New York Books

... it is sad that this happened but when bad things happend to us, we become stronger...

I am still reading it, but this book is riveting. It is better than I expected, because it includes interviews with all kinds of people involved in the 9/11 tragedy. If you have become absorbed by this event and, like me, are trying to define it for yourself by reading and watching everything you can about it, add this book to your collection.

A few survivors of the Towers are interviewed, but so are "ordinary" people like those who work(ed)or live(ed) in the general area, rescue/recovery workers and the volunteers who helped transport, feed, water, comfort, and clothe the workers.

This book was very gripping. Some of the stories raised the hair on the back of my neck. We should never forget what happened that awful day. More of these books with survivor stories are needed.

This book is an awesome look into what really happened with People who were involved with the Towers. It is very touching and inspirational as well. I would recommend this to even go into schools for future children to understand more about the Awful time in our history. Excellent

This is a fantastic book. It gives a clear accounting of what happened from each person's point of view, people who were actually there, in their own words. Some of their descriptions are pretty graphic, but they are telling it like it is, the way they saw it. This is a book that should be read, cherished, kept and passed down through the generations to children and grandchildren, so future generations will be able to read about what happened and get the truth from the people who experienced this horrific crime against America. You will shed many tears reading this book, but they are necessary tears....may we never forget what these awful, amoral, barbaric murderers have done to us. This is one book I will never sell or let out of my family. You need to get this book!

This book for children is absolutely brilliant.
One day, when I was eleven (in 1958), my eldest brother gave this book to me, and I remember reading it more than once.
I could never forget the friendship Dorinda and Dinah enjoyed with the silver falcon and the golden puma, nor title or name of the author.
Throughout my adult life I hoped to one day discover this book again, to find out why it had left an indelible feeling of longing to read it again.
Recently I purchased a pc.
My friends told me about Amazon, that many old and new books could be found and bought there.
I was very happy to see The Wind on the Moon appear on my screen!
I ordered the book, and when it arrived, every night before going to sleep I read and read, and again the uniquely enchanting story, full of unexpected turns and white magic, made it quite impossible to stop reading and go to sleep.
The cover is lovely, the pictures are wonderful, and the letters are just
the right size, not too small.
The conversations between Dinah and Dorinda are masterly, and the entire adventure they experience is a dream for young and old!
I never knew that this book won the Carnegie Medal, and that it was nominated for best book of 1944.
It is amazing it did not win the price for best book of that year.
Young and old will forget all the worries in the world while reading
The Wind on the Moon.

The Wind on the Moon (New York Review Children's Collection)

Believe it or not, I read it as a child in my native Romania, in Romanian translation. The book had its original format and illustrations. I was totally enthralled by the book, and read it over and over again. I even brought it with me to the U.S., planning to translate it... back into English for my own children, when I found out that it has been re-published! I hope that there are new generations of children who will enjoy this book as much as I did.

"When there is wind on the moon, you must be very careful how you behave. Because if it is an ill wind and you behave badly, it will blow straight into your heart, and then you will behave badly for a long time to come." These words uttered by Major Palfrey, Dinah and Dorinda's father, is a foretelling of a year's worth of naughtiness for the two girls. With their father gone, they do their best to make mischief as when they try to do good they end up getting scolded anyway.

First the sisters eat too many pies, steaks and bread to blow themselves up into the shape of balloons. Then, after the village kids prick them with pins to see if they would burst, they cried themselves thin. Their real adventures begin with thoughts of revenge.

With the help of Mrs. Grimble, they bewitch themselves into kangaroos ("I have often wondered what I shall be when I grow up, whether a teacher of dancing, or a circus rider, or a mother of ten, but never, never, never did I expect to be a kangaroo."). With kicks, leaps and bounds they terrify the village people. But their rampage is short-lived. Lassoed by the zoo's owner and caretaker, they are caged and tended as other zoo animals. Here, they solve the mystery of lost Ostrich eggs and free two beasts who become their loyal friends.

Their appetite for naughtiness and cleverness whetted, they turn their attention to freeing their beloved dancing teacher from the county jail. All this is just preparation for the greatest escape adventure of all, rescuing their father from the castle dungeons of a far country.

Eric Linklater's humor shines and the plot zigs and zags unexpectedly. Dorinda and Dinah will be the envy of any child who yearns to take their naughtiness to a higher level.

