aus10england's review
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.0
Great info in this book, a bit repetitive at times, but still an inspiring read.
bi6otter's review
4.0
This book has some great ideas and is generally very well written, although by about 75% of the way through the book, Mr. Walljasper's anecdotes start to sound a bit repetitious, as if he's trying to stretch his material across too many pages.
one_womanarmy's review
3.0
Not the most comprehensive book on planning and community development, but certainly provides an interesting array of powerful vignettes. A better book for true beginners to the concept of re-centralizing community than guide for those looking to make an impact in the near future. Several stories were particularly inspiring however, and the Great Neighborhood Book does lead one to re-believe in the power of small actions for great good.
melanietownsend's review
4.0
This book is easy to read. It's not a book full of research. It's a book full of examples of ways people have improved their communities. It strongly advocates getting people out of cars and onto the streets....on foot, on bicycle, etc, strong public spaces, and getting people together.
It definitely has an urban focus. Most of the examples are urban and some of the suggestions (put a bench in your front yard) definitely work in suburbia, but a lot of them would not.
Honestly, I probably won't attempt any of the things in this book. Reading it, though, has spurred some creative juices and given me some ideas of other things I might do.
It definitely has an urban focus. Most of the examples are urban and some of the suggestions (put a bench in your front yard) definitely work in suburbia, but a lot of them would not.
Honestly, I probably won't attempt any of the things in this book. Reading it, though, has spurred some creative juices and given me some ideas of other things I might do.
aimee70807's review
4.0
The Great Neighborhood Book is a fast and easy read, full of suggestions that will inspire you to make your neighborhood more like a village.
...Assuming, that is, that you live in a city. I docked a star because there's absolutely nothing in the book for rural dwellers, and the author seems actively opposed to us in spots. Anyone have a suggestion for a similar book for those of us who hate cities?
...Assuming, that is, that you live in a city. I docked a star because there's absolutely nothing in the book for rural dwellers, and the author seems actively opposed to us in spots. Anyone have a suggestion for a similar book for those of us who hate cities?
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