I enjoyed this book but just wish the galley had been formatted a bit better as the pictures and captions were kind of just thrown in the midst of text which I am sure is not the case in the finished copy

Interesting history of the mall and liked to see how things have changed over time

Lange's work looks at the transformations that occur in the American shopping malls, from their first creation to their demise in the 21st century. She does a great job examining the role that these physical places have, however, I feel there may be a little too much emphasis on the architectural component. She manages to scatter some stories of shoppers and tenants inside the pages but I was definitely wanting more.

Each chapter is framed by a particular shopping arena; it was a uniquely crafty way to do some social history. If someone is looking for history about design and how its influenced by the times, this is a great book to start with.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

I had been hoping this book would be a nostalgic love letter to my 80s and 90s childhood, but it’s a legitimate sociological history. It’s interesting, but be prepared for a big facts and few pictures.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Netgalley & Bloomsbury USA!

Meet Me by the Fountain is a nostalgic look back at shopping malls of yesteryear. This book is packed with historical information pertaining to the birth of the mall concept. It also looks to the future of malls post pandemic times.

Meet Me by the Fountain is less of a coffee table book and more of a special interest reference. While it contains pertinent information, the chapters are lengthy. I do wish that the author would have included more pictures.

This book has a niche topic but those who spent their youth growing up around malls will find it interesting.

While this is truly an informative book at it's heart, the nostalgia is what drew me in.

As an 80s baby I spent a lot of my tween/teen years getting my first taste of independence at the mall.

This book shares how malls got started, unique architecture styles, how malls and race/cultures mixed (or didn't), the importance of them in the lives of youths, the impact of quarantines and online shopping, and even how they exist overseas.

This is a fun read for anyone who has a bit of an emotional attachment to the mall life.

I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I for one have had a love affair with the mall since I was a little girl. I loved strolling up and down the hallways, going in and out of stores, people watching and snacking I. The food court. During high school in the mid 90s it was the place to be, hanging out in the arcade and the food court sitting or catching a movie. It also represented books to me, taking my allowance and later pay check to the book store perusing the shelves for the latest SVH, Christopher Pike or Fear Street, and don’t forget the magazines, YM, Seventeen, and so many more… with that being said, this was an interesting read about the history of the mall and the future of it as well.