Better Together: Restoring the American Community, Robert D. Putnam, Lewis Feldstein, and Donald J. Cohen, 2004. This book examines the hopeful signs of reconnection in a variety of organizations, activities, and places demonstrating concerted efforts at reawakening ties between communities and individuals. The authors highlight case studies of building and applying social capital, defined as social networks and mutual assistance. The case studies, based on strong success, longevity, impact, scope, and established reputation, include the rejuvenation of branch libraries in Chicago; an interfaith effort to improve schools in a small Texas town; an arts project recalling the history of a New Hampshire shipyard; and an economic development project in Tupelo, Mississippi. These are not all feel-good stories--some highlight conflict and controversy--but each offers a compelling story of individuals and communities establishing bonds of trust.

Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, Robert D. Putnam, 2001. This book charts the grievous deterioration over the past two generations of the organized ways in which people relate to one another and partake in civil life in the U.S., such as lower voter participation, lower church attendance, lower attendance at public meetings of any kind, and an increasingly mobile society. The author claims that this has created a U.S. population that is increasingly isolated and less empathetic toward its fellow citizens, that is often angrier and less willing to unite in communities or as a nation. He concludes his analysis with a concise set of potential solutions, such as educational programs, work-based initiatives and funded community-service programs.

Community: The Structure of Belonging, Peter Block, 2008. Modern society is plagued by fragmentation. The various sectors of our communities – businesses, schools, social service organizations, churches, government – do not work together. They exist in their own worlds. As do so many individual citizens, who long for connection but end up marginalized, their gifts overlooked, their potential contributions lost. This disconnection and detachment makes it hard if not impossible to envision a common future and work towards it together. We know what healthy communities look like – there are many success stories out there, and they've been described in detail. What Block provides in this inspiring book is an exploration of the exact way community can emerge from fragmentation: How is community built? How does the transformation occur? What fundamental shifts are involved? He explores a way of thinking about our places that creates an opening for authentic communities to exist and details what each of us can do to make that happen.