the criticisms that I've described (there were a few more, but small things), I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about Detroit, if they are intending on moving here or just curious.
March 12, 2016
The book was as informative as it was sarcastic. Outsiders who want a glimpse into Detroit realities would find very useful information in this read. The book gave many great and accurate summaries about all things Detroit from the types of homes found in different neighborhoods to the types of newspapers and broadcasts found within the city. Foley is clearly well-versed and traveled in Detroit and the metro area as a whole. He wasn't afraid to shed light on realities that outsiders just don't seem to understand. For example "What are the chances of me being shot in Detroit? Pretty high if you bring any trouble upon yourself by being involved in the drug-trade or committing high-stakes crimes. Otherwise, you should be fine." The author did an excellent job of painting the picture of all Detroit has to offer: the good, bad, the old, and the upcoming.
As important the discussion of race in Detroit is and has always been, however, there were times throughout when it seemed to be awkwardly mentioned or placed. There were also times when Foley seemed to be completely against new Detroiters with interest in the new trendy areas, or dreams of revitalizing the city coming here, rather than welcoming them and giving them the information needed not to be a "jackass."
The crux of not being a jackass, which is not treating Detroit like a blown-up blank canvas where real people don't live, was well touched upon throughout the book. Foley made it known that there are cool people, things, and neighborhoods in Detroit and they have been here since before the current revitalization. He also shed very important light on the way suburbanites view the city singularly and countered it with a very dynamic view of all of Detroit's offerings throughout the book.
This book was a lot of fun to read as someone born and raised in one of the "middle-class, brick-house streets" neighborhoods that are the complete opposite of the image that comes to an outsider's mind when they think of Detroit as Foley pointed out. There were many times when I laughed out loud because I could relate to an anecdote or I have said the exact same observations to my friends and family. Some of the humor poked quite a bit of fun at its target at times, but it was never outwardly insulting or offensive, the book stayed fun all the way through.
Anybody interested in learning more about the current state of Detroit (c.2015) and what is going on in the city would get my recommendation for this book. Any newcomers to the city should also check this book out, but be ready to laugh at themselves. However, if you are someone easily offended by language, race, or other realities, I probably wouldn't recommend this read.
As important the discussion of race in Detroit is and has always been, however, there were times throughout when it seemed to be awkwardly mentioned or placed. There were also times when Foley seemed to be completely against new Detroiters with interest in the new trendy areas, or dreams of revitalizing the city coming here, rather than welcoming them and giving them the information needed not to be a "jackass."
The crux of not being a jackass, which is not treating Detroit like a blown-up blank canvas where real people don't live, was well touched upon throughout the book. Foley made it known that there are cool people, things, and neighborhoods in Detroit and they have been here since before the current revitalization. He also shed very important light on the way suburbanites view the city singularly and countered it with a very dynamic view of all of Detroit's offerings throughout the book.
This book was a lot of fun to read as someone born and raised in one of the "middle-class, brick-house streets" neighborhoods that are the complete opposite of the image that comes to an outsider's mind when they think of Detroit as Foley pointed out. There were many times when I laughed out loud because I could relate to an anecdote or I have said the exact same observations to my friends and family. Some of the humor poked quite a bit of fun at its target at times, but it was never outwardly insulting or offensive, the book stayed fun all the way through.
Anybody interested in learning more about the current state of Detroit (c.2015) and what is going on in the city would get my recommendation for this book. Any newcomers to the city should also check this book out, but be ready to laugh at themselves. However, if you are someone easily offended by language, race, or other realities, I probably wouldn't recommend this read.
February 23, 2016
Raw. Relevant. Real.
This book is a no-questions-asked must-read for those interested in Detroit in any way. It's a first-person perspective of a little-heard voice in the age of revitalization and gentrification. Covering a broad scope of subjects, Foley manages to explain multiple issues in Detroit a little bit deeper without generalizing Detroiters in sweeping strokes. An easy to read, interesting, and overall informative read.
