On the Fireline

In this rugged account of a rugged profession, Matthew Desmond explores the heart and soul of the wildland firefighter. Having joined a firecrew in northern Arizona as a young man, Desmond relates his experiences with intimate knowledge and native ease, adroitly balancing emotion with analysis and action with insight. "On the Fireline" shows that these firefighters aren't adrenaline junkies or romantic heroes, as they're so often portrayed. An immersion into a dangerous world, "On the Fireline" is also a sophisticated analysis of a high-risk profession - and a captivating read.

Matthew Desmond is assistant professor of sociology and social studies at Harvard University.