Books set in New York

There is nothing better after a holiday to revisit a city via the pages of a book. As the author goes down a street, my memories fill in the blanks and holiday happiness comes flooding back. The trick is finding good books set in the chosen city. 

Some of the books set in New York I have enjoyed:

From Notting Hill to New York ... actually by Ali McNamara
Starting out in Notting Hill, London and quickly moving onto a romp around every major tourist site in New York. This is chick lit at its best. The main character in the book is called, Scarlett, that’s enough for me (GWTW) plus she has an addiction to movies. Everywhere she goes she sprinkles her version of happy dust amongst the people she meets. At the end of the book there is even a list of places to visit.

For: lovers of chick lit and a bit of harmless fun
Source: Jane's Mum discovered the book and then Jane pointed it to me, now I have to read Ali's other books especially the one set in Paris.

Red Tails in Love by Marie Winn
Pale Male is the name is a Red-tailed Hawk who has resided since the 1990s near Central Park. In this book Marie covers his loves and losses throughout the seasons and over many years. From hanging out on the balcony next to Woody Allen's place to becoming Time's father of the year, there is never a dull moment. Overall its an insiders look into one of the many tribes in New York, the birdwatchers.

For: bird and animal lovers
Source: Ricki my birdwatching friend from New York recommended this book. She also introduced me personally to the star of the book, Pale Male on our first encounter at the Central Park boat pond.

Let the great world world spin by Colum McCann

The dramatic start is the daring walk on a tightrope between the twin towers in 1974. The book weaves in and out of many different people who live in New York, from a judge who lives uptown and works downtown to ladies of the night. The most poignant group are the mothers who meet to share their grief over lost sons from the Vietnam war. Whilst the emotional tone of the book is intense the book exposes real people and gets underneath the tourist version of New York that is seen on a holiday. The characters live and breath on the same subways, roads and suburbs that we walk today.

For: Those who like American literature, even though this is wriiten by an Irishman. To be sure, to be sure.
Source: From one of the many lists on New York books, such as Goodreads and Huffington Post.

Here is New York by E.B. White
This book was written over 60 years ago as a essay for travellers. However White's acute observations and insights capture New York's essence in a timeless way. Its a short read that embodies the spirit of New York from the first sentence, "On any person who desires such queer prizes, New York will bestow the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy".
My version was an anniversary reprint and I especially liked the forward by his step son, Roger Angell.  This gave me much needed context to get a deeper understanding of White's mindset.

For: Lovers of great writing.
Source: After a hot sunny day exploring New York I stopped off at the Plaza hotel on the way home. There was a tiny store tucked in the corner with Plaza paraphernalia like fluffy bathrobes and tea sets. This book caught my eye and I decided to buy it, little did I know that the purchasing experience would be something to remember forever. First the book was lovingly wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with a gold embossed sticker. Then tissue paper was waved in the air to create just the right folds to line the gold and white Plaza bag. Finally the book was laid to rest and handed over.

Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
This book focuses on a 16 year old boy who gets expelled from school and then what he gets up to in and around New York. It's well regarded however I could just not get into it. I did not get the main character, Holden's superficial issues with people or things. Holden I don't really care about your silly hat but I do like the good relationship you had with your sister. Maybe my teenage years where simpler than his.

For: Anyone who has experienced teenage angst
Source: Alas this classic is not yet available on Kindle, so onto the Christmas list it went. Stephen obliged and under the Christmas tree it was.

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
This was read about 20 years ago so my memory may be a little rusty. The language is awkward, the characters are not very likeable and lots of undertones of sexuality. Is this a product of what was permitted in an American story in Capote's day? Did my more liberated 1980's viewpoint or being in my 20's cloud my vision? However I loved the storyline, Holly tried hard and worked hard - she was a gal to be admired. 

For: Those who want to say they have read American classics. 

Source: Years ago, pre internet, had to hunt down the book at the library, its was a bit smelly and old.

As at today it is 65 days till my next trip, stay tuned for adventures in Malta and Berlin.