"Like the remarkable city to which they pay tribute, the pieces assembled in this book are diverse, engrossing, illuminating, emotional, funny ? and glorious. Anyone who loves or has ever loved Boston will want a copy." ? Claire Messud, author of The Emperor's Children and The Woman Upstairs

Put together in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing, an anthology of both original and beloved essays from Boston area writers past and present, celebrating the city they love.

What defines Boston? Its history? Its landmarks? Its sports teams and shrines? Perhaps the question should be: Who defines Boston? From Henry David Thoreau to Dennis Lehane, Boston has been beloved by many of America's greatest writers, and there is no better group of people to capture the heart and soul of the Hub. In Our Boston, editor Andrew Blauner has collected both original and reprinted essays from Boston area writers past and present, all celebrating the city so close to their hearts. Boston is more than a geographic location; it is a state of mind. Whether you're getting cannoli in the North End, watching a game at Fenway Park, or journeying across the Charles River to one of the many thriving metro-area cities and towns, there is a connection between people, a sense of "Boston-ness."

From Mike Barnicle to Pico Iyer, Susan Orlean to George Plimpton, Leigh Montville to Lesley Visser, Pagan Kennedy to James Atlas, here is a collection of the best essays by our best writers on one of America's greatest cities.