New York Books

-I should know, I wrote for it.

Trust me, this is the most comprehensive and in-the-know guide to New York City's not-so-underground sexual nightlife. From stupid frat boy thrills and overpriced beer at Coyote Ugly to the dungeons where only the hardcore scary people go, you'll find what you're looking for between these sparkly pink vovers. A few of the places have closed down, and few have moved, and a few new ones have opened up, so maybe we can write a sequel...

I got this book as a gift from my co-workers for my birthday...cover is cheesey, but, the reviews are pretty open-minded (ie, a dork like me can understand it all and the writers don't talk down to you). I learned about a lot of cool/scary stuff that goes on every day in my neighborhood... like the cake store that makes cakes in the shape in penises...

There are lots of books claiming the mantle of sexy style, but this one actually delivers. Unlike some of the imitators, this is the 2nd edition of the original book that uncovered New York's sexiest spots. This one packs even more sultry ideas into a book you can slip in your pocket, or anywhere else your imagination desires. It's a fun read, well-written, and will supply you with ample ideas to heat up your summer in the Big Apple...

If you wanna know what's hot and what's not in the Big Apple, this is the book for you. Whether you're just looking for a night out with the girls (or boys), curious about a sexual subculture, or a committed decadent who's just moved to town, "Erotic New York" is in-depth, insightful, knee-slappingly funny, and supremely helpful.

This latest installment of Erotic New York is large enough to include the exciting skinny on all the sexy places you've always heard about but never gotten up the nerve to check out; and small enough to stick in your back pocket. I like to keep in close by when I go out. My friends and I have been referring to it mid-evening, closing our eyes and randomly selecting our next venue...a fun game when you employ the "no turning back" rule!

This book is fun to read and dare I say educational.

I have decided to write this review despite the fact that I have only just ordered the book, and have not yet read it. I did however, just celebrate Chinese New Year (The Year of the Dog)with Barbara (the author) and Jim (her scrappy Irish hubby). I had never met them before last evening and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and speaking to them. I already know that this is going to be a 5 star book!!! Nice meeting you Barbara and Jim (and Jack and Grandpa)

A fast and fun read that captures the little nuances of the classic love-hate romance. It may also be one of the best fictitious renderings of a newsroom I've ever read. Ms. Fischkin is a great comedic writer, with impeccable timing and a wonderful literary voice.

As a Pulitzer Prize winning winning journalist, I'll tell you that this is the funniest newspaper book since Scoop

An excellent start in her first fiction novel. Fischkin takes us from Long Island to Ireland and gives a wonderful look into the world of journalism. Her characters are funny and endearing. As I know the "Real Mulvaney" and am familiar with some of he other real-life characters, it was fun for me to try to figure out what was true and what was untrue. Her sharp wit and obvious love for her husband, the egotistical but loveable Jim Mulvaney and his escapades, keep you turning the pages. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the sequel.

Have you ever been crazy about someone who drives you crazy? Someone you think is wonderful even though they use all the wrong strategies to try to convince you that they are wonderful? Barbara Fischkin has captured this nutty dynamic in a romantic comedy about two self-absorbed but lovable journalists, their Irish-Jewish culture clash, and their misadventures chasing down stories about IRA and ETA terrorists. You will laugh very, very hard. I promise.

I previously read "Dear Emma," and it was a great book. I really wanted to read the sequel, and as soon as possible I checked out "Faraway Summer" from the library.
This book is the journal of Dossi, who lives in crowded Essex Street with her older sister, Ruthi, in a small room in someone else's apartment in a tenament building. She's shocked when she learns that Ruthi has filled out a Fresh Air Fund application for her.
But whether she likes it or not, she boards a train for Jericho, Vermont. She's staying with the Meade's, who live on a 52-acre farm and who own a large house. They have an eight year old girl Nell and a girl Emma her own age. Most of all, she wants Emma to be her friend.
She sees lots of new things-fireflies, huge amounts of food, cows and chickens, and large, open space-something she's never experienced before. She thinks the food is the best thing ever!
Emma remains cold and unfriendly until the end of the book. I think it's said when Emma leaves Dossi's library book out in the rain by the pond.
This was a great book and I'd recommend it to everyone. Good work, Johanna Hurwitz!

