The World in One Square Mile

After thirty years of living in the one square mile of Jewett City, a pastor/journalist decided to fight negative perceptions of his hometown by spending a year interviewing 120 neighbors and visitors whose lives intersect his own. In the process, Adam Bowles discovered a beautiful diversity and the untold stories of faith, family and friendship that makes this New England town shine.

Now, in what is part memoir, part call-to-action, Adam shares ten community-building lessons he uncovered as he ventured out his front door to do something radical — take an interest in others. In turn, the project drew national interest and became the subject of an equity and social justice initiative.

The spontaneous, on-the-street interviews capture dreams that transcend the borough’s boundaries and its nearly 3,500 residents, showing just how much God is at work in the lives of ordinary people. They tell a greater story about the world we live in and the need to break down walls among our neighbors through vulnerable, courageous conversations. As division grows across the nation, it’s time we listen again to the stories of our neighbors, and celebrate the threads of life that unite us all.