Lary Bloom is Connecticut''s consummate storyteller. One of the hallmarks of fine reporting is its emotional resonance -- the ability of the prose to make the reader care. This terrific compilation of Bloom''s best stories does just that, bringing to life Connecticut traditions and lore, politics, big (and small) business, criminal justice, sports, the changing physical landscape, health, the arts, the contemporary impact of historic places among them 6 collectively, they present a very strong sense of place, with an edge. Through it all, there are two common characteristics. The first is narrative. The second, a sensitive expression of the stake ordinary people have in extraordinary events. In addition, Bloom''s reflections on the backstory of each article provide insight into this fine journalist''s mind. "Lary Bloom''s Notebook" has been a regular, and enormously popular, feature in "Connecticut "Magazine. Previously, Bloom''s weekly column ran in the "Hartford Courant''s "Northeast Magazine for 20 years, where it was the highest rated column in terms of readership. The best from both these venues is gathered in this