Anyone who has read my books knows that Boston is my
hometown and the setting for my Fina Ludlow series. That’s why some readers are surprised to
learn that for the past nine years, my husband and I have lived in Seattle. In some ways, Seattle and Boston are alike:
the ocean, great food, progressive politics, and thriving tech businesses. But they are different in other important
ways: Boston is a city steeped in
history (literally) while Seattle feels like a newer city with an influx of
transplants.
I love both places, but I’m especially enamored with
my neighborhood in Seattle, the downtown core, literally a stone’s throw from
Pike Place Market. Living in an urban
center—even a modest one by many standards—certainly poses challenges and
exposes residents to the full range of human experience. Poverty, homelessness, and drug addiction are
on full display when I walk out my door, but I also see people from all walks
of life, of all colors and creeds. The
diversity and the hum of downtown are a welcome respite from the solitary work
of writing.
What are some of my favorite places in my
neighborhood?
I grew up in a town by the sea just north of Boston,
and I can’t be far from water. I can see
Puget Sound from my home, and the Washington State ferry dock is just a short
walk away. I love being out on the
water, and the ferry takes me to one of my favorite bookstores, Liberty Bay
Books in Poulsbo, WA. The return trip to
the city is equally spectacular, offering a completely different perspective on
the same set of buildings. The water and
the weather systems that form over it are constantly changing and endlessly
captivating. How could you ever be bored
with an ocean in your sight line?
Another favorite spot in my neighborhood? The Seattle Public Library. The unique central branch designed by Rem
Koolhaas opened in 2004. The
building, with its glass exoskeleton and soaring ceilings, is a must-see for
architect buffs and book lovers alike. I’m
a big believer in the value of public libraries, and the SPL doesn’t
disappoint. Need help with your
homework? Want to practice a second
language? Learn how to write a mystery? The library can help you, for free, no less!
No discussion of my neighborhood would be complete
without a mention of Seattle’s most popular destination, Pike Place
Market. To most people, the market is a tourist
stop, but it’s my actual market. I get
my produce from Sosio’s (shown in the picture,) and when I ask them what’s
good, I know I’ll get spot-on recommendations.
The Hmong flower sellers grow many of their blossoms just north of the
city, and my butchers have been in business for generations.
But it’s more than just the fresh food and gorgeous
tableau that make the market feel like home.
When my husband and I were visiting the city, contemplating making the
move, we noticed a quote nestled into the pavement at the edge of the
market. It is a favorite quote of ours,
one we had featured on our wedding program.
Stumbling upon it that day seemed a clear sign that the road to Seattle
was the right one to take.
Reds and readers, tell me about your neighborhood. What do you love about it? Any frequent haunts? Or maybe you’d like to live in a completely different place?
