Book Review: Pugetopolis

Knute Berger, Seattle’s most famous “mossback,” tackles local people, places and politics in his first essay collection

 Born and raised in the Seattle area, Knute “Skip” Berger remembers when Smith Tower was the tallest thing in town, and locals somehow managed without Wi-Fi or Starbucks. The man who has made his name as Mossback has been writing about the Emerald City for years—both its flaws (mediocre mayors) and its genius (the Olympic Sculpture Park). Our very own editor-at-large was also editor-in-chief of Seattle Weekly for three stints, most recently from 2002 to 2006, and lead editor at various other local publications. His commentary now appears in the Mossback column of Crosscut (crosscut.com), and audibly, during his regular guest appearances on KUOW’s Weekday. His inaugural book, Pugetopolis: A Mossback Takes on Growth Addicts, Weather Wimps, and the Myth of Seattle Nice (Sasquatch, January 2009, $18.95), features more than 60 of Berger’s best columns (some with 2008 updates), on topics ranging from latte taxes to why (he says) Seattle is schizophrenic. Here, the ultimate mossback explains how Seattle is still growing on him after all these years.

S.M. What was the inspiration for Pugetopolis?

K.B. Seattle still needs explaining, its myths exposed and updated. I see Pugetopolis as my attempt to get at the idiosyncratic heart of the place where I was born and raised.

S.M. What are three qualities of an authentic Seattle mossback?

K.B. First, a willingness to let the place shape you. Two, love of green, gray, rain and mountains. Third, in your gut, you know we should have saved the Ballard Denny’s—Sunset Bowl, too.

S.M. Since we’re celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday this month, what do you think he would say about our city if he could see it today?

K.B. He’d see that Seattle is more diverse and less segregated than in the ’60s, but I imagine he’d be angered to see so many Microsoft millionaires and too many Nickelsvilles.

S.M. What is one thing in the Seattle area that has remained the same since you’ve lived here?

K.B. Despite our world-class pretensions, Seattle is still dominated by mediocrity: The Europeans make better jets and coffee, Apple makes better software, Washington Mutual collapsed from overreach, and our sports franchises are mired in misery. We have better things to do than achieve excellence.

S.M. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

K.B. Start serious work on the next book.

S.M. What is one thing even your most loyal readers would be surprised to know about you?

K.B. I drink Evian, not Northwest tap water. I buy it in plastic bottles. That’s practically a capital offense now.

S.M. Any advice for budding mossbacks?

K.B. Let Seattle grow on you. Literally.


Knute Berger is editor-at-large for Seattle magazine where he writes his Grey Matters column. Visit his Pugetopolis book blog for the latest on his latest work. Or see the author for yourself at one of the following promotional events:

Sunday, Jan. 11
Eagle Harbor Book Co. 
157 Winslow Way East
Bainbridge Island
3pm 
 
Thursday, January 15th
Elliott Bay Books
101 South Main Street
Seattle
7:30 p.m.
 
Wednesday, Jan. 21
University Book Store
4326 University Way N.E. 
Seattle
7 p.m.
 
Tuesday,  Jan. 27
Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park
7 p.m.
 
Tuesday, Feb. 12
Barnes & Noble
University Village
Seattle, WA
7 p.m.
 
Friday, Feb. 13
Village Books
Bellingham, WA
7 p.m.