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Oates’ leads readers through six good places with the intention of showing that urban environments, correctly scaled and possessing a view, a resting place, water, and a place to gather can provide for both the public and private needs that all people have.
When I decided to stay in Portland after trying on rental housing for a year, I looked for a dwelling on a hillside with a view of water. When you live and work from home, that environment has to encompass most of what you need. The one aspect that the home I chose did not have was a public space: that is, a space in which neighbors could gather.

Naively, I asked my realtor to make an offer that reflected the current market value on the vacant lot next door. The lot was not listed for sale, but I sent her with the message that I wanted to create a neighborhood public space there, plant the lot with native trees and shrubs to handle runoff from the street above, and create environment for urban wildlife. Neighbors would be invited to gather there if they wished. I envisioned a few places to sit in sun, a few in the shade, a small table for a picnic lunch or afternoon glass of wine. The landowner thought I was crazy. Reading Oates’ essay, I now understand why I was so disappointed when her reply was that at double the offer, she wasn’t sure she’d be interested.
(Response to David Oates’ Essays in What We Love Will Save Us)

Forgiving the Present (in Three Tries)
Poetry on the Elliptical
Empty Pods and Pleasant Graveyards
Six Good Places
On Pleasure
What We Love
Essays in Response to a Friend’s Writing

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