Round the Block by John Bell Bouton is a heartwarming and insightful novel that delves into the lives of a diverse group of characters living in a bustling city neighborhood. The story is told through the eyes of a young boy named Ned, who takes readers on a journey through the ups and downs of daily life on his block.

Bouton's writing is engaging and descriptive, bringing the neighborhood and its inhabitants to vivid life on the page. Each chapter focuses on a different resident or event, providing a well-rounded and intimate portrait of the community. From the nosy Mrs. Grumbles to the kind-hearted Mr. Pennyworth, each character is fleshed out with their own quirks and struggles, making them easy to empathize with and root for.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the sense of community that permeates every page. Despite their differences, the residents of the block come together in times of need and celebration, showcasing the power of friendship and support. Through Ned's eyes, readers also gain valuable insights into important themes such as empathy, resilience, and the importance of connection.

Overall, Round the Block is a charming and poignant read that will appeal to readers of all ages. Bouton's storytelling is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact that lingers even after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartwarming tale that will warm their hearts and inspire their spirits.

Book Description:
In Round the Block (1864), John Bell Bouton, a newspaper editor who later became a travel writer, stirs together comedy and pathos to explore the schemes and dreams of the average and extraordinary people inhabiting and intermingling on a single New York City block. In the path of the novel's circumambulation lie mystery, romance, and a murder trial, as love-matches and fortunes are made and lost through invention, speculation, and flimflam - plenty of flimflam. This richly-charactered novel, told with Dickensian brio, offers a fascinating slice of life, vivid in detail, of the bustling big-city habits and mores of America shortly before the Civil War. (Introduction by Grant Hurlock)