"With recovery from the great recession under way, it is an auspicious time for a fine scholarly work examining the consequences of job loss, family change, and health declines among Americans . . . In unpacking each event, the authors provide guidance to the latest research and data sources, and they suggest future agendas. Throughout, the text remains accessible to a general readership while also informing experts . . . Recommended."—D. J. Conger, CHOICE "Lifecycle events—whether foreseeable or unexpected—can fundamentally alter the economic trajectory of individuals and families. This book presents an ambitious and successful attempt at examining the impact of the most salient demographic and economic events in contemporary America. I highly recommend the book."—Robert F. Schoeni, Institute for Social Research, Ford School of Public Policy, and Department of Economics, University of Michigan "This book does an excellent job of analyzing the nature and consequences of various types of common, but often unanticipated, shocks in the lifecycle. Elegantly edited, this volume provides interesting, important information that readers in economics and public policy should know."—Robert D. Plotnick, University of Washington