Books matching: 1970s new york city
35 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:An ambitious, atmospheric love letter to gritty 1970s New York that dazzles with scope but can drown in its own excess; worth a try if you embrace epic, slow-burning reads - skip it if you like your storytelling concise and your doorstops lighter.
City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg is a massive novel set in New York City during the 1970s. The book revolves around a multitude of characters from different backgrounds and walks of life, whose stories intertwine around a shooting incident in Central Park. The plot encompasses themes such as civic discontent, financial misdeeds, punk music, art, and anarchy, capturing the essence of the city during that era. Despite the detailed character development and intricate storytelling, some readers found the plot to be convoluted and the conclusion to be disappointing, lacking the cathartic or profound impact they were expecting.
A CHRISTMAS TREE was coming up Eleventh Avenue. Or rather, was trying to come; having tangled itself in a shopping cart someone had abandoned in the crosswalk, it shuddered and bristled and heaved, on...October 2015 - #2
Save:Ambitious, atmospheric, and gorgeously written, The Flamethrowers is a daring literary ride - sometimes dazzling, sometimes meandering. Best for readers who love style, substance, and don’t mind a few loose ends.
The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner follows the journey of Reno, a young woman from Nevada who moves to New York City in the 1970s to pursue her passion for art and motorcycles. She becomes entangled in the bohemian art scene, meets Sandro, an artist with a complicated family background, and eventually gets involved in the radical movements of Italy. The story weaves together elements of the New York art world, land speed records, political unrest in 70s Italy, and the personal growth of Reno as she navigates through different relationships and experiences. The narrative style is described as poetic, with vivid set pieces and intricate character development that keep readers engaged throughout the book.
Valera had fallen back from his squadron and was cutting the wires of another rider’s lamp. The rider, Copertini, was dead. Valera felt no sadness, strangely, even though Copertini had been a comrade...April 2013•433 pages - #3
Save:A gloriously dark, whip-smart take on vampire horror - unpredictable, atmospheric, and unforgettable. Highly recommended for those seeking a blood-chilling twist on the classic vampire story.
'The Lesser Dead' by Christopher Buehlman is a vampire tale set in 1978 New York City, following the story of Joey Peacock, who appears as a teenager but is actually in his 50s. Joey and his vampire pack live in the tunnels under the city, surviving by feeding on victims and using their ability to glamour. The arrival of young children vampires disrupts their harmony, leading to a battle for dominance. is praised for its period portrayal, including 1970s culture, and the compelling backstories of the vampire characters.
I’m going to take you someplace dark and damp where good people don’t go. I’m going to introduce you to monsters. Real ones. I’m going to tell you stories about hurting people, and if you like those s...October 2014•369 pages - #4
Save:'Walking the Perfect Square' in the 'Moe Prager' series by Reed Farrel Coleman follows the journey of Moe Prager, a former NYPD cop turned detective, as he navigates a missing person case involving a college student who vanishes at a party. Set against the backdrop of 1970's New York City, the story alternates between 1977 and 1998, offering a glimpse into Prager's past as a police officer and his present investigation. The narrative style captures the essence of the era, blending dark themes with Prager's witty and sardonic humor, creating an intriguing and masterfully told mystery.
agreed to his terms. If I didn't want to get shut out of the process, what choice did I have? I took down the address and directions, checked my watch and told him to give me forty minutes. He said I...2001•290 pages - #5
Save:'City of the Dead' by Herbert Lieberman follows the character Konig, a medical examiner, as he navigates through emotional instability, professional pressure, and personal loss. The plot is described as a gripping thriller set in the violent and frightening 70s New York City, with detailed and graphic forensic descriptions. The writing style is praised for its realistic portrayal of the daily life of a medical examiner, with a focus on the forensic details involved in solving crimes.
The wail of sirens. Police cars screaming northward. Ambulances following in hot pursuit. Up ahead, the gray spidery latticework of the Queensboro Bridge. Across the water, the candy-striped chimneys...1976•443 pages - #6
Save:A boundary-pushing, fiercely original novel that captures the noise and nuance of urban life - brilliant for lovers of experimental fiction, but not one for the plot-hungry or the easily bored.
Speedboat by Renata Adler, first published in 1976, is a groundbreaking novel that offers a fragmented and episodic glimpse into the life of the narrator, Jenn Fain, a journalist and traveler navigating the urban landscape of 1970s New York City. The novel is described as plotless and digressive, with snippets of memories and observations strung together to create a unique narrative style that captures the interior monologue and mythology of a brilliant, neurotic, and hilarious woman. The book is experimental in nature, focusing on everyday life experiences, societal transitions, and the chaotic nature of modern existence, all presented through a series of sharp and witty prose passages.
