2 comments about The New York Times Guide to New York City, 2002 (New York Times Guide to New York City).

1. I bought this book thinking that it would give me in-depth New Yorkers' view of New York City--like the neat neighborhood to shop, mom & pop's restaurants to eat, or some off-the-wall places to stay. Instead, it's just a typical generic guidebook that tells you same old thing, such as Louis Vuitton is the place to buy leather wallet. Well duh, I knew that! I could go to a local mall in my area and find a Louis Vuitton store. I wanna know the little hidden place that the experienced NY Times staff would know since, you guess it, they live in NYC.



2. Outside of being rather dry and boring from a presentation perspective, the information provided is at best okay. I read the other reviews and bought the book anyway since I figured it was the NYT staff. Well the other reviews were right.

No comments about Mid-Manhattan;: That section of the greater city of New York between Washington square and Central park and the East and North Rivers in the borough of Manhattan.

4 comments about Flatbush Odyssey: A Journey Through the Heart of Brooklyn.

1. A wonderful, readable book, and a must for anyone who grew up in Brooklyn. The author walks the entire length of Flatbush Avenue, from Dumbo to the ocean, chronicling the changes he sees. I have read this book twice, and thumb through it often. I loved it!



2. Thoroughly enjoyable and informative reading. At first I couldn't understand how someone could take the time to research and write about what I assumed was a fairly narrow subject. Then I was surprised at how well it was written. Getting deeper into the book I realized that Allen Abel was a professional writer and it all made some more sense. The historical information gave more depth, insight and appreciation to my growing up in Brooklyn. His humor and contemporary characters were delightful. I have forwarded this book on to friends who were most appreciative.



3. Great trip down Flatbush---I enjoyed this enough to recommend to friends. But what a cheapeskate! Besides trying to mooch drinks and snacks off merchants, the guy moves in with his for months ---- and when her 75th birthday arrives the loving son and daughter say Peter Luger's is too expensive. They take her to Jerry's Ribs instead, for crissakes! If you can get past this guy's tendency to be a tightwad you'll enjoy Flatbush Odyssey.



4. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to return to your childhood neighbourhood after an absence of more than twenty-five years?
   Allen Abel, journalist and foreign correspondent, takes us on a journey to Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up during the 50s and 60s and where he returned to live with his chain-smoking mother in 1993 for a few months.

   During a period of ten weeks, the author, accompanied from time to time by his sister, nicknamed, "Little Debbie," endeavours to find out what happened to some of his boyhood hangouts and in general the neighbourhood.
   As he states in the introduction, "How had my homeland changed so utterly. How had parts of it remained so achingly unaltered?

   Abel's journey consisted mainly of wandering along Flatbush Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Brooklyn extending north to south for a distance of approximately ten miles.
   He would start early every morning from East 31st Street "at an hour when hit men dozed and honest shopkeepers primed for commerce."
   In order to enable the reader to feel and taste the present social atmosphere of Brooklyn, the author cleverly divides its contents into seven sections resembling distinct itineraries.

   During Abel's sojourns he meets up with residents, storeowners and their patrons, recently arrived immigrant families, workers, vagabonds, and other colourful characters.
   He describes the places where they live, the type of jobs they have, their customs and superstitions and the clothes they wear.
   We are also informed of rampant crime where even seven year olds are not immune from being accosted at gunpoint by older men who steal their bikes.

   Each and every one of these characters contributes to the mosaic that makes up one of New York's most famous boroughs. Where such celebrities as Lena Horne, Barry Manilow, Mickey Spillane, Mike Tyson, Dom DeLuise, Connie Francis, Lou Gossett Jr., the Gershwin Brothers, Danny Kaye, Aaron Copeland, Beverly Sills and many more once lived.

   Abel's wry humour and his profound knowledge of the history of Brooklyn make for delightful and informative reading.
   In fact we can say of the book it is a true social commentary of a community constantly changing yet still holding on to some of its old traditions.
   In 2001 the author returned to his childhood home in order to update the book. There was a tiny glimmer of hope, as in the case of many large North American cities; urban renewal seems to also have taken root in Brooklyn.
   However, as the author wonders, it is difficult to comprehend why his mother still lives in Brooklyn after fifty-two years and why some of her cronies never moved away.

   This review first appeared on reviewer's own site
   www.bookpleasures.com

No comments about The Berlitz Travellers Guide to New York City (Berlitz Travellers Guide).

No comments about New York City (Traditions).

4 comments about Shecky's Bar, Club & Lounge Guide New York City (Shecky's Bar, Club & Lounge Guide for New York City).

1. I love it--this guide has become my new "bible". I refer to it everytime I even THINK about going out. Its already given a tremendous lift to my dismal social life. My only criticism is that it left out a # of bars /clubs I was interested in reading about. Nonetheless, the authors gave me alot of fun picks to choose from!



2. tHIS IS ONE FUNNY BOOK. iT REALLY COVERS EVERYTHING ABOUT THE NITE SCENE THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. IT'S THE ZAGAT OF BARS. A MUST BUY IF YOU LIKE TO PARTY.



3. Surprisingly accurate and sometimes painfully frank. This guide is a MUST for anyone interested in going out in New York City.



4. Shecky's provides a soundbite for almost every bar in Manhattan. The reviews are suprisingly accurate but seemed a little too skewd towards SoHo and the Village. Some of the reviews are very, very funny. Even though I am a "bridge and tunnel" guy(a frequent bash), I still got good use of this book. Move over Zagats, here come the Sheckster.

No comments about Hagstrom 75-Mile Radius Map: From Columbus Circle New York City.

No comments about Eat Your Way Through New York - A Kosher Dining Guide.

1 comments about New York City Region Easyfinder (Rand McNally Easyfinder).

1. I love the Easyfinder laminated maps from Rand McNally. They are extremely durable, meaning I won't have to repurchase a map that gets torn, spilled on, or just plain worn out. Even better, I can mark my routes & destinations on them with dry erase marker, then just wipe off when no longer needed. Map detail is top notch, as you would expect from Rand McNally. Great for local tag sale bargain hunting or longer trips. 5 stars, definitely my favorite maps.

1 comments about Happy Pig's Hot 100 New York Restaurants.

1. I read this book cover to cover in one night. As a former New Yorker, it made me aware of some spots I'll be sure to try next time I'm in town. Mr. Fleischmann's style of writing is easy to read and fun at that.
   
   You have to appreciate it from the point that this is not a Zagat or Fodors. It is one writers view of on a very particular group of dining spots, especially those on the Upper West Side.
   
   A good read and a great gift for your friends in NY.