A review of a chap about the old Central Square, Cambridge.

Central Square. ( Vol. 1. Karen Davis karendavis.mediaone.net Cambridge, Ma.) $5.

While browsing at the Out of the Blue Gallery in Cambridge, Ma. I came across an interesting booklet of poetry, photos and prose by Cambridge artist, photographer and poet Karen Davis. For those of you with short memories or are not from the area, Central Square, Cambridge has been transformed by the dreaded gentrification process. This has been the swan song for many of the old shops, haunts and characters who resided in the Square. So before the images evaporate with the mist of your Starbuck's coffee, perhaps you should pick up this book. Davis a resident of the Square since 1973, writes about such quirky places as Paul's Shoe Service ,or her favorite greasy spoon equipped with formica counters, vinyl stools, and spicey barbs from the help. Dispensed through the collection are photos of Lucy Parson's Books, the narrow crevice that was Paul's Shoe Service, a lone diner staring out on a Central Square night, etc... There is also a poem that deals with the Square's most stubborn denizens, namely the pigeons. Davis has a nice take on what they add and "drop" on the community. A nice read for those who were there back in the "day."

* This review has appeared in the Cambridge Chronicle.Doug Holder/ Ibbetson Update/ Somerville, Ma./ Dec. 2002