Author Eric Smith Maintains Close Connection to Philadelphia Through His Books

Eric Smith grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey; lived in Richmond, Virginia and Ann Arbor, Michigan; and moved from Philadelphia in 2016.

While each city holds a special place in his heart, he admits there is something about Philadelphia that calls him back, Smith writes for Billy Penn at WHYY.

A published author of 10 young adult books, Smith has set each of them to take place in Philadelphia.

For him, Philadelphia represents why he loves writing and reading young adult books.

“It’s a city that’s constantly changing … a town that says ‘no one likes us, we don’t care’ … it’s a city of firsts that also says it’s okay if you don’t quite have it figured all out just yet,” said Smith.

Smith’s latest book is titled, “With or Without You,” and it’s about two teenagers working in rival South Philadelphia cheesesteak trucks who try to hide their feelings for one another in the midst of their feuding families.

The book includes a number of Philly references, including The Singing Fountain in East Passyunk; H&H Books in Fishtown; Dickinson Square Park; Reading Terminal Market; and ReAnimator Coffee. 

Read more about Eric Smith and how his books give a nod to the “City of Brotherly Love” in Billy Penn at WHYY.

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