I'd definitely throw a warning out on this book for my more sensitive folks. There are swear words. There is content outside of the hetero-normative culture. There's a lot of talk about racism. Personally, I think the focus on the diversity of Detroit is great.
This book is a no-questions-asked must-read for those interested in Detroit in any way. It's a first-person perspective of a little-heard voice in the age of revitalization and gentrification. Covering a broad scope of subjects, Foley manages to explain multiple issues in Detroit a little bit deeper without generalizing Detroiters in sweeping strokes. An easy to read, interesting, and overall informative read.
I'd definitely throw a warning out on this book for my more sensitive folks. There are swear words. There is content outside of the hetero-normative culture. There's a lot of talk about racism. Personally, I think the focus on the diversity of Detroit is great.
February 2, 2016
LOVED. Smart and snarky and on the nose. Informative as hell and written in a style that keeps you wanting to read more. I loved loved loved this.
April 24, 2019
If someone I knew was curious about Detroit or considering moving to the city, I'd loan them this book. It covers a ton of material, it's funny, it's extremely accessible. As someone who has lived in the city for a few years, I don't think there was a lot of new "information" I gained (i.e. descriptions of neighborhoods, city institutions, historical overviews). But I did really appreciate Aaron Foley's voice, experience, and wisdom. He walks a winsome line between representing the perspectives of long-time Detroiters and being open/cautiously optimistic about shifts in the city moving forward. He highlights the tension between Detroit and the suburbs, but won't let you get away with just saying "the suburbs suck".
A few standout chapters were:
Ch. 3 - "Difficult Questions About Detroit with Simple Answers"
Ch. 15 - "How to Renovate a Detroit House Without Being A Jackass" (spoiler: "It's a lot harder than I thought!"- R.I.P. "Detroiters" on Comedy Central)
Ch. 17 - "How Not To Be A Jealous Jackass"
Ch. 21 - "How To Be Black in Detroit"
A few standout chapters were:
Ch. 3 - "Difficult Questions About Detroit with Simple Answers"
Ch. 15 - "How to Renovate a Detroit House Without Being A Jackass" (spoiler: "It's a lot harder than I thought!"- R.I.P. "Detroiters" on Comedy Central)
Ch. 17 - "How Not To Be A Jealous Jackass"
Ch. 21 - "How To Be Black in Detroit"
March 16, 2018
This was a great read. I found tons to relate to here and it helped ebb my irritation at the hipsters currently colonizing Midtown. It was a book I never didn't want to pick up. I got to learn something about my old neighborhood I hadn't known and I got to revisit some neighborhoods I haven't been to in decades. And, for some reason it has never occurred to me, but asking about what high school someone went to is TOTALLY something I do (and everyone I know from Detroit) when I meet or am talking about someone who is also from Detroit. Also, while I was not a religious watcher of Martin, I did NOT remember that it took place in the Detroit area. Yea!
While it was still interesting towards the end of the book, I found myself skimming through the lists. I understand that he, in part, was trying to provide a legitimate guide for people moving into the city, but those lists are going to date the book. In fact, there are already things in the book that make it seem dated even though it only came out a few years ago. I gave it four stars instead of five for reasons like that. It was a short book, but to some degree it felt like a different book at the end than when I started it. I also feel like he could have said a lot more with this platform.
While it was still interesting towards the end of the book, I found myself skimming through the lists. I understand that he, in part, was trying to provide a legitimate guide for people moving into the city, but those lists are going to date the book. In fact, there are already things in the book that make it seem dated even though it only came out a few years ago. I gave it four stars instead of five for reasons like that. It was a short book, but to some degree it felt like a different book at the end than when I started it. I also feel like he could have said a lot more with this platform.
September 18, 2016
Previously, I was disappointed by the rough language at the beginning of the book. I found it unnecessary. In addition, the author references several past Detroit figures that do not give a good name to the city. While it is true they are part of the history of Detroit, they have no current bearing on it. I gave up early on. My husband started reading it and told me it improves.