I have read lots of Joanna Hurwitz's books and i must say this is one of her best. Haddasa [Dossi for short] has nobody but her sister Ruthi and her friend Mimy. Dossi 's parents have passed out and so has her sister . Dossi and Ruthi live in a crowded tenament with just one room too do everything : Eat , Sleap , Sit , Stand ....... Ruthi works in a sewing factory. The tenament smells of sweat and OF COURES They dont have a single toy. When Ruthi signs Dossi up for a Fresh Air Fund ,Dossi objects . But when Dossi starts to like , even befriend the family she is staying with ..............

Dossi is a poor girl who lives in the city.Her parents and younger sister,Velvel have passed away.Dossi's sister,Ruthi is the one who will take care of them.She works in the factory.When Ruthi signs Dossi up to be sent to the country,on a Fresh Air Fund vacation,Dossi is terrified and surprised.Soon,the day had come to go to the country.Dossi packed her bags and brought along a library book which was a new one.She and her friend,Mimi, didn't tell the librarian that Dossi was taking it away.Dossi prommises Ruthi that she will send a postcard to her as soon as she reaches her destination.In the country,she meets the gentile Meade family.Nell and Emma are around Dossi's age.Mr. Meade and Mrs. Meade also have two sons,Timothy and Edward.Nell chats nineteen to a dozen.Emma doesn't.There are a lot of things that Dossi hasn't seen.Like fireflies,cows,two yolks in one egg and many other things.She learns about a man named Snowflake Bentley.He is mad about snowflakes.Snowflake Bentley also takes photos of snowflakes not people.Dossi likes Nell but she wants to befriend Emma too.But Emma treats her like if she is not there.Will Dossi be able to befriend Emma before her holiday in the country ends?

Haddassah (Dossi for short) is a Jewish girl lives in a cramped apartment in New York City. Her sister (Ruthi) signs her up for a Fresh Air Fund which sends poor children too the country for 2 weeks in the summer. Dossi leaves excited and yet afraid to go on vacation with a family she doesn't know in Vermont for 2 weeks. She is stunned by things in the country and doesn't even know what fireflies are. This is one fault that I found with the book, she seems to know NOTHING of the country, now I can believe she's never milked a cow, but some of the things she had never seen are unbelievable. Anyway during the book she sprouts friendship and learns new things of her trip. She meets new people and learns what the lovely countryside is like. This is a really fast paced book, you should be able to finish it within an hour or so, but nonetheless it is worth reading.

This is a good story about a girl who spends a few weeks with a family that is very different from her own. Dossi learns other people have alot to offer her and she has alot to offer in a friendship,too. Hurwitz is a wonderful author; she makes the characters and situation come alive.

I was given this book by my oldest sister. I had moved away from the Finger Lakes when I was just 17. I keep it on my coffee table and share it with all my new friends here in Texas. These are some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. I now give it as a gift to friends that too have moved away.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Sara Radford Thomas

I too am from the Finger Lakes area and upon seeing the beautiful pictures in this book, I immediately went online and ordered it. I finally have something to show my friends that displays the beautiful area in which I grew up. Anyone going to visit this area will get a wonderful idea of what to see when they arive.

This book does a wonderfull job of displaying many of the sights and hidden treasures of the oft overlooked finger lakes region. Many of the photos include bits of history and indian lore from long ago. The photos do not disappoint, and display the 4 seasons in all their glory. Summer sunsets are mixed with lush green spring scenes, and of course fall is represented with all it's brilliant color. Mr McCarthy's book does not forget winter as do many pictorials of the area. Instead, snowy Christmas scenes are shown along with bleak, cold January images that will have the reader craving a hot bowl of soup and a warm fire. Despite the bleak Upstate winters, Mr McCarthy finds images of beauty in the ice and snow that are hard to forget. The stars of the book... the Finger Lakes are each represented along with a brief description of their size and length. I find this to be a excellent gift to give to visitors or friends who have left the area. I have one one my coffee table and it is the first thing visitors pick up when they come in. Since the Finger Lakes encompass such a large area, many locals will remark that they have never been to the places pictured in the book, though they live only a short drive away. This would make a good gift for those who have the urge to explore the area.

