In the realm of literature, readers often find themselves lost in two types of books: immersive novels that whisk them away to fantastical worlds or nonfiction that reshapes their understanding of reality.
For many, the latter category can particularly resonate, becoming topics of conversation that linger for months, as shared insights reshape perspectives within personal relationships.
One such book that has captured the attention of readers is “Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World” by Henry Grabar. This book dives deep into the often-overlooked implications of parking policy, asserting that understanding parking can unlock new perspectives on urban planning and transportation.
In an exclusive interview, Grabar shares his insights into how parking shapes our cities and discusses broader themes within urban policy. His fascination with parking policy began early, influenced by iconic urban planning works such as Jane Jacobs’ influential text, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities.” Grabar reflects, “I read that when I was probably 17″—a moment that sparked his lifelong curiosity in city planning.
His journey to writing “Paved Paradise” stemmed from his work at Slate, where he discovered an intricate web of stories connected to parking. He realized that for every urban subject he investigated, an underlying narrative about parking emerged, highlighting a significant gap between the professional understanding of its importance and public perception.
As Grabar continues to explore the realm of parking, the conversation turns to current events, particularly the ambitions of Los Angeles as it prepares for a car-free Summer Olympics in 2028. He expresses optimism but acknowledges the unique challenges posed by a sprawling city like Los Angeles.
Grabar recalls his experience attending the Paris Olympics, where he witnessed how a public-focused approach can enhance the fan experience. He remarks, “It’s going to be challenging, of course, but at the same time, if there’s one thing we know about mega-events, it’s just very, very difficult on a spatial level to get everybody where they’re going if everyone arrives in a single-family vehicle.”
The discussion then shifts to the political landscape and the role of the federal government in influencing city infrastructure. Grabar emphasizes that the federal government is a major player in shaping urban environments, particularly in transportation funding. He points out that many local transportation initiatives depend heavily on federal allocations, making the influence of Washington critical.
As urban planners grapple with changing regulations and funding uncertainties, Grabar believes that cities will be compelled to rethink their transportation frameworks, pushing them to innovate in how they govern parking and other policies.
Looking ahead, Grabar shares his aspirations for future writings, hinting at a new project focusing on multifamily housing construction. This endeavor aims to unravel the complexities of housing development beyond mere zoning issues, identifying barriers and unique challenges faced by diverse regions across the United States.
Grabar’s literary journey doesn’t stop with his own work. He shares his admiration for other influential texts that explore urban planning and transportation, recommending titles that delve into the intertwined topics of race, housing, and gentrification.
Among his favorites is “Family Properties” by Beryl Satter, which explores the intersection of race and housing in Chicago. He also highlights “Saving America’s Cities” by Lizabeth Cullen, which contextualizes the struggles of urban renewal during the suburban age, providing a nuanced understanding of historical perspectives.
Another recommendation is “The Invention of Brownstone Brooklyn” by Suleiman Osman, offering valuable lessons regarding gentrification and authenticity in postwar New York. Each of these works echoes Grabar’s fundamental belief in the importance of understanding urban spaces critically.
In addition to urban planning literature, Grabar discusses books that have profoundly impacted his worldview, such as “Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet” by Ben Goldfarb. This book elucidates the effects of roadways on wildlife, from roadkill to the more subtle pressures of traffic noise, and champions innovative solutions for a more ecologically aware infrastructure.
Deirdre Mask’s “The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power” serves as another eye-opening read for those who take addresses for granted. Mask delves into the sociopolitical ramifications of having—or lacking—an address, illuminating a topic often overlooked in broader discussions of urban life.
Lastly, Paris Marx’s “Road to Nowhere: What Silicon Valley Gets Wrong About the Future of Transportation” critiques the industry’s utopian solutions for urban mobility, arguing for a more inclusive approach that considers vulnerable populations and avoids compounding existing problems.
As the conversation wraps, Grabar reiterates the significance of parking and urban planning in shaping our lives and the environments we inhabit. He invites readers to engage critically with these topics, urging them to see the world differently through the lens of urban policy—not only as residents but as active participants in the ongoing discourse of city living.
In addition to Grabar’s contributions, the literary world continues to thrive. Recent highlights include Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s revealing book on Joe Biden, “Original Sin,” which offers a poignant critique of his presidency and decisions, effectively blending political narrative and personal introspection.
Moreover, Barry Diller’s memoir, “Who Knew,” alongside Robert Macfarlane’s exploration of nature, “Is a River Alive?,” showcases a range of perspectives shaping contemporary literature.
As readers delve into these multifaceted narratives, they are encouraged to reflect on how the complexities of urban policy and the broader societal implications of infrastructure can influence daily life.
Whether it’s the intricate world of parking policy or the immersive storytelling of urban narratives, the dialogues surrounding these topics contribute significantly to our understanding of the cities we navigate. As Grabar’s work highlights, every infrastructural choice, no matter how small, has a ripple effect that impacts communities, environments, and ultimately, the way we choose to live together.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/newsletter/2025-05-24/book-club-henry-grabar-paved-paradise
