Book · 2026 · Social Science
Under the Perfect Sun
The San Diego Tourists Never See
- mentions
- 1
- person
- 1
- podcast
- 1
- episode
- 1
- recommendation
- 1
That's literally the thesis of Under the Perfect Sun, right? Which is a book that should be obligatory if you want to move to San Diego. I think it's one of the one of the earlier Mike Davis books.
Why people recommend it
Under the Perfect Sun is a critical non-exposé of San Diego authored by Mike Davis, Kelly Mayhew, and Jim Miller, detailing the city's hidden political corruption and systemic inequalities beneath its polished surface. On the Behind the Bastards podcast, James Stout recommended the book during an episode titled It Could Happen Here Weekly 185, released on June 7, 2025. Stout argued that the publication essentially serves as the central thesis for understanding the region, asserting that it should be considered obligatory reading for anyone planning to move to San Diego. He also identified it as one of the earlier works by renowned urban theorist and historian Mike Davis. By bringing up the text, Stout aimed to dismantle romanticized notions of the city, pointing listeners toward a rigorous examination of the corporate and political forces that shaped the local community. His endorsement framed the book as an essential historical and sociological guide for uncovering the realities of urban development, municipal neglect, and power dynamics in Southern California. The recommendation provided the podcast audience with a vital resource for critically evaluating American city planning, local government accountability, and the socio-economic challenges hidden behind tourist-friendly facades.
Every mention
James Stout That's literally the thesis of Under the Perfect Sun, right? Which is a book that should be obligatory if y… 1
“That's literally the thesis of Under the Perfect Sun, right? Which is a book that should be obligatory if you want to move to San Diego. I think it's one of the one of the earlier Mike Davis books.”
