Book Log 2011 #8: A City So Grand by Stephen Puelo

Taking a wider look at Boston than Puelo's very entertaining Great Molasses Flood history Dark Tide, this book chronicles how Boston grew into national prominence over the latter half of the 19th century. From abolitionism to filling in Back Bay to creating the first subway in America, Puelo chronicles this fertile period in Boston history using both broad strokes and intriguing details that help develop those broad strokes (such as the story of Barney McGinniskin, Boston's first Irish cop).

If you're interested in the time period or the history of Boston, this should get on your list to read.