Structure

The book is divided into six parts, each identified by year beginning in 2008. Part One has nine chapters that begin with the announcement that the General Motors plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, would be closing within two years. This part includes some background information about Janesville, the story of a flood that took place right after the announcement, and details about a teacher who created the Parker Closet to provide for the basic needs of students in crisis.

Part Two covers events that took place in 2009 and includes Chapters 10-18. In this part, the author talked about a new economic development initiative, the closure of the Lear Corp., and some individuals who took new steps in their lives as a result of being laid off. The section ends with a chapter titled “The Holiday Food Drive.” A former GM worker named Marv Wopat had pledged to keep the...