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This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live by Melody Warnick
teekeita's review against another edition
Love the research topic but find this book so dull.
nrogers_1030's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.0
If I can ignore the foolish comments scattered throughout, I generally like the book.
While some of the advice can make you feel like saying, "duh", when you've moved across the country, it's nice to have a list of things you can do to adjust. I've wracked my brain on how to fit in and make more friends and there have been simple actions in this book that just haven't crossed my mind.
But here are my issues:
•It's wordy AF... and repetitive at times.
The author writes: "Physically, community service is as satisfying as gorging on burgers and as calming as a session of yoga, but without the nasty side effects of Zoloft."
•That comparison to me is tone-deaf. People on Zoloft suffer from mental illness. Community service is not comparable to mental health medication. Sorry. 🙄
•Ms. Warnick is quite obviously privileged and doesn't understand and/or empathize that everyone cannot spend $50/month on a local business (or cash mob)... that's a lot of money to some of us. Would I rather help a local business over Walmart? Definitely! But if you're living on a budget, you're going to shop at a chain retailer if it's cheaper. Whether my bill is $5 or $20 cheaper, that extra can go towards a bill, gas or some other need.
She also states: "Sometimes I made mental notes of titles to check out later from the library. (I know, I know.)"
•WHAT.IS.WRONG.WITH.LIBRARIES?!?!
I don't know where to even start with this asinine comment. Libraries are such an important part of our communities. Not only do we have access to books, but programs and other valuable resources. Libraries need our support to thrive. Ms. Warnick was on a library board for fucks sake.
sarahkarver's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Pretty basic concepts.
khuizenga's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who's moved a lot in my life, this was a fun jaunt. Some of the advice is pretty straight forward (become a regular, get involved, volunteer, shop local, walk around town), but it was really fun taking a look into the discussions that are happening around the country about what makes a place nice to live (walkability in cities for example) and also how culture has shifted (we now see friendly neighbors as intruders rather than the helpers described in Mr. Roger's neighborhood). As someone who has only been attached to a small number of places that I have lived, this really helped me pinpoint why I preferred some places over other (it had a lot to do with my own actions as this book describes). It also got me excited about engaging more in my current hometown. Good to read for those who love where they live, and also for those who cringe when people ask you where you're from. (As a side note, I am now convinced large scale chains are a form of devilry and will be buying as much as possible local, which may or may not have been one of the most compelling bits from this book. I started this journey last weekend, with absolutely delightful results).
heidihaverkamp's review against another edition
3.0
Fun. Helped me thinking about my new location and making a home here.
dfarmil's review against another edition
4.0
I originally forgot to add this book to goodreads I guess, so I am adding it now. I read this book right before moving and thought it was really very worth it. I think it is a beautiful concept and "guide book" to making a place a home.