Massachusetts Books

As an urban planning student (B.A. 2003), who is especially interested in public housing, I have read dozens of books and articles on the subject.

Reclaiming Public Housing is the best I have read yet. The stories of the three redeveloped public housing projects (one was a failure, one a widely-recognized success, and one a mixed-success) are beautifully written - rich with detail and imagery. This book is a far cry from the usual dull statistical tomes that tend to plaque the urban planning/sociology fields. Instead, it represents the perfect balance of statistics and anecdotal evidence, topped off with a wide selection of photos.

Anyone wishing to better understand the past, present, and future of public housing should definitely buy this book.

Description
(From the booklet)

The three chapters of this booklet reproduce the substance of three talks given at Boston a few months after the meetings of the World Council of Churches of Christ in Evanston, Ill., during August, 1954. At those meetings part of the discussion was over the hope of the Lord's Return. The discussion, it was recognized by all, was by no means concluded, and the talks here presented are an effort to present what the writer's church, The Church of the New Jerusalem, has to offer for discussion.
Contents

1. The Return of the Christ: The Scripture Promises
2. A Fulfillment: In Renewal of Christianity
3. A Fulfillment: In a World Redemption

Boylan has carefully documented both the public and private lives of two almost forgotten socialists of the early 20th century. His book is well written and makes for entertaining reading as well as fine scholarship of an overlooked era in American politics.

Professor of Political Science C. Bradley Thompson has selected an array of principle shorter writings by an American Founding Father in The Revolutionary Writings of John Adams, an anthology of Adams' discussions of the prospect of revolution and the ideal form of government for the newly born United States. Additional documents from before the Revolution reflect upon the nature of the British Constitution and the meaning of rights, sovereignty, representation, and obligation. A principled primary source of political philosophy and enduring wisdom, especially recommended for public library and American History reference shelves.

This book covers the Rewey family from 1660 on. It involved 30 years of research by my parents. If you would like a copy of this book, please contact me. rewey001@umn.edu

I really enjoyed this book. If you are at all interested in Cape Cod history, this is worth reading! Crows Pond is a beautiful part of Chatham with a very interesting story of how it came to be the "hidden gem" that it is today.

Here is a bit of truth in advertising...I met the author during one of her restaurant tours...at Darwin's in Cambridge. And I suggested visiting the Quebrada bakery (my favorite) a few miles away in Arlington. Both of these are described...lovingly and appropriately in the book.

But it was reading about the other breakfast places, and visiting a few, that has sold me on her writing and her choices. The stories about each restaurant's background, the delicious descriptions of equally delicious foods, and the general "take" on this kind of dining all give the book a refreshing optimism about one of life's true joys.

This book is a little gem of a guide, and I have relished each exploration of a previously unknown eatery.

Andrew Borsari has perfectly captured the spirit and beauty of Rockport. His photographs show the many moods of Rockport and its coastline. The most stunning photos are those of Thacher Island and its twin lighthouses, and of Rockport Harbor under stormy seas. His photo of the harbor during the Perfect Storm captures the frightening power and devastating fury of the storm. His images convey both the beauty and the courageous spirit of this unique New England town.

The Boston-by-itinerary approach of this book makes it easy for a visitor to become acquainted with this diverse city in small, logical doses. Harris and Lyon write with the conviction, and attention to detail, of those who know their territory well. Not just for romantic travelers but for anyone seeking entree to one of the country's most fascinating cities.

So what's guy living in Brooklyn have to say about the guidebook for Boston? Well, I have homes in both, and have lived in Boston on and off for decades, so I do have some familiarity with that city, thank you very much. Now, where in Hahvahd Yahd did I pahk my cah?

Seriously, even though I've lived in Boston for a long time it's still a city I don't feel very familiar with. Its complex street system is one thing I'll never master. It's the same feeling I have about Queens, NY, where I also lived for a while but never felt comfortable with. I guess it's because I prefer organized cities. (The small city I grew up in had just one main street, how nice and easy!)

Thankfully The Rough Guide to Boston is well organized and well written. I've read through two dozen guide books on the city and this is by far the best. The Fodor guide is too wordy and confusing, the Dummies guide too shallow and pretentious, the guide put out by the Hahvahd students totally indecipherable and inaccurate. This volume has the right balance between information and entertainment. It's concise yet complete, small yet immensely useful, and it's printed on nice paper so it'll last a good long time. The "24 things not to miss" are the best "best-of-Boston" list I've seen because it goes beyond the obvious popular tourist spots.

If you plan to visit Boston or go to school there, get this high-quality book.