#2: Brooklyn was Mine: Essays edited by Chris Knutsen & Valerie Steiker

When I started this review, my ode to Brooklyn came pouring out. Books filled with nostalgia often have that effect on readers, but I guarantee not many cities can do it like this one. Brooklyn was Mine is a collection of literary essays by writers who have at some point, owned Brooklyn. Or better yet: It owned them. Their stories are moving in a way that only one who has been changed here can understand. Each writer takes a turn to explain their connection to the borough and in the end, it explains why people feel the need to tell the story of their home. It may only be book #2, but something will have to prove earth shatteringly good to knock Brooklyn was Mine out of top five for 2009. You can hold me to it. 

Below is what originally came out as I started writing the review for this book.  And in a rare act of disclosure, I offer it to you.