Rob Walker is a wonderful writer with a gentle yet comprehensive inquisitiveness, the rigorous, observant eye of a journalist, and the light, poetic touch of an artist. He has managed to make New Orleans-a city that has been documented and written about for centuries-seem completely fresh and unfamilar and wholly compelling. Letters from New Orleans is a lovely book, and so much more.

– David Rakoff, author of Fraud, Author of Fraud

This three-year meditation on life — and death — in New Orleans is as wistful as absinthe, as funky as a muffuletta at a joint off Tchoupitoulas.

– Jed Horne, author of Desire Street: A True Story of Death and Deliverance in New Orleans

This book is far more than a poetic testament to a strange and wonderful town. It's a story about a city boy who recognizes the need to slow down and observe carefully - a story of a couple who learns to let our world's odd richness really sink in. I recommend it to anyone who feels life is going by too fast.

– Po Bronson, author of What Should I Do With My Life?

...[T]he quality that makes Walker's 'modest series of stories about a place that means a lot to [him]' rewarding reading is his immersion in the local. Neighborhood bars, regional history, hometown notables and a dash of mayoral politics reign in the recurring presence of New Orleans' dominating event, Mardi Gras. Walker's book, 'not a memoir, a history, or an exposé,' won't help a tourist get around in New Orleans, but it will help him or her see beyond the tour guide's pointed finger.

– Publishers Weekly

...a captivating tale.

– June Sawyers, The Chicago Tribune

Fresh and poignant

– Forbes

It recalls writers such as V.S. Naipaul, who approach cities and countries with a hungry interest in demolishing false expectations...

– Flak Magazine

...Pointed, witty insights....

– The Times-Picayune

[When Walker] delves into New Orleans' culture and character, you're reminded why the city is such a treasure.

– Msnbc

Its insider-outsider perspective and street-level historical explorations make it essential for anyone interested in New Orleans.

– Maximum Rock'n'Roll

We strongly recommend this enlightening, eccentric, and most importantly highly entertaining book.

– FreeWilliamsburg.com

...Streetwise, conversational in tone, unimpressed by cant, and willing to grapple with the city's weird, compelling racial heritage.

– Quiet Bubble

I've read very few essays, articles, books...that really captures a city, a town, or a "place" so vividly...

– Time Enough at Last

A series of e-mails that turned into a book with soul.

– AnimaMundi

Walker's musings reveal him to be an astute observer of human nature...

– Booklist

[Walker] has provided an informal, entertaining, and insightful guide to New Orleans...

– Library Journal