Nobody died that year. Nobody prospered. There were no births or marriages. Seventeen reverent satires were written—disrupting a cliché and, presumably, creating a genre. That was a dream, of course,...1976•190 pages - #7
Save:Beautifully written and quietly horrifying, CHILDGRAVE is a hypnotic, slow-burn descent into psychological terror and supernatural mystery - perfect for fans of literary horror who don’t mind a leisurely, unsettling pace.
'Childgrave' by Ken Greenhall is a quiet horror story that delves into the life of Jonathan Brewster, a widowed photographer living in New York with his four-year-old daughter, Joanne. When Jonathan becomes infatuated with a harpist named Sara Coleridge, strange supernatural occurrences start to unfold, including ghostly spectral images appearing in his photographs and Joanne's interactions with invisible friends. As Jonathan delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his daughter and the town of Childgrave, the story slowly builds towards a chilling and shocking revelation, showcasing the author's atmospheric and psychological horror storytelling style.
The narrative of 'Childgrave' seamlessly blends supernatural elements with psychological depth, creating a compelling and gripping tale that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Through the character of Jonathan Brewster, the author explores themes of obsession, love, and the darker aspects of human nature, all set against the backdrop of a mysterious small town with its own haunting secrets waiting to be unveiled.
Chapter 1 I’m a person who hesitates before opening a letter; someone whose stomach tightens when the telephone rings. I always expect accusations, announcements of misfortune, the voices of the Furie...1981•293 pages - #8
Save:A witty, retro legal thriller that’s heavy on character and NY DA’s office drama - perfect for fans of classic crime series, less so for those wanting modern sensibilities or non-stop action.
'No Lesser Plea' by Robert K. Tanenbaum introduces readers to the key characters in the District Attorney's office, setting the stage for a series of legal thrillers. Tanenbaum skillfully portrays the politics and dynamics within the DA's office, showcasing how the characters navigate the challenges of law enforcement. The plot is engaging, with realistic dialogues and snappy lines that capture the essence of the criminal court system.
The story follows Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi, two prosecutors in the NY DA's office, as they tackle their first case involving a double homicide committed by a career criminal. As the characters delve into the case, readers are drawn into a world of intrigue, office politics, and the pursuit of justice. Tanenbaum's writing style creates a vivid portrayal of the bustling city life and the complexities of the American Justice system, making the book a compelling read for mystery enthusiasts.
Two men were leaning against the yellow Firebird talking quietly, ignoring the street life around them. The two men were professional criminals and they were plotting a crime. They were in upper Manha...1987•392 pages - #9
Save:A gorgeously written, atmospheric classic of queer literature - moving, melancholy, and unforgettable, even if it's not always easy to love.
"Dancer from the Dance" by Andrew Holleran is a novel set in the vibrant and hedonistic gay scene of Manhattan and Fire Island in the 1970s. The book captures the essence of pre-AIDS gay liberation era, exploring themes of pleasure-seeking, disillusionment, and the search for love and acceptance in a dreamlike urban landscape. Through vivid imagery and lush language, the novel portrays the party atmosphere of Fire Island and delves into the lives of gay men navigating a world of promiscuity and social complexities. The writing style is described as beautiful, tragic, and sensual, with a focus on detailing the intricacies of characters' lives and the atmosphere of 1970s New York.
1977•254 pages - #10
Save:A literary sci-fi classic that’s less about superpowers and more about what it means to be human, Dying Inside is a slow, often dark character study best suited for readers who appreciate psychological depth over action.
"Dying Inside" by Robert Silverberg is a psychological drama following David Selig, a telepath who struggles with the fading of his mind-reading abilities. The narrative delves into Selig's downward spiral of depression, his failed relationships, and his reclusive nature as he copes with the oppressive dwindling of his power. The book explores themes of isolation, alienation, and self-destruction through Selig's introspective journey, with numerous flashbacks and imaginary flashforwards reflecting his inability to live in the present.
The book is a character study of Selig as he navigates the complexities of his psychic gift and its impact on his life. The story unfolds as Selig grapples with the realization that his once extraordinary ability is waning, leading him to reflect on the messy state of his existence. Silverberg's writing style is introspective and dark, offering a profound exploration of human emotions and the consequences of having a unique yet burdensome gift.
So, then, I have to go downtown to the University and forage for dollars again. It doesn’t take much cash to keep me going—$200 a month will do nicely—but I’m running low, and I don’t dare try to borr...1972•258 pages
