Book Review: Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power by D.Mask.

In The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power, by Deirdre Mask unravels the hidden significance of something most of us take for granted—our street addresses. This book goes beyond the history by blending investigative journalism, and personal narratives, Mask takes readers on a global journey, illustrating how something as simple as an address can dictate access to essential services, political power, and personal identity.

One of the book’s most striking themes is the role addresses play in economic opportunity. Mask highlights how lacking a formal address can marginalize individuals, making it nearly impossible to open a bank account, vote, or receive emergency medical care. She explores cases in places like Kolkata, where slum residents struggle with official recognition, and West Virginia, where people fight for reliable address assignments. These stories underscore a harsh reality: without an address, a person can be virtually invisible to society.

Mask also dives into the historical and racial dimensions of addresses, showing how street names can memorialize colonialism, slavery, and political shifts. The book details efforts in places like Berlin and South Africa to reckon with problematic historical names, illustrating how addresses can serve as battlegrounds for identity and collective memory. Her exploration of racial segregation in the U.S. where redlining and discriminatory address policies dictated neighborhood demographics for generations—further reveals the power that a simple street name or ZIP code can wield.

What makes The Address Book especially compelling is Mask’s engaging storytelling. She seamlessly weaves historical research with firsthand interviews, making complex social issues accessible and deeply personal. Rather than presenting dry data, she humanizes the topic through the voices of those directly affected. Readers will find themselves immersed in fascinating anecdotes, from ancient Roman street numbering systems to contemporary debates over renaming streets with controversial pasts.

Overall, The Address Book is an eye-opening read that challenges us to rethink the meaning of place and identity. Mask’s insightful narrative demonstrates that an address is far more than a location—it’s a marker of privilege, access, and power. Whether you’re interested in urban planning, social justice, or simply enjoy well-researched nonfiction, about your place and navigation in our world.