Best Books Set in Boston

Although Boston is now famous for its top universities - Harvard, MIT to name two, it’s a city with a deep history. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and if you’re a history buff, this might be just the right place for your next trip. From the site of the United States’ first public park (Boston Common, 1634) to the first public school (Boston Latin School, 1635) to the first subway system (Tremont Street Subway, 1897). The city’s skyline is a mashup of historic brick buildings right next to all-glass sky scrapers.

Top picks for books set in Boston

As a Cambridge-native, Jhumpa Lahiri’s writing strikes a chord with my memories of the city now that I’ve moved away. Interpreter of Maladies weaves several short stories of Indian immigrants in the Boston-area. Their experiences tell a beautiful tale of daily life not only as an immigrant, but as a resident of this beautiful city. Make way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is a classic I grew up with. No list would be complete without this beautiful tale that takes us through the Boston Garden. If you’re traveling with children (or are a child at heart) there are bronze statues of the ducks in the Boston Garden.

Interpreter of Maladies.png — Interpreter of Maladies

By Jhumpa Lahiri

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Make way for ducklings.png — Make way for ducklings

By Robert McCloskey

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Community picks for books set in Boston

In addition to hearing from you all about books you thought were great, we reached out to independent bookshops and public library branches in the Boston-area to get their top picks.