This is a classic book for a good reason, and I'm so glad I read it. I have always been very interested in cities and reading this made me understand not just what I like in a city (walkability, lively street life, a mix of different businesses and organizations, uniqueness, messiness, visual interest) but why so few places are like that anymore. Because city zoning not only discourages successful city development in America--it outright outlaws it in many cases. This is why all of our suburbs look like boring identical cookie cutters of each other. Great cities grow organically--but only if they are allowed and encouraged to grow. I've always been on the hunt for the "right"city. Now I understand that what is more important is engaging in activism to make all cities better, by changing the short sighted planning rules and regulations that kill lively cities. I'll write a better review of this book at a later date. For now I'll just say that I read this book for an online "Books to change your life" book club, and in this case, this book actually is life changing for me.