Here’s the list of what we’ve been reading for Preservation Pages.

This Land was Saved for You and Me by Jeffrey H. Ryan

It’s hard to imagine America without its public spaces and the roles that they play in daily life. Ryan’s book explores the figures whose advocacy made such spaces possible in a rapidly industrializing and urbanizing world.

The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

So many of the struggles faced by American cities today can be traced directly back to the official housing policies put in place in the 1930s.

Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn by Thomas C. Hubka

Many of New England’s most iconic farm houses fit this architectural category and Hubka provides historical context and engineering details, while remaining accessible. —March 2023

Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg

Social infrastructure has long played a huge role in how communities function and engage. Klinenberg lays out a framework for how we can use them to overcome the polarization and alienation facing us today. —January 2023

Meet Me by the Fountain by Alexandra Lange

A sweeping exploration of malls and the roll they played in shaping the economics and social lives of the 20th century. Drawing on architecture, pop culture, social mores, and so much more, this fascinating book is sure to appeal to both fans and critics of malls, as well as anyone interested in the future they may have. —November 2022

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

Gentrification is a hot button issue and one that isn’t going to be solved over night. This book puts a new spin on the topic and is perfect for the spooky season. —October 2022

The Yellow House by Sarah Broom

A memoir of a home and community in New Orleans that were completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, The Yellow House speaks to issues that Portland has faced—the decimation of entire neighborhoods—and issues that it will face even more in the future—the threat of extreme weather and rising sea levels. —September 2022