These themes are explored in his book through the eyes of its main character Julius—who stumbles around Manhattan to eventually wind up at Ground Zero. During the talk, Cole read passages of his book to the audience to illustrate the impact that city life has on its inhabitants, and how cities have developed into what they are today. As he explains, he sees cities as the “greatest technologies of humanity” as well as being “the incubator of tolerance.” And while most cities tend to develop in grid-formations, he also notes that there can be many variations.
An excellent story teller both in print and in person, Cole delves into the way we live and how the infrastructure around us impacts us as people. Named as one of Flavorwire's 100 Most Important Living Writers residing in New York, and earning a place on many prestigious best-of lists for Open City, Cole's work is accessible to many diverse audiences. Whether in his books or on stage, Cole presents moving insights into the way we live and how we all connect with the spaces around us.