The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most

I just finished reading Michael Chabon's The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, which takes place in the titular city. For those who are unfamiliar with Chabon's work, the man is all kinds of talented, so what are you waiting for?

Unlike the settings of some novels, which are there just to provide a generic place for the story to occur, Pittsburgh is an active part of the character's surroundings. Over the course of the novel, Chabon mentions several specific locations, including Carnegie Mellon University, the Monongahela River, and Lake Erie, and speaks of numerous Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Chabon does more than just name-drop these locations, however; the characters frequent these places and engage with them, to the point where you really get a sense of Pittsburgh as these characters' hometown.

Chabon grew up in the city and attended the University of Pittsburgh, which is where he began writing this book; it explains his intimate knowledge of the city. And as I've mentioned before, I wouldn't be opposed to exploring the city now that I've seen it through his eyes.

In the interest of full disclosure, though, I think I should mention that I have a completely irrational dislike of Pittsburgh. Perhaps it's because the city's residents say things like "yinz" (is that shallow?), or perhaps it's because Pittsburgh is home to the Steelers and some really nauseating fans. This actually happened.

But I like Michael Chabon, and I like traveling, so I figured that in the interest of being nice, and fair, and all that jazz, I should list some of what I deem to be Pittsburgh's redeeming qualities. It's a brief list, but then...it's Pittsburgh, is it not?

1. My aunt and uncle got married there.

2. It's apparently embracing the trend of consuming foods that are local and fresh.

3. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Those "beautiful day[s]" take place in the Burgh.

4. It was home to both the first baseball stadium ever (it's now closed) as well as to the first World Series. The Pirates lost. Some things never change.

5. I have some very lovely friends who live there.

6. One word: KETCHUP. Heinz, to be specific. Where would I be without it?

Although some of this entry indicates otherwise, I don't think Pittsburgh is some dive. I just don't think it's amazing, either. But it's been years since I was last there, so perhaps all I need is another visit to change my mind. That and the elimination of the Steelers (and the Cowboys, while we're at it) from the NFL.