Although there are other titles on potluck dinners, backyard barbecues, and similar themes, Allen's clever book is likely to strike a chord with many readers seeking "connection" in these often anxious times. She does include the block parties and poker nights of the title, but she goes beyond such occasions, starting with a section on "Breaking the Ice," which includes suggestions on how to welcome a new neighbor or how to meet the neighbors if you're new (or not so new), and finishing with "Good Times and Bad," which includes ideas and comfort food for "the tough times," ways to resolve a conflict with a neighbor or deal with other such crises, and more. The recipes are fairly standard-there are many old favorites here-but they are