This is an absolutely beautiful pictorial book of our region. We gave these as thank you gifts to 16 speakers (10 were from other states) who spoke at a special anniversary conference we held this month. Since this conference is always in December, we wanted to showcase our area in all of the seasons. This book was very well received.

I was overwhelmed with joy and melancholy when I cracked open this beautiful book. I am a former resident of Central New York (having lived near Conesus, Otisco and Skaneatles Lakes, and enjyoing trips with my father on Cayuga Lake, where he kept a 24 foot cabin cruiser for 5 years). Not only are the McCarthys skilled photographers, but the area itself is worthy of such a compendium. I particularly appreciated John McCarthy's descriptions of set-ups and time of day for particular shots, as well as the commentary regarding the history of the area. I've ordered several more copies for old friends who love the area as much as I do, and new friends who will once they take a look.

It started out as a routine fire in a restaurant basement. But then two firefighters were killed, and New York Fire Marshall Georgia Skeehan must sort through the evidence to determine who is responsible for the arson--and two murders. She is elated when an answering machine tape at the restaurant yields a clear-cut confession from a notorious torch, Michael McLaughlin. But suddenly there are Feds involved, and the fire department is ordered to keep their hands off McLaughlin. He's a confidential informant, and the magnitude of the FBI's case takes precedent over an arson case.

Georgia, who is a bit hot-headed, is livid over the Feds' high-handedness and finds herself part of the FBI's investigative team. It's the only way they'll keep her quiet. Soon she's working undercover with gangsters and terrorists, she almost gets blown up, and she realizes she has become a pawn in McLaughlin's little game. She also discovers she and McLaughlin have a history she didn't even know about, and the mysteries, lies and dead bodies pile up until Georgia doesn't know who to turn to, who to trust.

Fireplay is a really outstanding mystery that incorporates elements of a police procedural and a taut, woman-in-jeopardy story. The emotions were honest, and realistic details about fires and arson made me believe, for a couple of hours, that it was really happening. I can't give much higher praise than that. The only thing I didn't care for was the very last twist, which was so far-fetched it killed the believability factor. But it was almost an afterthought, thrown in as details of the mystery were being wrapped up, so it didn't really spoil the story for me.

I haven't read in awhile and I just happened to see Fireplay by Suzanne Chazin and grabbed it because I have read her first two novels. Frankly, I thought it would be awhile before I read it. Wrong! I loved this book. I'm not going to give a play-by-play description of the plot since that has already been done.

What impressed me most was the emotional aspect of this book. In the first two books, you learned a lot of information about the technical side of firefighting with mystery and suspense. In Fireplay, you still get the suspense and mystery, but Ms. Chazin takes us a step closer in understanding the recurring characters. We see our heroine, Georgia, thrown into a situation way beyond her control, but she never lets up for an instant. All the major characters find themselves not knowing whom to trust or keeping things from each other. This adds to the drama. The ending-well, I never saw it coming.

Fireplay is a great novel. You can pretty well read this one without the first two. However, I have to recommend you read those as well. Ms. Chazin has a great series going on here. I will be looking for the next novel, even if I don't read anything else in between.

You only need to read a page of FIREPLAY to recognize and appreciate how excellent a writer Suzanne Chazin has become. She has been impressive from the beginning --- so impressive that it is hard to believe that THE FOURTH ANGEL was a debut novel and harder still to believe that FIREPLAY is only her third. But by the time you're six pages or so into FIREPLAY, you'll realize, like the characters in the book, that there is no turning back.

Chazin skillfully accomplishes a number of things in this first chapter. Chazin puts you in the middle of a firefighting situation, standing right next to three of New York's Bravest as they walk into a mess that they did not create but that they must nonetheless contain, control and eliminate. Chazin does more than describe the scene --- she creates a sense of impending doom, with accompanying suspense; she makes the readers care about the characters within just a couple of sentences; and she brings the readers directly into a situation that they can identify with, even though the overwhelming majority of them are unfamiliar with it. However, this is not a gratuitous scene thrown in merely to hook the reader (although it does that, oh yes indeed). It sets the tone of the entire novel and has repercussions that echo on practically every page, from beginning to end.