I attempted to continue reading, giving the book another chance. Admittedly, there is well-researched historical information. The chapters on tourist attractions present many viable places of interest. There are even some current events.
Yet the presentation of all this information is written in a very opinionated way. For example, negativity for the suburbs is mentioned as a given fact, as if all Detroiters insult the suburbs. Even while trying to encourage readers to avoid this way of thinking, the author's language supports it.Simply put, the language and the writing style indicates to the reader that the author favors that negativity.
Aside from the presentation, negativity and rough language, this would be a decent reference book for Detroiters and those wishing to move to our city.
I attempted to continue reading, giving the book another chance. Admittedly, there is well-researched historical information. The chapters on tourist attractions present many viable places of interest. There are even some current events.
Yet the presentation of all this information is written in a very opinionated way. For example, negativity for the suburbs is mentioned as a given fact, as if all Detroiters insult the suburbs. Even while trying to encourage readers to avoid this way of thinking, the author's language supports it.Simply put, the language and the writing style indicates to the reader that the author favors that negativity.
Aside from the presentation, negativity and rough language, this would be a decent reference book for Detroiters and those wishing to move to our city.
January 24, 2016
This came up as "recommended" for me on Amazon and I couldn't resist. Not that I'm planning on moving to Detroit (although I'll admit some romantic notions about rehabbing a house and being a part of the Detroit Renaissance), but the title, the Vernors cover design, and the table of contents all intrigued me. I had thought it would be a sarcastic comedy of sorts, but it actually is a useful guide for Detroit newcomers. Which neighborhoods have what types of architecture, the must-experience Detroit institutions, cautionary advice on renovating that home you can buy for under $10k, and most prominently throughout, how not to come off as a holier-than-thou "savior" of the city. I learned a few new things (I had never heard of "Jit," a Detroit street dance, and had no idea that one of the nation's largest bookstores is downtown), but most of all I learned that any romantic notion I may have had should remain just that. This northern Michigan girl just isn't up for city living. But I will visit with many ideas of new places to explore and a better understanding of the city's history.
April 16, 2016
How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass by Aaron Foley is a very good book. Mr. Foley does not beat around the bush but tells it like it is. Being a new Michigander (but not one who lives in Detroit but in a Wayne county suburb), I really enjoyed finding out all kinds of different things about the city and a little bit about some of the metropolitan area). I read parts of the book to my husband, I told my daughter and son-in-law about things I learned, and I spouted off information to anyone who would listen. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering moving to or who has already moved to the greater Detroit area or to anyone who is just interested in some good writing about one of America's well-known (for better or worse) cities.
December 30, 2015
was truly more informative and instructional than I was expecting. I was genuinely expecting much more ironic, comical commentary. however the insights provided were amusing and as is always the case, I appreciated the views added to conversations I frequently have from a different point of view. I have to admit I don't frequently cross paths with gay black men who grew up in the city so his takes on the current climate made me rethink a bit.
August 18, 2016
This was excellent.
Part guidebook, part memoir, part social commentary. I liked the humor and Foley's directness. It's a book that addresses this specific moment in Detroit's history, and it seems right on the mark to me, as someone who grew up in greater Metro-Detroit. If you have an interest in books about Detroit, this should be on your reading list.
Part guidebook, part memoir, part social commentary. I liked the humor and Foley's directness. It's a book that addresses this specific moment in Detroit's history, and it seems right on the mark to me, as someone who grew up in greater Metro-Detroit. If you have an interest in books about Detroit, this should be on your reading list.
March 31, 2016
If I could give a book to every incoming Teach for America corps member at the beginning of their time in Detroit, it would be this book.
But seriously, I loved this book, and probably could have used it earlier.
But seriously, I loved this book, and probably could have used it earlier.
December 25, 2015
My friend Shannon invited me to see Foley talk at The Source bookstore in Detroit, and we both ended up buying the book. Hit me up if you want to borrow it - it's really good.
