If you’re drawn to stories that celebrate local history, community life, neighbors, and the rhythms of small-town America, then the work of David L. Burton might be just the journey you’re looking for. An author rooted deeply in the Ozarks region, Burton has spent decades documenting the people, schools, and everyday rhythms of Missouri life — blending historical research with personal insight and community passion. From Ash Grove to the Ozarks Literary Landscape David L. Burton was born and raised in Ash Grove, Missouri , and he proudly calls the Ozarks his home. That sense of place isn’t just biographical detail — it’s the foundation of his voice as a writer. He holds a master’s degree in communication from Drury University , giving him both the academic grounding and practical insight to explore stories with clarity, warmth, and purpose. A Prolific and Versatile Author Burton’s authorship spans multiple genres and formats. According to book listings and bibliographic sources ...

From Author David Burton: I often get asked about my favorite books or articles on neighboring. The first book I read on this subject (in 2019) was "The Art of Neighboring" by Dave Runyon and Jay Pathak.  I have marked my favorites in bold.  I have also written reviews on many of these books and have linked the title to those reviews when available.  You will also find some fictional listings (marked) that teach good lessons about neighbors . If you want to know what else I am reading, my profile can be found on Good Reads  along with my extensive reading list. In 2025, I was among rated among the Top 5% on Good Reads for book reviews. LITERATURE REVIEW AND NEIGHBORING RESOURCES Aaron Smith, “Neighbors Online,” Pew Research Center, June 9, 2010. Abide Ohama. Neighbor Improvement effort in Ohama, Nebraska. https://www.abideomaha.org/programs Alexander, M. “The new Jim Crow.” The New Press. 2010.   Allen, Jennie. Find Your People: Building Deep Community in ...