Cities have always been captivating, bustling centers of activity that attract people from all over the world. They offer opportunities for innovation and creativity, but also present their own set of challenges. This World Cities Day, take a literary expedition through cities with books that explore urban growth, cultural identity, and self-discovery. These stories showcase the heart and soul of cities, and offer valuable insights for future city planning and development. Let’s work together to build sustainable urban environments that can thrive for generations to come.
Cities have always had a certain allure that captures the hearts and minds of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and professions. They are vibrant hubs of activity, innovation, and creative expression that have been magnets for entrepreneurs, artists, and dreamers throughout history. As philosopher Susanne K. Langer noted, “The seeds of civilization are in every culture, but it is city life that brings them to fruition.” However, urban living presents its own set of challenges, and we must focus on sustainable urbanization to ensure a better future for cities.
In anticipation of World Cities Day on October 31st, let’s embark on a literary journey through the city, exploring various aspects of urban life, from community and cultural identity to growth and development. These stories reveal the heart, soul, and complexity of cities, demonstrating that while cities may not be everything, we can work together to build better urban environments for future generations and communities.
Books About Cities: Tracing Their Evolution
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The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks, with colors by Jordie Bellaire
The Nameless City grows and evolves over generations, and Hicks’ graphic novel illustrates the process beautifully through the eyes of young Kaidu and Rat. -
The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi
Utomi’s novella portrays a city whose enemies have rewritten its cultural identity and history, and yet, the people remain resilient in the face of oppression.
Books About How Our Cities Grow
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The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
Jemisin’s novel explores the concept that cities have a soul, and five protector souls representing the boroughs of New York City must unite against a growing darkness that threatens their culture and community. -
After Dark by Haruki Murakami, translated by Jay Rubin
Through the character of Mari, Murakami’s novel highlights the duality of cities, showing us the often-overlooked side of urban life. -
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
As Robin discovers the destructive potential of power held by the Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel, he must confront his role in the city’s development. -
The Free People’s Village by Sim Kern
Kern’s book explores the cost of gentrification and sustainability, imagining an alternate reality where Al Gore won the 2000 U.S. election and declared a “War on Climate Change.”
Books About Exploring Our Cities
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Open City by Teju Cole
Julius’ journey through Manhattan in Cole’s novel reveals the connections we form with the people and places in our lives. -
Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki
Zoe, Dani, and Fiona’s adventure through New York City in this graphic novel is a tale of self-discovery and the exploration of new experiences.
Books About Cities: Where to Go From Here
- The Quarantine Atlas: Mapping Global Life Under COVID-19 by Laura Bliss
Bliss’ collection of homemade maps and essays offer insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our cities and lives, and provide valuable perspectives for future city planning and development.
As we celebrate World Cities Day, we must remember that cities are about the people who inhabit them as much as the structures that house them. These books showcase the diverse stories and experiences that contribute to the rich tapestry of urban life. By working together, we can ensure our cities continue to thrive and evolve sustainably for generations to come.
1. What is the book The Nameless City about?
The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks, with colors by Jordie Bellaire, illustrates the growth and evolution of a city over generations through the eyes of young Kaidu and Rat.
2. What is the book The Lies of the Ajungo about?
The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi portrays a city whose cultural identity and history have been rewritten by its enemies, and yet, the people remain resilient in the face of oppression.
3. What is the book The City We Became about?
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin explores the concept that cities have a soul, and five protector souls representing the boroughs of New York City must unite against a growing darkness that threatens their culture and community.
4. What does After Dark by Haruki Murakami explore?
Through the character of Mari, Murakami’s novel After Dark highlights the duality of cities, showing us the often-overlooked side of urban life.
5. What is the book The Quarantine Atlas: Mapping Global Life Under COVID-19 about?
The Quarantine Atlas: Mapping Global Life Under COVID-19 by Laura Bliss is a collection of homemade maps and essays that offer insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our cities and lives, and provide valuable perspectives for future city planning and development.