The main hero of FIREPLAY, as with THE FOURTH ANGEL and FLASHOVER, is New York City Fire Marshal Georgia Skeehan. Skeehan is brought in to investigate the fire that takes place at the beginning of FIREPLAY, a fire that causes minimal property damage to a swank restaurant but that results in the deaths of two firefighters. It quickly becomes evident that the fire is arson and is tied to an enigmatic character named Michael McLoughlin, a.k.a. Freezer. Skeehan and her partner, Randy Carter, practically have McLoughlin dead to rights, but McLoughlin is under the protection of the FBI, which is using him to defuse an environmentalist terrorist group.

Skeehan is frustrated enough with her inability to bring in a man who was responsible for the deaths of two firefighters, but her frustration increases one hundredfold when she learns that there is a connection between McLoughlin and a fire that occurred decades ago and that took the life of her firefighter father. This knowledge makes Skeehan more determined than ever to get McLoughlin, even as she is forced to work undercover with him in order to thwart a terrorist act that the environmentalists are planning. Things become even more complicated, however, when she discovers that there is another person working with terrorists: the father of her son. And that, believe it or not, is only the beginning of the surprises that occur from the beginning to the end of this fine novel --- including one, near the end, that you'll never see coming.

There are, for whatever reasons, very few writers currently mining the area of fire investigation as a source for suspense novels. Chazin is very well on her way to making her name synonymous with this sub-genre; it is quickly becoming obvious, however, that she would be at the front of the pack no matter what area she chooses to labor in. FIREPLAY and Chazin are not to be missed.

Fire Marshall, Georgia Skeehan, investigates a fire at a restaurant that kills two firefighters. A "probie" (rookie firefighter) survives, but is emotionally scarred from the experience of his first big fire. In the course of her investigation, she is forced to work with a long time master arsonist that is under the protection of the FBI. Working undercover, Georgia discovers the father of her child, who she hasn't had contact with in eight years, is involved. As she digs deeper into the present case, she must confront another case previously thought solved, the death of her own firefighter father.

In this gritty and realistic portrayal of firefighters, Georgia has to deal with everything from helping a rookie overcome his ordeal, to her own emotional scars from her father's death, to working with an arsonist she detests. Not a book to be breezed through, this is an intricately plotted and emotionally complex book.

This is a wonderful entry in a really outstanding fire fighting series. Chazin shows her experience and expertise in this part science lesson, part human drama, and part crime novel. Don't miss the other two books in this series THE FOURTH ANGEL and FLASHOVER. All are excellent.

Third in Ms. Chazin's Georgia Skeehan series, the latest installment finds this fire marshal for the FDNY resurrecting ghosts from her past, including the fire where her father was killed and the reappearance of her long-lost boyfriend, the father of her eight-year-old son Richie. But the crux of the novel centers around a fire at trendy Café Treize, that resulted in the death of two veteran firefighters and led Georgia and her partner, Randy Carter, to investigate `Freezer', aka Michael McLaughlin, former member of the Irish gang, the Westies, and all-around extortionist.

McLaughlin is as street-wise as he is savvy, as he turns to the FBI to protect him from the FDNY, claiming to help the feds find Coyote, a ruthless member of the Green Warriors, who use terroristic acts to aid their leftist environmental causes. While Georgia's sense of justice is sometimes at odds with her duties as a fire marshal, she shows a greater maturity in this latest read than in previous novels, especially when she is asked to go undercover as Freezer's girlfriend, much to the dismay of her boyfriend and boss, Mac Marenko.

Georgia must face some difficult choices when she finds out that her ex, Rick, might be involved with the mob and seems to know the members of the Green Warriors. Could he be a suspect in a recent arson, and does she want him to meet the son he abandoned eight years ago?

Georgia, the tough but loving woman and fire marshal, gives the reader insight into the emotions involved in the valiant profession of firefighting, even as she vows to arrest McLaughlin for his horrific crimes. Always suspenseful and compelling, Ms. Chazin's novel, written with her inside knowledge of the FDNY, puts Georgia on a par with April Woo, Leslie Glass' NYPD detective in her critically acclaimed April Woo series.

Perhaps the best book ever to explain why New Zealand is not the USA with minor differences. There are considerable cultural and societal differences which may escape the visitor unless and until they experience New Zealand on a deep level. Some find the mysterious aspects of her experience of the Maori culture to be doubtful or merely coincidence. Those born in New Zealand will understand them and will not be surprised.