January 7, 2016
This was an amazing and insightful read, even if you never plan to live in Detroit, it's a story of a city told with such love that by the end, I was in tears.
January 18, 2016
Foley is a fun and informative guide on a tour of one of America's great cities. Well worth reading even if you don't live in Detroit.
March 27, 2018
funny & informative - I highly recommend for those who are interested in living and working in Detroit!
November 17, 2017
As a life-long resident of Metro Detroit and former Wayne State employee and alumnus, I love reading books about Detroit. This one wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be, but I think I liked it even better. I thought it was mostly going to light-heartedly excoriate (is that an oxymoron? Well, you know what I mean!) hipsters, but I feel like it was a lot more serious than I anticipated. It examined lots of Detroit history, both the fun and the serious, and explained how that history informs the present. In the past, I really responded to the oft-repeated idea of Detroit as a blank slate for entrepreneurs and artists. At the same time, I have always worried about gentrification. I know that in some ways it is necessary, but only if it doesn't leave behind long term residents of the city. You aren't going to "save the city" by patronizing a bagel shop outside of Compuware, if the majority of long term residents still can't get jobs at the new businesses. Anyway, I still like that Detroit is seen as a place to experiment, but I didn't really realize how being too loose with those terms could be offensive to those same long term residents. (For example, it's not REALLY a blank slate, because people have always lived there!) You'll have to chalk this up to me having been a little bit of a jackass.
December 31, 2016
I picked up this book because it is published by the same small press that put out"Happy Anyway". I kept reading for Aaron's humor and wit.
February 12, 2017
Fun read for anyone moving to greater Detroit or who wants to learn more about the Motor City.
November 21, 2017
As a born, raised, and current Detroiter, I found this book to be a fun read! For those who are wanting a spark notes version or introduction manual of life in Detroit, this may be a good first stop.
June 22, 2019
Probably my own fault for seeing the title of this and making assumptions what it would be about, so I don't necessarily fault the book for not living up to my preconceived notions. I was looking for a book that would outline tangible ways residents to a new city can integrate into the community while not contributing to gentrification or whitewashing. This book was instead filled with chapters of listicles about what to do/not do in various neighborhoods of the city or suburbs of the city. Which is fine, just not what I was looking for.
June 27, 2020
Informative and full of a dry sense of humor as well as a sadness over serious realities, it covers all of the main points about living in the city of Detroit. The serious points are addressed thoughtfully and the less serious points receive a lighter input. The people, the places, the culture-all of it gets examined and discussed. A good read for newcomers and veterans of Detroit.
December 13, 2025
I moved to Michigan (Detroit Metro area) in 2021, I could appreciate how alive the city is compared to when I visited for the first time in 2010. Detroit is full of history and this book express deep love to the city and challenges people like me to give it if not the same level of love at least the respect it deserves for being an amazing place.
Enjoyed learning so much about Detroit!
Enjoyed learning so much about Detroit!
December 30, 2022
Part insider’s guide, part memoir, part extended-essay-by-your-favorite-newspaper-columnist. All heart. Whether or not everything Foley writes “clicks” with you, you’re likely to find his perspective valuable, and his style disarming.
November 29, 2024
Reading this as a Detroiter similar in age to the author was interesting. Appreciated the stories between the lists and tips for new comers to the City limits. Aaron’s reflections made for good laughs and interesting moments of thought.
June 15, 2019
The four stars (instead of 5) are for some editing/grammatical errors that were a little distracting. Other than that I just agree with @bradlinden
library-to-read
February 20, 2020Belt Publishing
June 17, 2020
I really enjoyed it and I feel more prepared to move to Detroit next month. 😊
July 6, 2023
3.5 stars. Very informative and something I wanted to dive in to with Detroit being a similar city to Memphis in many forms.
December 30, 2023
Both how-to-guide and historical account, a perfect introduction to Detroit’s cultures, landmarks, challenges, and successes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews