A review by khuizenga
This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live by Melody Warnick

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).