My mother mailed me this book from America to New Zealand because I have recently arrived in NZ and I will be living in New Zealand for the next year. I find Carol O'Bistro's insights about New Zealand culture relevent and insightful for a current long-term visitor. Her writing is lyrical and fun to read. I wonder what she is doing now.

Thought provoking, moving and fun. The story is told in a masterful way that made me laugh, cry and sit-up thinking about it for a week after I read it. The author takes you along on her own personal journey and as her New York City eyes and heart transform into something miraculous so does the readers'. It touches the heart and reminds us of our humanity in the most magnificent way. Read it slowly; you won't want it to end!

I bought this book when I was visiting New Zealand in 1988 where people kept recommending it, and I am just now rereading it for something like the fifth time--including one time with a discussion group. This time through I am finding new delights that I must have skimmed over before. Parts of the book are naively New-Agey, but even those parts are personal and honest and fun to read. It is the story of a woman whose job takes her into the middle of an enormous cultural shift, and she manages to stay in the middle--between the world views of American bureaucracy and a traditional people's values, and somehow to walk that precarious boundary and to be receptive to the ways it changes her. It's an amazing story.

On September 10, 1984, at first light, New York's Fifth Avenue was the scene of an unusual ceremony. On the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art a group of Maori women wailed the ritual welcome: HAERE MAI !! Their calls were answered and taken up by a group of Maori elders down the avenue, their leader in a feathered cloak, their path cleared of evil spirits by a small band of tattooed warriors ferociously thrusting their spears.

It was opening day of a groundbreaking exhibition at the Met: Te Maori: Maori Art from New Zealand Collections. The elders were in New York to lift the tapu and open the exhibition. Their greeting was for their ancestors, spiritually residing in the 174 taonga (treasures) on display outside New Zealand for the first time. Nine years in the planning, Te Maori was the culmination of a massive exercise in politics and logistics.

Carol O'Biso was the registrar of the exhibition, responsible for the packing and safe passage of these treasures collected from a number of New Zealand museums. First Light: A Magical Journey is her lyrical story of this great adventure.

The "cultural artifacts" are believed by the Maori to be sacred and powerful. Carol, overwhelmed at first by the vast divide between her New York self and the ancient Maori beliefs, struggled to do her job in the midst of controversy over the exhibition. She was excluded by Maori custom from speaking at the many ritual gatherings in museums and meeting houses. Frustration was her constant companion, in those early days. Gradually the power of the collection became entirely real to her and she found herself honoring the treasures in ways she would not have found possible.

Carol spent several years packing, shipping and unpacking the irreplaceable treasures and was under their spell when she returned them to New Zealand in 1986. She handed them over, in yet another ceremony that left her in tears, to a New Zealand registrar for their awe-inspiring progress through New Zealand museums.

Carol's story is a very personal one and some of her early impressions of New Zealand were less than favorable. However the country's charm and especially the strength of the Maoris' respect for their culture led her to a deep appreciation of The Land of the Long White Cloud.

I had the privilege of seeing Te Maori in New Zealand, and First Light brought back vivid memories of its power. I read the book in the early 1990s and then gave it away (read it! you'll love it!), and when I found a copy on Amazon this month I was delighted to be reacquainted with it.

Linda Bulger, 2008

I loved reading this book aloud to my second graders. It is delightful to see how Flossie outwits the fox. Have fun reading it to your children at home too!

Little Red Riding Hood is essentially a British folk tale. Flossie is a quintessentially American product. She's smart as a whip, cute as a button, and clever without being obnoxiously sassy or brash. She minds her manners while protecting her basket of eggs. She lives in the rural south of sometime past. Big Mama sends her to take some eggs to a neighbor because a fox has taken all the neighor's eggs. Big Mama warns Flossie to watch out for the fox because they surely do love eggs, and off Flossie goes in her pigtails and pinafore. She does meet up with the fox, and she cleverly outsmarts him, but you aren't sure she's going to do it until the last page, when she reveals what she's known all along. Patricia McKissack says this is one of the stories told her as a child. I can't find the source, but I read something else this gifted author wrote once about this 'black Little Red Riding' story. As best I recall, what she said is that this isn't a 'black Little Red Riding Hood story," it's a Flossie and the Fox story, and there's no need to have 'African American' substitutes for the traditional tales which we all should know, because we all should know them. She didn't write this story as a substitute- it's just another really good, ripping yarn that we *also* all should know. I hope I'm not misrepresenting what she said, but that's how I remember it. At any rate, I agree that this is a really good story for all children and their parents, and it stands boldly on its own merits, and Flossie is a little girl I'd be proud to know.

