Book Review: The National Mall No Ordinary Place

Title: The National Mall No Ordinary Place

Author: Lisa Benton-Short

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review:
Having been to the National Mall once as a kid and once again as an adult. I have always understood what this area represents to our nation but I had no idea the great planning that went into  during the birth of a national as well as what it takes to keep up now.
I can't imagine the endless research Lisa Benton-Short did to be able to put together an amazing book of history, the sadness of a national as we neglected the once place that repents all that we are as American's.
D.C. used the mall as a place to auction off slaves, protest for a better life and the traditional political show.
Lisa Benton-Short brings to light the things that will destroy the mall and all it represents to the people of the world as well as America. Her book is not only a beautiful history of what the mall is suppose to be but also what it could be. 
I found this book not only to be a beautiful history of the mall but also a discussion on what will happen if we do not nothing to protect our history.
This book is worth a place on any history buts shelf.  I plan to share this book with my kids as often as I can as well as with their history teachers.

"Who's Mall is it? The Mall has the potential to be a very inclusive, representative public realm and public space but its stewards have failed to value public participation and the public voice. The vitality of this space should be joint venture between public stewards and the American Public. To date this has not been a genuine partnership..... If the federal agencies don't transform their processes, it may be up to the American people to take back the mall."
 Received this Copy for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Synopsis: 
The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is one of the most important and highly visible urban public spaces in the U.S. It is considered by many Americans to be the nation s front yard. Yet few have written about the role of this public space in the twenty-first century.

In "The National Mall," Lisa Benton-Short explores the critical issues that are redefining and reshaping this extraordinary public space. Her work focuses on three contemporary and interrelated debates about public space: the management challenges faced by federal authorities, increased demands for access and security post 9/11, and the role of the public in the Mall s long-term planning and development plans. By taking a holistic view of the National Mall and analyzing the unique twenty-first century challenges it faces, Lisa Benton-Short provides a fluid, cohesive, and timely narrative that is as extraordinary as the Mall itself."

About The Author: