New York Books

During the mid-1990s NYC experienced a dramatic drop in crimes. "NYPD Battles Crime" begins by examining several alternative (non-police) explanations for this improvement. One alleged that the number of youths 14-17 had declined - actually it increased slightly. Simultaneously, the prison population did increase at an annual rate of 7.8%, and the unemployment rate rose. Another "explanation" is that crime was declining across the U.S. - however, the author shows that NYC represented about 80% of that national decline. Thus, Silverman is convinced that improved management is the key factor in NYC's improvement - the essential ingredient being that management no longer tacitly accepted an ever-growing crime rate, and now believes crime can be fought and beaten back.

Chief Bratton, the individual most credited with the improvements, began office benefiting from 3,500 (of an eventual 6,000) new cops already on the street courtesy of his predecessor's efforts. His first month brought the replacement of 7 top-ranking officers, and the first year led to replacing over two-thirds of 76 precinct commanders. Everyone at the top now bought into the possibility of double-digit crime reduction.

Follow-up on gun seizures became an early priority. Those arrested with weapons were aggressively questioned regarding the source of the weapons, and the sources (and their sources) also pursued. A second priority was locating and returning truants to school - reducing their contribution to crime. A third was reporting major crimes on a weekly basis (had taken 3-6 months), using mapping and showing trends, and identifying areas with greatest and least improvement. Day of the week, time of day, and arrests/individual (named) officers) were also reported.

Probably the biggest contributor, however, was Comstat - weekly meetings between precinct commanders and top brass where detailed and challenging questions were posed regarding the latest results; minutes were also taken, and followed up.

Compstat also facilitated gathering criminal activity data for nuisance complaints - allowing closing down eg. drug and prostitution locations, instead of just periodic sweeps and arrests. "Johns" began having their cars seized, reducing the demand for prostitution as well. Bar owners were "persuaded" to stop underage drinking (police showed them how to detect fake IDs), reducing loud outside crowds and neighborhood drag-racing. Cars playing loud music were confiscated, aided by the Dept. of Environment Protection's measuring sound levels.

Nuisance Abatement Laws were a particularly effective deterrent because advance notice was not required for temporary (up to one year) closing orders and $1,000/day public nuisance fines. Fire, health, and occupancy codes were also used as crime-reduction tools. (Store and apartment closings served to also reduce any perception that the NYPD was "on the take.")

Eventually Compstat was also used to focus on reducing drug dealing - the origin of numerous habit-supporting crimes. Cooperation and delegation among police and between other agencies also improved via Compstat.

Bottom Line: Silverman presents a solid case that replacing old thinking (eg. fast police response, and "time-in-grade" were key to crime control and promotion) with the new action-based approach brought about NYC's 50+% crime reduction.

NYPD Battles Crime recognizes that by admitting things are not "all right", that there are problems waiting for solution, we can move onto what may be reasonable and realistic remedies to the crisis at hand. "It was hard to argue that averting crime, even nuisance crime or incivility, before it erupts is better than reacting to ongoing, more violent criminal activity." Pp 79-80.

The three main objectives for an Intelligence Led campaign in law enforcement where a serious or increasing degree of criminal threat is perceived, which is what Compstat is really all about are as follows.

Government officials must begin by eliminating perceived injustices. Previously, and even more so today, the inequalities of cultures must be studied, and understood within the context of the indigenous perspective i.e., avoid mirror imaging. It is vital that western democratic policymakers have adequate intelligence so as not to underestimate security challenges. The disparity between Western material and technological advantages with those of opposing cultures defines the crises.

"The NYPD and organizations emulating its successes are undergoing a revolutionary change - a new way of relating to their environment." P 186.

Law Enforcement Intelligence must also focus on the emerging domestic threat generated, and propelled by the multicultural mentality that renders logical decisions impossible. This particular `group-think' mentality espouses inexplicable virtue on non-Western societies whom proudly profess a real threat. It is the essence for fostering unconventional warfare, terrorism, and globally organized crime.

Prior to Compstat ..."An assemblage of field soldiers and officers, as in the first act of Aida, would deliver on the top command's promise to dramatically reduce crime. But the stumbling of previous reform administrations on a stage replete with bureaucratic land mines and social `snafus' had shown the need for more deftness and sophistication in reconfiguring the NYPD bureaucracy." P 82.

Almost simultaneously, the government must obtain support of the local citizenry, separating the criminal threat from the general population, as much as possible, both physically and psychologically.

Strategic policy should consider when implementing a counterinsurgency campaign against criminality and incivility that personnel develop a sincere empathy for the public they serve. When forces are scattered among, and living with, the population, they need not be told any longer that they have to win their support. Being more vulnerable, they realize instinctively that their own safety depends on good relations with the local people. Civil, respectful behavior will come about naturally on their part.

Finally, law enforcement must develop the necessary intelligence to establish a policy whereby future criminality will not threaten the newly established civility. There are plausible reasons to believe that the majority of citizens support or are at least sympathetic to the counterinsurgent forces. However, the residents in a high crime/combat area usually avoid contact with them. The barrier between the lawful citizen and the counterinsurgent must be broken. Fostering a sense of self-preservation should dissolve the separation between the counterinsurgent and law abiding citizen. Too often residents fear reprisals from the criminal element and with good reason doubt there is adequate defense from counterinsurgent forces. Only when the tables are turned; when the counterinsurgents hold the upper hand on controlling violence, and only after the local resident has been adequately enabled to control his own safety will there be open communication between the counterinsurgents and citizens.

This work with its historical depiction of how Compstat was developed is very helpful in studying and understanding Intelligence Led Policing.

Dr. Silverman's book is an excellent description of the organizational change process orchestrated by the NYPD. Unfortunately, he failed to grasp the old saying that if something is too good to be true, it probably isn't true. The amount of crime and number of murders did drop substantially in New York as Silverman attests. What he fails to mention is that crime in Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco (to name a few cities) experienced nearly identical drops in crime during the same time frame and they did not implement NYPD's innovations. The NYPD was merely the beneficiaries of a trend (which actually started in 1991--before the innovations were implemented), rather than the trend's architect. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than to be good.

Mr. Silverman does a wonderful job here. The author makes a very complicated subject easy to understand and read. Silverman brings you right into the workings of the NYPD. The breakdown of the strategies that the NYPD implemented to combat crime was remarkable. Silverman explains Compstat so that the reader can fully understand its meaning and usefulness. This book was not written just for the police world but, for the communities that they serve. If you want to see how the real boys in blue catch the bad guys this book is a must.

I envy the students of Law, Criminal Justice etc. who will be using Dr. Silverman's book as a text book. It is a very well written, exciting account of how the largest police departement in the world used enlightened management techiques and a sophisticated computer system to drastically reduce crime in New York City. Business students and corporate managers can benefit from reading the book as well.The Deming-like management techniques used by the NYPD would benefit any organization.This book is for anyone who wants to be well informed.

I already knew the general story. The seminary I wish to attend is where Fr. Eugene Hamilton studied for so brief a time. Truth be told, it was odd to see names of people I know!

When I saw the book, I had to buy it. This account of a man's life cannot truly be summerized without doing it great injustice. What I can say is that the love I felt radiating from the accounts in this piece of literature give me even greater respect for this priest, who only lived as a priest for three hours on earth, but is now a Priest Forever in heaven!

I reccomend it to anyone, but especially to those considering the priesthood.

I loved this book. However, it would be a little difficult for the non-Catholic to understand with all the talk of feast days, rituals, etc. Father Eugene was a wonderful man who accomplished more in his 25 years than many accomplish in their lifetime. I would encourage anyone who can handle a very sad story to read this book. It will strengthen your faith incredibly!

this was a very moving fantastic book. This guys faith is awesome. I got many copies of this book and sent them to my friends. I highly recommend this.

I have read and re-read this book several times and I only bought it two weeks ago!

The story of Father Eugene Hamilton is an inspiration to all Christians every where and I still shed many, many tears while absorbing the incredible testimony of faith by this Godly young man.

This is a book worth treasuring and reading over and over again and even though it merits 5 stars all the way, I only wish there were more testaments from people who knew him...to make the book longer!!

This is perfection in every way......like Father Eugene....who should be canonized!! This man was truly a saint of GOD! That's why God called him home just as his life and vocation was beginning.

Don't miss this one!!

I just finished reading the book... WOW!!!! What an amazing accounting of Fr. Gene; I was really moved by this and INSPIRED more than I could have ever been before reading this, the words of the Holy Father sent to Fr. Gene in hopes of his recovery, "Tell him I LOVE him with my whole heart - in toto corde" that is the true priesthood, embodied in one word, 'LOVE', it couldn't possibly be described any other way - Fr. Gene chose to use Cardinal Cooke's definition - a priest is: a Servant, a Victim, a Brother, a Listener, a Friend. I am very greatful for this story and will never be able to thank my Priest enough for giving me this book.

The message Yehudah Fine brings to parents and teens in his book is that even when a teenager's life is in crisis, caring can produce profound transformation. The author's unique street experiences opened up a window into the world of disconnected teens. Fine's message should resonate in every home.

"Religion is for people who wish to avoid going to hell. Spirituality is for people who have been there." So wrote Abraham Twerski, founder of Gateway Rehabilitation Center, in his cover blub for Yehudah Fine's book, "Time Square Rabbi." Rabbi Fine (who prefers to be called "Yehudah") has that rare balance of religion and spirituality, combined with a down-to-earth love of sports, music, and life itself, that enables him to reach lost teenagers on the mean streets of New York.

His writing style is clear and poignant, combining good descriptive details with well-written dialogues. Each story illustrates one of the 8 steps in a recovery program that Yehudah has developed, based on the writings of Maimonides. Although the characters and stories are composites (to protect the kids' privacy), they are so well done that they virtually leap off the page.

Every parent should read this book. Yehudah pulls no punches about how these kids ended up on the streets. For many, it was an escape from unbearable home situations. In other cases, the parents kicked their kids out of the house with no idea what would happen to them out there. In still other cases, kids from "good homes" set out with high hopes and unrealistic fantasies, only to be victimized by the predators that roam "The Way Beyond." That's Yehudah's name for the street culture that exists in the same physical space as up-scale Manhattan, but in a different world entirely. Like real life, some of these stories have happy endings, others do not. But all of them will make you think. As the subtitle says, this is a book about finding hope.

Had I not fallen, I would not have risen
had I not sat in darkness,
God would not have been a light for me.
~Midrash Tehillim Socher Tov, Psalm 5

Yehudah Fine is The Times Square Rabbi who can now be found spreading his message of hope on radio shows and in nationwide seminars. He works as a family therapist and lecturer and continues to share his wisdom with parents and teens across the country.

Finding the Hope in Lost Kids' Lives is the story of eight kids involved in the street culture in New York City's Times Square. Through the example of eight lives, he explores eight steps towards spiritual renewal. These stories can be read by anyone to encourage their own awakening and to give a pathway to hope for anyone trying to climb out of their own painful situation.

"While change at a profound level is rare on the street, nevertheless it does happen. And when you witness such a change, first was darkness and then came the light." ~pg. 4

You don't need to live on the street to hit an all time low in your life but the gritty lifestyles these kids lead exposes them to a world of danger and vulnerability. The first step in this book begins when the pain of life has become unbearable. An analysis of action follows along with a renewal in self-esteem. As the stories progress we witness a separation from an old way of living in order to embrace a new life. There are sad and happy endings, but all have a profound message of love and compassion.

~The Rebecca Review

Special News: For all of you who have enjoyed reading Yehudah's book, Times Square Rabbi-Finding The Hope In Lost Kids' Lives (Hazelden) there is some exciting news. Yehudah just signed a movie/tv rights contract for his book. Pamela Hayden, one of the voice stars of the TV show, the Simpsons, purchased the rights to his book.

I never thought I would read a heart pounding thriller based on a real life rabbi and gripping inspirational tales from the street. Want to learn about life after midnight in NYC, then read this book.It reads like a novel and yet is a true tale of NYC street life. Why this book is not a bestseller is beyond me. This is a powerful book that features true to life stories of teens caught in the web of drugs, prostitution, family violence and world that does not care. In that world walks Yehudah Fine, a real time hero whose human side is so real and vivid you feel after reading the stories in his book that you know him and the kids who he loves and cares about.This is a one of a kind read that will give you hope springing from the darkness forever. It will inspire you and make you cry.

I recently saw "Man on Wire" in the theatres (more on that later), and having seen this movie prompted me to seek out the book that high wire walker Philippe Petit wrote about his 1974 wire walk between the WTC Twin Towers.

"To Reach the Clouds: My High Wire Walk between the Twin Towers" (244 pages; originally released in 2002) is a reconstruction, both verbally and visually, of this extraordinary event. Petit tells the tales of the early days, of his high-wire walks between the Paris Notre Dame towers and at the Sidney Harbor, only to be caught by the fantasy of the World Trade Centers, by a picture in a French magazine. The book details the preparations for the improbable feat, and it reads like a thriller (such as how did they manage to get all the gear into the Towers without being detected), even when you know the eventual outcome. The book comes with many visual details, like how Petit and his crew studied the WTC in detail (all the while trying to stay ahead of law enforcement and security guards). Petit brings a lot of poetic moments to the book, describing his inner feelings both as he was preparing for this impossible feat, and best of all as he is walking the high wire between the WTC towers. The book has a number of great pictures of that walk but to be honest I wished it had more.

In all, this book is a fabulous read, whether or not you have seen that "Man on Wire" documentary. But let me tell you that "Man on Wire" is one of the most fascinating movies I've seen recently. Best of all, Philippe Petit turns out to be one of the most engaging tale-tellers I've seen on screen in memory. Don't miss it!!

This book pulled me out of the doldrums. What an appealing person Petit is! Daring, ingenious, and courageous to an insane degree, he pulled off the greatest feat of street theater in the history of the world. He makes the phrase 'the impossible dream' stand up and dance. What I didn't appreciate until I read this book was what a fine engineering coup it was - all the rigging done clandestinely in the dead of night, so that at first light he was ready to step into the air.

And what a nail biting read! He re-creates the months long drama, keeping you right there with him all the way to the exhilarating end. What I also wasn't prepared for was how agile and graceful a writer he is and what a benevolent, endearing spirit.

You think you're facing a daunting challenge? Read this book and put yours into perspective.

I have just finished reading this book. The tension was unbearable as the operation in the sky was carried out and as I read on I realised.... my feet were sweating!! Perhaps my fear of heights was coming through but here was an experience that has never happened to me whilst reading. Do yourself a favour and get a copy.

I remember seeing the WTC towers being built, still partly framed in steel, as a child in the late 1960's. I also remember a snippet of this event in the news in the 70s. But, it was (I think) Ken Burns' American Stories on TV that reminded me of it and really gave it perspective that blew my mind as to how unbelievable an event it was. To me, it wason a scale of things like landing on the moon. With that still fresh in my head, I looked into the event and found this book and was unable to put it down from the first page until I finished it.

This book is inspiring. Petit is a bit crazy, but to pull off a hack of this magnitude, you have to be. Genius is touched with madness. To say the feat is inspiring is a great understatement. The logistics, planning, obstacles overcome, and just plain luck that all aligned in the end were really incomprehensible - more so after reading this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Sometimes, I get overwhelmed with things I need to do and obstacles I face, and I look at that timeless picture of Petit between the towers on the cover of this book and I am inspired. If he could do THAT, certainly I can find a way to overcome whatever is in my way today. THis book is fantastic.

Firstly, i am so surprised that this book does not figure in the "Hype list" of any Media outlet. Luckily, i came across a short review of this book in a magazine and was intrigued to know that Sep11'2001 was not the first time that the towers of World trade centre captivated the attention of millions around. It was way back in 1974, when a French tightrope walker did the unprecedented daredevilry act of walking between the peak of two towers on a cable which he had rigged illegaly the previous night. He walked for 45 minutes from one tower to another, making the sky his theatre. Why did he do it?? Was it for fame? Money? Lunacy?? Philipe Petit's book explains the whole adventure in simple prose accompanied by sketches and photographs which were done during the unfolding of his "project". It is an amazing adventure. Reading it is like reliving it- Petit achieves that magic of retelling a story and giving his readers a feeling of experiencing it vicariously.

When Petit was asked by a TV crew why he did it - his answer was, when i saw three oranged, i juggle. When i see two towers, i walk ! ;-)

Petit was not alone in his effort to breakthrough the security of the towers and implement his plan. Aiding him where his friends who believed in his ability and went to great lenghts against all odds in planning and pulling off the feat.

This is a great book, in the true spirit of adventure and the endless capacity of a human to set and achieve his goals. One more imporant thing to note, Petit doesn't sound arrogant or egoistical. At the peak moment of his success, he is modest and humble, bowing to the gods in every element which helped him in the feat - the wind, the sea, the people below, his dear friends, the friends who stood by and the friends who gave up- he sees gods in all of them and thanks them for their role.

I am not given to effusive praise and there is nothing like a perfect ten. But, this is a fine read.

A look back in time to understand the struggles in defining-and reaching your goals. A study in human nature. Things haven't changed. Great lessons still!!

This book is a down to earth, heart warming story of how Moss Hart became a premiere playwriter. Good book for those interested in working in the theater.

Moss Hart is arguably one of the finest and most successful authors of the 20th century theater in this or any other country. Like many successful men in the theater, he came from a background of serious poverty and the true drama of Act One is his perseverence and victory in extremely trying circumstances. There are fascinating glimpses into the theater world of NYC in the 40s and 50s, excellent sketches of George Kaufmann, Beatrice Kaufmann and Max Siegel, and poignant views into the people and places that forged Moss Hart into the extremely urbane, charming and successful man he became, against the hardest possible odds. Superb book!

A great read; very inspiring and funny and well written. A tale of a writer in a city which he knew so well, at least Broadway, his own neigborhoods, and the subway. His spontaneous decisions are what great showbiz tales are made of and from! His book made me want an Act Two and Act Three....excellent investment. Book in GRAND shape. Quick delivery too.

Act One is one of my favorite books. I have rearead it often since the first time I picked it up in my late teens. I love the anecdotes about the Broadway greats ans near greats and how Mr. Hart became famous, but my favorite parts of the book concern his memorable Aunt Kate, a woman whose fate in life was other than she deserved. She is very humanely portrayed, and so is the rest of Mr. Hart's family. I also enjoyed learning more about George Kaufman and his wife. This book's great!

"Beyond Stone and Steel" by Brian W. Vaszily recounts a personal passage from one mental state to another far better one, describes the slow, step-by-step trudge often required by events much larger than ourselves.

That event might be death.
That event might be the loss of a job.
That event might be rejection.
That event might be bankruptcy.
Or the event might be national loss.

For this author, all of these experiences played a part in his transformation. Right from the first chapter, Vaszily makes no secret of the result; what he discovered on his path down misfortune's lane is that he is "a lucky man" in spite of the hardships he has suffered.

This slim volume may be difficult to take, depending on the reader's status with recovery from the events of 9/11. Regardless of one's recovery status, though, it may be just what the doctor ordered.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "This is the Place"

I've had this book a long time. I've read it many times. Each time I experience an expanded and enhanced spiritual and psychic understanding of an event I thought I'd come to terms with long ago. Probably because he doesn't journalistically report exactly what happened; probably because he presents the psychic reality of his personal experience: that experience enlarges our own. I was watching a local Spanish station at the time because, of course, the antenna for regular major news media broadcasting was destroyed. At the time I worked in an international on-line network. I remember being physically discomfited by others, elsewhere in the country/world, speaking as though they had some inherent legitimate authority to tell me what was happening less than 3 miles away (by flying crow). But that fortuitous allegation reminded me that the unthinkable event had happened to the "World" Trade Center - not the "New York" Trade Center. I remembered that New York Harbor was a major trading center, a stock exchange in physical goods dating back to the 1600s and housed in the Custom House which is still there. The traders were Dutchmen. I, too, have a semi-tangible psychic reality about the entire 400-year time line. We live in a spiritual world and there is still much that we really don't understand but we do get glimpses of it along the way.

This slim volume greatly humanizes the lives, hopes, fear and dreams of those about to die. It is fiction...no real names are used. It reminds us that of the thousands who died, every one of them was a living, breathing person, just like us. This is a small masterpiece and deserving of your attention.

"Beyond Stone and Steel" by Brian W. Vaszily recounts a personal passage from one mental state to another far better one, describes the slow, step-by-step trudge often required by events much larger than ourselves.

That event might be death.
That event might be the loss of a job.
That event might be rejection.
That event might be bankruptcy.
Or the event might be national loss.

For this author, all of these experiences played a part in his transformation. Right from the first chapter, Vaszily makes no secret of the result; what he discovered on his path down misfortune's lane is that he is "a lucky man" in spite of the hardships he has suffered.

This slim volume may be difficult to take, depending on the reader's status with recovery from the events of 9/11. Regardless of one's recovery status, though, it may be just what the doctor ordered.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "This is the Place"

This book was like none other I have ever read... the author seemed to digest this tradegy and somehow turned it into something beautiful. It has reminded me of all that I have, how easily it could be gone and to cherish every moment we are here. It has truly changed the way I see my life. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to everyone.

This is very touching story of the (mainly) men who conducted the recovery operations at Ground Zero. The telling is true to the tremendous respect shown to those who perished (nothing titillating) and is inspiring in its humanity and faith. Anyone who has ever worked anywhere will appreciate the turf skirmishes that were waged.

The writing, however, is a bit simple.

I have not even finished reading this book yet, but I am blown away by the extraordinary story this man has to tell, and told with such heart. This is a major contribution to the history of 9/11.

Excellent read. Heartbreaking at times, but well written of the trials and
tribulations of the Ground Zero Recovery mission
This book honors the months day after day the recovery workers devoted to trying to find bodies. Some of the rescue workers suffered emotionally and physically, yet others kept going to the end.
I recommend highly

It was an incredible and accurate account of the heroics and emotions involved in the months of recovery at ground zero. A must read.

This is the story that needed to be told of the many courageous, heroic men and women involved in this search and recovery effort. It is also the story of the courageous, heroic families who lived through this effort with their loved ones. It is a must read.

For me this was an amazing discovery. I read a review of it in a literary magazine in the waiting room of my optician and when I got home I immediately ordered it from Amazon.
What caught my eye in the review were the names of the inhabitants of the February House - Auden, Britten,McCullers... in that amazing year. I knew of their work individually but to read of them living under the same roof was a revelation.What a cauldron of creativity! All against the background of the war in Europe and the period leading up to Pearl Harbour.As I read the book I felt as though I were there. I hope that someone will make a documentary about it or better still a dramatised reconstruction. The two Truman Capote films have blazed the trail.

A friend just recommended this book to me and it's fabulous!!! I live in an artist bldg and it's nothing compared to the energy of Middagh Street. The book is a great read and the research is most impressive. I cannot wait to read the one she's writing about the Chelsea Hotel!

Thomas Wolf once famously said "only the dead know Brooklyn." There might be some truth in that, but some of us know Brooklyn, N.Y.,U.S.A., pretty well,and are still very much alive. Quite a few people are aware of Brooklyn's brownstone belt, that swath of historic houses stretching from the East River to Prospect Park and beyond. Many of these people would declare Brooklyn Heights the ultimate Brooklyn brownstone neighborhood. It's beautiful, and gets scenic views of Manhattan. It's got history galore--an important Revolutionary War battle was fought here;and it's been, and still is,home to a lot of well-known important people.

One little-known fact is that a number of celebrated people shared a house on Middagh Street, in 1940-41, right in the middle of the Second World War. That house, which came to be known as February House-- a number of its residents had February birthdays-- has long since been torn down to make room for the Promenade that provides storied views of Manhattan. But among occupants of February House were poet W.H.Auden, writer Carson McCullers, writers Jane and Paul Bowles,composer Benjamin Britten, and stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.

Writer Sherill Tippens has produced an interesting, pleasantly gossipy book about the house's residents and their accomplishments. Jane Bowles began "Two Serious Ladies," her only completed novel here. The young lesbian Carson McCullers had just tasted, at the age of 23, great success with her novel "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter." She began two other great successes, "The Member of the Wedding," and "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe," between drinking bouts, right here on Middagh Street.

Auden and Britten, both homosexual, but not involved with each other, were being raked over the coals at the time by the British press for choosing to sit out World War II in the U.S. But they were working: they collaborated on the opera "Paul Bunyan,"not critically well-received. Auden who continued to live in the Heights, on his own, to pursue his lifelong, unrequited love for the young American Chester Kallman, was working hard in the interstices of his personal soap opera: He produced "The Double Man" in February House. Britten produced "Peter Grimes;"considered one of the great masterpieces of 20th century opera. Meanwhile, he pursued his own personal soap opera: many critics believe this opera echoes developments with his partner, tenor Peter Pears, at the time.

The most unexpected resident of February House would have to be Gypsy Rose Lee, burlesque artiste. She was talked into joining the fun by George Davis, homosexual himself, fiction editor of "Harpers Bazaar" magazine, whose idea February House was, and who worked hard to keep it alive. Davis had published some of his own writing, but he was best known for the talented writers he kept on discovering.

In Gypsy Lee's case, she brought some money, a lot of common sense,and a cook to Middagh Street. The house's residents needed all the above. Her reward for her support: George Davis, great editor, midwifed her book, "The G-String Murders," a publishing sensation for many years.

George Davis continued to live at 7 Middaagh Street after its time as an artistic commune had passed. After Kurt Weill's death, Davis married his widow, Lotte Lenya, and devoted his life to introducing America to Weill's great works,such as "Three Penny Opera,"from which we get "Mack the Knife."

There are some informative photographs, extensive notes and acknowledgements in February House. Tippins evidently did a lot of primary research, but she managed to organize the voluminous results in a very readable style. February House well rewards the reader.

Sherill Tippins has done an amazing job of finding the significant narrative threads in the chaotic convergence of creative lives that occurred in the months before Pearl Harbor when Harper's Bazaar editor George Davis and British expatriate poet W.H. Auden rented a brownstone on 7 Middagh Street in Brooklyn Heights and actively recruited other creative artists to live with them. Among the co-renters were Carson McCullers who had recently published her highly acclaimed first novel, "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter," soon-to-be famous British composer Benjamin Britten and his parnter, singer Peter Pears, unpublished novelists Paul and Jane Bowles, Broadway set designer Oliver Smith, writer Richard Wright and his wife, and burlesque sensation Gypsy Rose Lee, who it turns out was the most reliable in the rent-paying department and joined the little "creative commune" on the condition that she could bring her own cook and maid. Her fiscal reliability and drive along with Auden's willingness to take on the unpleasant role of house disciplinarian (collecting rent and other "dues" and establishing and enforcing many house rules) are probably sufficient explanation for why this menage managed to last the two or three years it did.

Tippins wisely focuses her attention on the leading figures (without neglecting to name the many others who partied but did not reside at 7 Middagh--Salvador and Gala Dali, Lincoln Kirstein, George Balanchine, Erika Mann and her brothers Klaus and Golo, to name a few). One passer-through, Anais Nin, christened the dwelling "February House" because so many of the residents had February birthdays. Tippins has a good knowledge of the works of these creative people and is able to see how one of the artists intentionally or inadvertantly influenced a subsequent work of one of his or her co-residents. For example, McCullers was struggling with the novel that would later become "The Member of the Wedding" when she was able to appropriate an experience from Chester Kallman's childhood to explain her heroine's profound sense of alienation and abandonment (Kallman was Auden's lover).

Tippins other great achievement here was her ability to slice through history and palpably recreate the political atmosphere in pre-war New York and to do so in a way that reflects on both British and US perspectives. She takes a good hard look at the criticism expatriates like Auden, Christopher Isherwood, Britten, and Pears faced from the British press and fellow artists who chose to remain in Great Britian during the war. She is similarly insightful in her analysis of the role the Mann family had in trying to get an apathetic America to respond to the European crisis. A lesser writer might not have bothered with these issues and chosen to report only the salacious and saleable anecdotes about the goings-on of the February House residents.

I highly recommend this book to anyone even passingly interested in one of the artists who lived at 7 Middagh Street (you're sure to learn something new), to anyone who ever wondered how great works of art come about, or to anyone interested in knowing how history and art intersect. I'm sure I'm going to use Tippins's Selecte Bibliography as a basis for future Amazon.com purchases.

Sherill Tippins' volume fills a tantalizing gap that fans of Auden, McCullers, Britten, and Gypsy Rose Lee have long wished could be filled. Most overdue is Tippins' portrait of George Davis: failed literary wunderkind; editor extraordinaire (who "discovered" McCullers and got much-needed writing jobs for her and W. H. Auden in the lean months before Pearl Harbor); husband to Lotte Lenya and the catalyst that re-invented her for American audiences in Marc Blitzstein's staging of Weill's "Threepenny Opera"--the list goes on and on. Davis and Auden are central to Tippins' account and to the amazing colony of artists who called 7 Middagh Street in Brooklyn Heights their home in 1940-41. But Tippins gives everyone in that circle his/her due. Her depictions of Auden's rocky romance with Chester Kallman, of Benjamin Britten's coming to terms with his artistic destiny in England, not America, and Gypsy Rose Lee's ability to charm and disarm everyone she met are more than engaging--they are extremely moving.

Tippins' research is exhaustive and impeccable, and she lets her characters speak naturally and eloquently. I could not put this book down and practically read it at one sitting. I was hungry for the kind of information Tippins delivered, and I finished the book with the deepest satisfaction. Gracefully written, carefully organized and researched, and extremely relevant: this book wins on all counts.

Melainie is a very funny character. She has a very strong relationship with her friends. She has two friends. They fight. Melanie is very angry. She has to choose between her friends. She chooses Celia. Her other friend is very mad at her. Soon, her other friends sadness turns into revenge. In this world people have to take hard decisions in life. No ones life is perfect. Just believe in what decision you do.

As NYC's number one tour guide, I see I have some real competition with Melanie, she sure knows Manhattan. She shows us our city here in a very intetresting yet fun way. Nice going Carol, all the best!
Malachy Murray

This story is about an 11-year-old girl named Melanie who lives with her brother Matt the Brat. Melanie is going through a lot of problems. I think the book is good for girls 8-14. This book has very good artwork. This book is also a great book because it can teach you some Spanish and art. It also has very good humor. It is a very good book.

It is about a girl that has a long distance love with a guy named Miguel. Also, she has a girl that is stealing her best friend. Her name is Suze. Also they talk a LOT of Spanish. Next, the cover is really cool with a lot of action. Also she lives in the city.

Melanie is an 11-year-old girl who has an adventure in the big city of Manhattan. Her boyfriend Miguel is coming to New York for a week. Oh no! It was very good. However I recommend it for girls 10 and over.

It is about a girl who lives in the city. She has a boyfriend named Miguel. She also has a younger brother, Matt, her Dad and her Mom and an art teacher. I think it is a very good and detailed book. I loved the cover.

I think Melanie in Manhattan is a good book for kids in 4th-6th grade because the book could help through those years. The book is about a girl named Melanie and the problems she struggles with her friends. Her friends are Cecilia and Suze. Her boyfriend is Miguel. Miguel is a Spanish boyfriend she met in Spain. The boyfriend comes to visit all the way from Spain. There is also a lot of Spanish so if you are learning Spanish you should read it. She hates her brother so she calls him Matt the Brat.

A very good and interesting book. Made for middle-schoolers. Very nice and detailed cover. Lots of things going on. Melanie in Manhattan is the last of the series. There are a few before this book, like Melanie goes Dutch and With Love from Spain. I loved the book Melanie in Manhattan. It also was very funny and interesting.

I think Melanie in Manhattan is an OK book because it has inappropriate things. It is good because the illustrations are amazing. Also I like how it tells you about her life, and when she signs her name when she's done writing in her diary.

As Melanie goes through adventures, author Carol Weston makes it realistic and humourous. Although slightly inappropriate, Carol's pictures and Spanish dialogue make up for it. Her writing makes up for it. Her writing makes it seem like a real diary of an 11-year-old who wishes to be more mature.

This is a good book. This has amazing pictures. I love how Carol Weston has some Spanish in there. However it is a little inappropriate for kids 8 and under. 9 and up it should be a good book. It is about an 11-year-old who is trying to get more mature and has a little brother - Matt the Brat - and is sometimes getting in the way of her crush Miguel. Overall this is a great book.

Girl Scout Troop 154

Melanie Martin is beginning 6th grade and has many new challenges placed upon. Melanie has to find ways to deal with these daily life problems. Melanie in Manhattan has been one of my favorite books that had me laughing along.
Melanie in Manhattan is written in a diary format in the opinion of Melanie. She writes daily about her family and friends. Her best friend Cecily has become friends with the new, stuck up girl, Suze. They spend every minute together and rarely include Melanie. She feels like she's losing her best friend. On Melanie's trip to Spain that summer she met her mom's friend's son and she feels something special for him. They had many fun times together in Spain and Melanie is starting to really miss him. They send each other e-mails and keep in touch. Miguel's uncle has to come to New York for a work trip and has offered to take Miguel along to see Melanie. She couldn't believe what she had heard. She would see him once again. Together they tour New York with Melanie's family and see the great sights. Melanie starts to see the beauty of New York. Things start to change and Melanie isn't sure if Miguel considers her as just a friend or a girlfriend. Melanie likes him but she also has a small crush on Jason, a math whiz in her class. Melanie doesn't know how she feels. She has mixed feelings about everything at this point.
Carol Weston shows the fun-loving character's personality and describes the breath taking tourist attractions in the massive city of New York. Weston has put the teenage perspective in Melanie. Melanie talks and acts like an average middle school girl. When Melanie's mom leads her class on a field trip she says, "It's embarrassing having Mom stand in front of everyone like a teacher," (pg. 12.) All teenagers get embarrassed by their parents at some point or another. Like most siblings, Melanie can also be rude to her younger brother. Throughout the book she calls him, "Matt the Brat." During the book Melanie guides Miguel around New York. Melanie finds herself taking advantage of all the attractions New York has to offer like their museums and the skyscrapers. Miguel says, "New York is marvel," because he has never seen anything like it. He appreciates it the "marvel" New York more than her. As they walk through Central Park, Melanie and her family recognize all of the people enjoying the beautiful day. "Central Park is giant. You could walk all day and not get to see all of it...teams of kids were playing sports, a few mothers were jogging with their babies in strollers... we were in a park surrounded by tall buildings," (pg. 149.)If Melanie lived in a small rural town she could never experience this. She wouldn't get to walk outside late at night and see people walking around because like it says, "New York never sleeps." Melanie couldn't see people outside walking in the park because there aren't many people living in the country. Her closest neighbor would be a mile away.
The book, Melanie in Manhattan was a very funny and enjoyable book. Weston showed creativity in her format choice. She wrote the story in a diary and shows Melanie's real thoughts. She used many different fonts and ended each diary entry with an adjective to describe the entry. For example, Melanie ends with "Romantically Melanie," or "Mathematically Mel." This is a must-read book for all young girls.

Great story, love the NYC and art references. I previewed this book before I sent it as a gift and now I will pass it along to all my friends kids. Excited to read more in the series. M in M tackles real tween issues such as changing bodies, first smooch, troubles with friends in a very realistic and honest format. Wish I had Melanie when I was a kid.

what a marvelous book. more than any book i have read on fishing or outdoors, this one is well written. it captures the feelings of the changing of seasons and the hope and dread of how things will be that day. are there fish still in area or have they moved out. what will today bring. one learns a lot about fishing and life and the passion one can have for something. at same time it is not obvious or heavy-handed with some zen philosophy or fishing as allegory. ultimately it is about the love of fishing with a fly rod and sharing that with a few other friends who have the same feelings. while reading this gem of a book, one learns a lot about fishing. i live on the east end of long island but i didnt really know the areas he talked about and the history of some of them. the author really makes the region and the people come alive. it is like you are having breakfast in the local "greasy spoon" with the guys who fish and talk about it. you can see the guys with the bedraggled looks while they try to glean some info on where action is without giving away any of their own secrets. you can see the birds working the water and feel the hard tug. you can also feel the days where nothing working/nothing happening but it isnt dissappointing. the possibilty is almost enough ....but not quite. i have only fished for stripers once with a fly rod but after i read this book i made arrangements to go out to montauk area to try it. if it is 1/4 quarter as good as the author makes it out to be, it will be well worth it.

The Moon Pulled Up An Acre Of Bass

Fishing, cooking, and having a good time with your friends at your favorite vacation house, what could get better than that? That's the "good life" described by Peter Kaminsky in his nonfiction novel The Moon Pulled Up An Acre Of Bass.
Kaminsky shared his humorous fishing stories in October 2000 throughout the whole book. He picked the month of October because of the great fishing experiences he had with bass fishing and many other fish. One of his memorable moments was when he termed the expression "The moon pulled up an acre of bass." He used this term when he stood in amazement and shock while gazing at the water with what he called an "Acre" of bass while the moon glared at his face. Beside being a great fisherman and having a love of fishing, Kaminsky loved other things.
One of the things he loved to do was he loved to cook. He would love to catch fish, have friends over and then cook the fish in his kitchen that he loved. He said the kitchen had "Acres of counter space." Also what he liked to do was to spend time with his friends onshore and offshore. When he was with his friends he became a great fisherman. This happened because all his good fisherman friends gave him all various kinds of advice, which added up to him being a great fisherman. For example, one of his friends taught him how to cast under the wind on a windy day. This was great for him because then he could basically fish whenever he wanted since gusty weather wouldn't make it difficult for him.
Overall I really liked this book because I could connect to it so much. I could do this because I also have a love of fishing and the book takes place on Long Island. I have much background information of Long Island because I live there. As you can see, this book was mainly about Peter Kaminsky and his love of fishing with his friends. Since he and his friends were hilarious, this book turned out to be filled with humor. I really liked this book and I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fishing, comedy, and nonfiction novels.

Reading his first hand account of 30 straight days tracking the Montauk striper, I found ambitious reason to visit the East End for the first time myself. Not only did I meet one of the colorful characters Peter describes, but I romanticized what it'll be like out there in another month as the fall blitz approaches, with Peter's account coloring every image. A superb read for anyone who finds comfort in the flex of a flyrod, and a fantastic primer to anyone who endeavors to interrupt, albeit mildly and temporarily, one of nature's greatest migration of life: the fall blitz off Montauk.

I enjoyed the book and the concept, but the fawning treatment of certain guides (that probably gave Kaminisky free rides) read too much like promotional materials.

The author gives us a great look into not only the stiper fishng world, but the culture and heritage of the east coast. A pleasure to read, cover to cover. Even for those of us that may never see stripers in the salt, this is defintely a worthwhile read.