This is one of those lifechanging books that leaves me frustrated at the end because there are already parts of it I've forgotten and I want to be able to produce the lessons, stories, facts, and statistics from this book at a moments notice to win arguments. In that way, it's sort of like any of the Yuval Noah Harari books or the New Jim Crow. I just wish it was information that everyone in the world knew, it would make the world a better place. This is one of those books that I will be recommending people read for a long time and begging them to text me anything interesting they come across as I read it so that I can remember important things.

The book itself was full of things that I felt like I knew in my unconscious mind but it felt vindicating to see backed up in scientific studies. Places where you live close to everything and can walk and bike around are way better than sprawl, and these elements have actual measurable positive effects on human and societal well being. I now understand why Hadley makes me sad and Amherst makes me happy. Put the Chippy's in Hadley in the middle of Amherst and I'd have no reason to venture to that part of route nine. (Andrew, as my only goodreads friend who never lived in Amherst, you can look this up on Google maps if you truly care). GREAT FREAKING BOOK A MUST READ

“Some people like their apartments. Some people like town houses. Some people will not be content without space between themselves and the nearest neighbor. We all find a place here.”

such an informative and eye-opening read that will have you looking at your home cities in a different way. can’t wait to read more of his work!

“This is the truth that shines over the journey toward the happy city. We do not need to wait for someone else to make it… We build it by living it.”

ummmm yes! loved this book. so much good inso for how to design a city, a community, a life. good stories about how to create a town square. what an idea! it's time to create a folding table in the culdesac situation, i believe

A mind blowing book, full of logical conclusions that are both incredibly insightful, and incredibly obvious. Most of them boil down to the fact that a city based around cars is terrible and makes everyone miserable, and a city based around walkability and public transit benefits everyone's happiness and well being. To me, these are super obvious takeaways, but there was still a ton of value to the book.

It did make me realize that I think I'm missing a lot of life in a traditional suburban neighborhood, and I'm craving to live somewhere a bit more dense and walkable, even at the expense of lot size and privacy.

It also made me realize that I am fascinated by urban planning type policy decisions. I definitely want to read more books on the topic.

If I came to this book 10 years ago, or with a different background, I may have gotten more out of it. I new many of the cases already. However, it was an important book for the field. Found it a bit of a slog to get through.
I’ll give it 4 starts because the authors key messages and importance to the field. Glad I read it but won’t pick it up again.