Flossie Finley, the smart and feisty heroine of this book is one of my favorite characters in all of childrenÕs literature. The story is an African American variation on Little Red Riding Hood, but Flossie is no wide-eyed innocent who has to be saved in the end by the big, brave woodcutter. She can save herself, thank you very much. The way she tricks the fox who wants to devour her basket of eggs is delightful. Every little girl (and probably every boy as well) ought to be introduced to this brave and resourceful child.

And Flossie is not the only great thing about this book. Patricia McKissack based it on a story her grandfather told her and she tried to reproduce the way he told it, in "the rich and colorful dialect of the rural south." The language is lovely, musical and poetic Ð a joy to read aloud. And the illustrations are equally gorgeous. The pictures of sun-dappled wood remind me of Impressionist paintings.

Great story, great writing, great pictures, great character Ð this is one of the best childrenÕs books IÕve ever read.

This has become my favorite children's book! I bought it for my "almost" three yr old son and he was captivated by the story and the beautiful pictures. Flossie is so innocently sly! She will not be out-witted by some ol' fox! The idea that this regal creature is being insulted by a mere child is absurd to him, yet he can't get past his own ego to see he is being out-foxed! I adored everything about this book.

Flossie And The Fox is a story that is absolutly loved by my children, one you will be asked to read again and agian. When flosie is asked to run an errand for her grandmother, the curios girl runs into a fox on her way, yet not the typical fox. In order to keep her eggs from being eaten she must keep the fox's mind of those eggs. Through her journey in the woods she is able to use her qaint childlike cleverness to entertain the foxes ego. Great story! Brilliant plot! Should be made into a movie! Exellent anti bias story as well, flossie speaks as a young african american girl would growing up in the country in Tennese, The fox uses proper Engish, and the narrator uses the language of the day. Highly recomended!

Warm and insightful story of a white boy growing up in a poor black/latino neighborhood in the 60s. Fascinating perspective on the experiences and perspectives of blacks, whites and latinos. Also, a touching story of a boy coming of age, dealing with a best friend who is gay. Open and honest -- addresses issues of drugs, alcohol, gangs, crime, violence and racism but recognizes the good too. He maintains a positive outlook (in the book and in life).

Flying over 96th Street encourages the reader to examine race and relationships. It challenges the reader to look beyond the color of one's skin and examine what happens when you allow yourself to trust and love others who neither look like you or who at first glance seem so different.

A must read for those yearning to explore their relationship with others - and a exceptional message for young people - encouraging them to reach beyond their small circle, embrace and take the risk to love others who "appear" so different.

Flying Over 96th Street is a great read. Tom Webber tells his story in with humor and remarkable powers of observation. As a New Yorker, I loved the details of "El Bario".. But you don't have to be a New Yorker to get into the experience of this young guy who goes "beyond the looking glass" of the white middle class world into another reality-- where HE is the minority...

Even though race and class is rarely (if ever) being discussed nationally, it is a core issue of who we are as Americans. And for those of us who talk about it, it is often just that-- talk. Kudos to the generations of the Webber family who put their neighborhood where their mouth is...

Webber's portrait of New York in the 1950s and 60s is full of vivid description. He captures the sounds and smells of his neighborhood and, more importantly, draws his characters with an empathetic brush. Yet the book is not just an elegy to a time past. Dr Webber deals deftly and incisevely with class, race and prejudice, while never preaching or teaching. Every page is full of delights. It is a deeply touching book that will rank as one of the great New York City memoirs.

Flying over 96th Street is the most moving memoir I have ever read. It tells the story of a white young boy growing up in Spanish Harlem durnig the 50s and early 60s and how he and his new black and Puerto Rican friends grow to appreciate, help, teach, and love each other. It is a totally absorbing account of coming of age and should be read by every high school student in america.

