Ancient archeology shows that the concept of neighborhoods has been with us for a very long time, for very good reason. Neighborhoods bring people together in common purpose: safety, economy, socialization and care-giving. In other words: survive through hard times and thrive in good ones.

While the basic goal of neighborhoods is universal, the character of neighborhoods is as varied, distinguishable and fascinating as the characters in the neighborhoods. Books set in neighborhoods provide some of our most vibrant and memorable literature. They let us learn from the people and cultures that preceded us. We can travel the world today, meeting people and visiting different neighborhoods just by opening a book. We can be entertained, enlightened and inspired by stories set in or around neighborhoods.

BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ is excited that its September 24th event will feature Bedrock Faith, a book exemplifying great literature that comes alive in a neighborhood. Eric May’s debut novel landed on several “Top 10” lists and led to Eric winning the prestigious 21st Century Award from the Chicago Public Library in partnership with the Chicago Public Library Foundation. In fact our September 24th event will be a prelude celebration before the Library’s award dinner in October. Come meet Eric, get a copy of his book and have him personally autograph it for you while you enjoy some wines with great character between 6-8 p.m. at TASTE Wine & Food in Chicago. No reservations or entry fees! Find details at the Book●ed or on our Facebook page.

Meanwhile, here’s a sampling of other notable neighborhood novels set around cities known for the diversity and energy of their neighborhoods:

Washington Square – Henry James
The Jungle – Upton Sinclair
Manhattan Transfer – John Dos Passos
The Maltese Falcon – Dashiell Hammett
Call It Sleep – Henry Roth
Native Son – Richard Wright
The Tin Flute (orig. Bonheur d’occasion) – Gabrielle Roy
The Chosen – Chaim Potok
Time and Again – Jack Finney
The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros
The Alienist – Caleb Carr
Playing for Thrills – Wang Shuo (trans. Howard Goldblatt)
The Sweet Forever – George P. Pelecanos
The Devil in the White City – Erik Larson (2004)
The Great Perhaps – Joe Meno (2009)

You can learn more by clicking the tab BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™ at my Book●ed website.