Suburbia
Halfway through Suburban Nation and halfway through my time in American suburbs, I'm trying to reconcile the condemnations and warnings of the former with the beauty of the latter (at least, those priviledged portions in which I'm travelling). Andres, Elizabeth, and Jeff have a fearsome enemy in the quiet nights, idyllic lawns, and ample interiors of the Slingerlands and Birchwood Groves. Would I want to raise my children in either place? Of course not. But could I lounge and reflect as well in the raucous, motley environs of Central Square or the Ile de la Cité? I doubt it. In any case, I'm waiting for the details and examples (in Suburban Nation or elsewhere), that will enable me to apply the theories of the book to the homes and streets of the places I've seen.