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Books matching: new york city

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
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    Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk is a novel that follows the journey of Lillian Boxfish, an 85-year-old woman who decides to walk across Manhattan on New Year's Eve in 1984. As she strolls through the city, she reflects on her life as a copy editor in the 1930s, her successful career in advertising, her marriage, motherhood, and the changes she witnessed in New York City. Through her reminiscences, readers are taken on a historical and emotional journey, learning about Lillian's past and the evolution of the city she loves.

    The book beautifully intertwines Lillian's personal story with the vibrant backdrop of New York City, portraying her as a resilient and inspiring character who navigates through various challenges and triumphs in her life. The writing style captures the essence of different eras, providing a glimpse into Lillian's past experiences and the city's transformation, making it a poignant and nostalgic exploration of love, loss, and resilience.

    There once was a girl named Phoebe Snow. She wore only white and held tight to a violet corsage, an emblem of modesty. She was not retiring, though, and her life spun out as a series of journeys throu...

  2. #2

    A City Dreaming by Daniel Polansky
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    'A City Dreaming' by Daniel Polansky is a collection of well-written and interconnected vignettes that serve as individual verses of a love song to New York City. The book follows the adventures of the magician, M, as he navigates the magical world of Manhattan and Brooklyn, interacting with other magicians and magical queens. The stories range from romantic to adventurous, with a mix of light-hearted and dark themes, creating a unique urban magical ambiance. The writing style is reminiscent of literary greats like Gene Wolfe, Vonnegut, and Mieville, with a touch of whimsy and cleverness that sets it apart from traditional urban fantasy novels.

    It would help if you did not think of it as magic. M certainly had long since ceased to do so. He thought of it as being in good with the Management, like a regular at a neighborhood bar. You come to ...

  3. #3

    My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff
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    'My Salinger Year' by Joanna Rakoff is a memoir that follows the author's experiences working as an assistant at a literary agency in New York, particularly focusing on her interactions with the famously reclusive author J.D. Salinger. The book provides a glimpse into the old-fashioned world of the literary agency in the 1990s, where typewriters and dictaphones are still in use, and the agency's reverence for their iconic client is palpable. Rakoff's writing style is described as warm, humorous, and inviting, offering a mix of personal reflections, professional insights, and observations about the literary world.

    On my first day at the Agency, I dressed carefully in clothing that struck me as suitable for work in an office: a short wool skirt, in Black Watch plaid, and a dark green turtleneck sweater with a zi...

  4. #4

    Ghosting: A Love Story by Tash Skilton, Sarah Skilton, Sarvenaz Tash
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    'Ghosting: A Love Story' follows the story of Zoey and Miles, who both work as dating match coaches without knowing each other's professions. Despite their initial dislike for each other, their banter and witty dialogue create an engaging slow-burn romance. The book is filled with pop culture references, charming side characters, and a delightful mix of humor and romance. Zoey's journey of self-discovery and the exploration of love in the digital age make for a fun and heartwarming read.

    The alternating points of view between Zoey and Miles, along with the well-written dialogue and believable situations, add depth to the story. The novel captures the essence of modern romance with a touch of humor and charm, making it a delightful rom-com that keeps readers entertained from start to finish.

    So what if my ex-fiancée just posted a photo of her ringless fingers cradling what is very obviously a baby bump. So what if we only broke up six weeks ago and, look, I cannot claim to be an expert in...

  5. #5

    A Drop of the Hard Stuff - Matthew Scudder by Lawrence Block
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    'A Drop of the Hard Stuff' by Lawrence Block is a gripping mystery novel that delves into the complex life of the protagonist, Matt Scudder, a recovering alcoholic and former policeman turned private investigator. Set in the early 1980s, the narrative follows Scudder as he navigates through the challenges of sobriety and investigates the murder of a childhood friend who was also battling addiction. The book skillfully weaves together themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the impact of past choices on the present, all while capturing the essence of noir storytelling with a modern twist.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Matthew Scudder )

  6. #6

    The Disappointment Artist by Jonathan Lethem
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    Jonathan Lethem's 'The Disappointment Artist' is a collection of essays that delve into the pop culture obsessions that shaped him as a writer. The book covers a wide range of topics, from music, movies, and art to books and authors, with a particular focus on his personal experiences and reflections. Lethem's writing style is characterized by a mix of introspection, nostalgia, and humor, as he navigates between discussing nerdy childhood obsessions and delving into more profound themes like loss and creativity.