A bouhgt several different NY guides, but this map was the one I used most. It's small enough that you can open it in subway without been in shame, but big enough to read street names without binoculars. Map also includes subway system, wich was great. Next trip I will leave my guidebooks to home and take this map and michelins guide to NY.

I bought four different reference sources for a trip to NYC. Each had something unique to offer but if I only had the funds to purchase one, this would have been it. It has it all - easy to use, tons of info like address finder, subway and bus maps, restaurant lists with pricing guidelines and much more. The size is great, fits nicely in a purse or deep pocket. It states on the front that it's the "Ultimate Map Guide" and it is.

I have had all the editions of this map. It is a great resource for NYC. I even use their recommendations for restaurants. The only minor complaint I have is about the Brooklyn and Queens maps. These are very superficial and cannot be used to get around these burroughs.

I have visited New York City twice now and I am currently planning my 3th trip. Fodor's flashmaps are an indispensible guide: practical, easy to use and with all the information I need as a tourist to quickly find my way around the city. I have compared flashmaps with other guides and maps but I find Fodor's stand out from the competition: the information is presented in a very logical and straightforward way and looking up the desired info is a matter of seconds; the information is comprehensive, useful and very to-the-point: the editors focus on information you need on a daily bases and is very much of the 'no frills, need to know'-class: important addresses, streetfinders, important contact information, transportation, hotels, hospitals, post offices as wel as shopping addresses, hotels and airports to name just a few out of more then 30 categories. And finally: the book's dimensions make it easy to carry around without that 'hey, look at me, I am a tourist'-feel. Perhaps one of the best guides on the market and highly recommended.

Two crucial tips for NYC: have great maps and pack lightly. Flashmaps allows you to do both! This small book can be pulled out quickly and referenced without having to unfold a huge map. Multiple maps for subways and buses and shopping aren't needed because everything is contained in this booklet. It can be stashed in a coat pocket or small bag.

I would recommend this to anyone visiting for the first time or 100th time!

This book had lots of good ideas for reasonably priced places to eat in NY. A few were already out of business though. It would have also been nice to have a map to more easily find the locations. Nice reviews though.

I was first introduced to Robert Sietsema's excellent taste in the Village Voice, when it featured the top 100 Italian restaurants in New York City.

Several amazing Italian experiences later, I knew I had to find more of his recommendations. When I stumbled across this guide, I felt as though I'd hit the jackpot. It features practically any cuisine you can think of, from Venezuelan to Tunisian with concise descriptions and suggestions of which entrees to order.

The best part of the guide is that the restaurants featured are generally priced below $20 per person, a godsend in one of the most expensive cities in the world! I immediately dined at a restaurant I'd found in the guide and was bowled over by the quality and amount of food I received for the amount I paid.

This is a must for any New Yorker who isn't afraid to experiment with different cuisines.

This leads a curious eater away from the formula and predictable eateries in Manhattan to inexpensive and delicious places in outlying neighborhoods. Highly recommended.

We have now tried many listings in this book, and were only disappointed on one occasion (even then the food was not bad... just not noteworthy). This book has pointed out many hole-in-the-walls we've been walking past for years, like Snack on Thompson, or Soul Fixins on 34th, that were just amazing. Even in areas where we thought we had favorites (like curry hill) the recommendations in this book topped them all (Chennai Gardens). Its true there is some risk that some places might be out of business, especially in NY, but none of our attempts have found a closed shop. The only negative about this book for Manhattanites is that many listings are in the outer boroughs, but believe me, once you've experienced this book it will make you want to get on the subway.

While perhaps not as streamlined as some others like the Zagat Survey, this is my favorite restaurant guide of the five or six I own. Its priority is the same as mine: good and interesting food, rather than decor, service or even "star quality." Most of the selections are very affordable (for New York City), which helps.

In my area so far, I've tried two or three restaurants in three ethnic groupings. This guide has been accurate: the restaurant which the guide features in each group has been the best, and only in one case the most expensive.

My only complaint would be that browsing for a particular type of ethnic food isn't always fast. The groups are logical but not totally intuitive, so it may take a few minutes to locate Indian food in the "South Asian" section. It's all here, though, from any sub-category of Chinese to Uzbekistani.