    Throughout the essays, Lethem offers insights into his own life and creative process, weaving together personal anecdotes with cultural commentary. The book is a blend of memoir and literary critique, where Lethem explores his fascination with various aspects of pop culture while also reflecting on his own journey as a writer, making it a compelling read for fans of essays and those interested in understanding the influences behind an author's work.


  7. #7

    Lunch Poems by Frank O'Hara
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    Frank O'Hara's 'Lunch Poems' is a collection of proto beat poems that sets the foundation for many to build on. The poems are fun, easy, and conversational, resembling diary entries filled with lunch hour wanderings, travel experiences, and references to friends. O'Hara's writing style is free verse and spontaneous, with an added urban sensibility. The book includes colorful descriptions of New York City, familiar faces, and a touch of sexual freedom that was surprising for the time period.

    The collection features poems that range from light and funny to more opaque and thought-provoking. O'Hara's conversational, prosey style and unique imagery shine in some poems, making them standout pieces in the collection. The book closes with correspondence between O'Hara and Lawrence Ferlinghetti of City Lights Press, discussing 'Lunch Poems', adding a nostalgic touch to the 50th-anniversary printing of the book.

    under that I find it restful like a bush some people are outraged by cleanliness I hate the lack of smells myself and yet I stay it is better than being actually present and the stare can swim away in...

  8. #8

    Beastie Boys Book by Michael Diamond
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    The 'Beastie Boys Book' by Michael Diamond is a comprehensive and entertaining look at the history of rap and hip hop in NYC, chronicling how three young men atoned for their early mistakes on the path to stardom. The book is a mix of humor, informative insights, and personal anecdotes, with a focus on the band members' growth, friendships, and reflections on their music career. It includes stories about their early days in the NYC street scene, their collaborations with various artists, and the evolution of their music over the years.

    Yauch wanted to see the world. So he did. He went to India and looked around. Saw things, met people. While on one of his trips there, he got in touch with the plight of the people of Tibet. He was so...

  9. #9

    Body & Soul by Frank Conroy
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    "Body & Soul" by Frank Conroy is a novel that follows the life of Claude Rawlings, a boy who grows up poor and sheltered, raised by a mentally ill single mother in West Side Manhattan. His fascination with an old piano leads him to become a concert pianist, navigating the challenges of his upbringing and finding solace and purpose in music. The author, through insightful writing and detailed descriptions, portrays Claude's journey from childhood to adulthood, highlighting his passion for music and the impact it has on his life.

    Conroy's writing style in "Body & Soul" is described as beautifully written, with deep insights into the human condition and intricate descriptions of music that pull the reader into the story. The characters are richly developed, providing a depth to the narrative, and the novel spans over 20 years, capturing Claude's growth as a musician and individual through various life experiences and relationships.

    HIS FIRST VIEW of the outside was through the small, fan-shaped window of the basement apartment. He would climb up on the table and spend hours peering through the bars at the legs and feet of people...

  10. #10

    An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
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    The novel 'An Object of Beauty' by Steve Martin delves into the contemporary art world of Manhattan during the '90s and '00s, following the rise of a young and ambitious protagonist, Lacey Yeager. Through the eyes of an astute art writer, the book explores the intricacies of the art market, the fragility of art's value, and the influence of major events like 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis on the industry. Martin weaves a narrative that is both engaging and enlightening, incorporating reproductions of modern art to illustrate key moments in Lacey's journey through the provocative art scene.

    My last name is Franks. Once, in college, Lacey grabbed my wallet and read my driver’s license aloud, discovering that my forenames are Daniel Chester French, after the sculptor who created the Abraha...

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