Caution: Some sentiments in the book may be offensive to some: that fat people are ugly or a person whose face is blackened by dirt looks like a 'negro'.

Overall it is a fun romp with two very naughty girls. Just one thing boggles this reader's mind: Why doesn't their mother ever notice them missing for days or weeks at a time?

This was one of my favorite books as a child. I found it in a dusty corner of the library, and I think I was the only one to have checked in out in years. When I was a teenager, I found it in a booksale at the same library and bought it for 50 cents. I later realized it's a copy from the first printing. As such, it's in really bad shape - especially having once been a library book. I was so glad to hear it was being reprinted.

This story is just magical - I remember getting lost in it. It's one of those classics like the Narnia Chronicles and Harry Potter - a story you can literally sink into and forget where and who you are. These are the types of books that instill a love of reading in kids. I hope to one day give the Wind on the Moon to my own children.

As a child living temporarily with my mother in London, four books got me through: The Wind on the Moon and also The Pink Ballet Slippers by Evelyn S. Dehkes and Ballet Shoes and Theatre Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. However, as others have commented, The Wind on the Moon is the one I've reread the most. My old hardcover edition is well-loved, and it is probably no coincidence that my all-time favorite book also is about two sisters: The Old Wives' Tale by Arnold Bennett. It is wonderful to see The Wind on the Moon back in print and to give it as a gift for today's children to discover and enjoy. It is absolutely magical.

As an educator of preschool age children I am always looking for a new, fresh take on the basics. Joanne Dugan's books "123 NYC" and "ABC NYC" have wonderful, colorful pictures of things we see everyday. Although these books can be enjoyed by all children, I think children who live in New York City in particular can really relate to them. My students love both of Ms. Dugan's books and visit them over and over again.

What a delightful approach to the world of numbers; our little boy loves to read through it with us, and now by himself. It's terrific, charming, and highly imaginative - and, also, a great idea for that kiddie birthday gift when you're wracking your brain for the kid that already has everything.

You will be delighted by Joanne Dugan's 123, A Counting Book because
1) It is a fun way to teach little ones basic counting skills
2) Whether you are a New York native or just love to visit, you'll enjoy identifying the locations of the images (my favorite: the 12 clocks)
and
3) Dugan strikes just the right blend of tribute to the city and with wry humor (check out the shoes.)

You can count on this to be the perfect gift!

123 NYC is lush; it makes for a perfect gift for any child with an interest in the city, in art or with an inquisitive nature. Keep your eyes peeled; some of these locations are pretty recognizable! If you are a Manhattan resident, it's always fun to try and find where each letter comes from. Highly recommended for children (of all ages).

Not only a New York City feast for the eyes, but a lesson in the art of seeing.

I live in NYC and bought these books for my nieces who live in Texas when they came to visit.
They utterly loved them. They picked out things in the book and found them on the streets and can not stop talking about the things they saw and learned in the books: watertowers, manhole covers.
This is a beautiful and classic book about New York. And I think it really changes the way a child will look at any city. I've bought this for all of the children in my life- those who live in NYC and outside NYC and both they and their parents constantly tell me how the book has become part of their child's thoughts and life.
Which NYC would you rather a child know? Eloise's? Or this- this populist, loving, beautifully observed way to love and involve yourself in NYC in a child's way that adults love too.
Also love 123 NYC.

I bought this book for my first grandchild because the photographs are colorful and unique to her "hometown!" The best part is the last page, which gives the locations of all the letters depicted in the book...I can't wait to take Olivia around town and show her where the ABCs came from! A wonderful companion book is 123-NYC also by J. Dugan.

This is a lovely book for city children who don't understand that 'c' is for 'cow'. "C" is for Chrysler building. I have given this book to several children, New Yorkers and ex-New Yorkers. They all like 'b' is for 'bagel'.

We live in NYC and I was looking for an ABC book for my daughter's 2nd birthday. There were several on NY so I almost got one, but the text was a little too advanced than what I was looking for, and the art was mediocre. Then I was browsing in a bookstore and saw this one on display. It took one skim and I bought it and we LOVE it. With black&white photos, bold colors, and letters straight from the city, it's more "New York" than any book with painted pictures could ever be. I think my favorite is "M is for Manhole - there are 500,000 to jump on!" So so true. But then, "J is for Jackhammer - cover your ears" is also too true. It's a perfect book for children and grown-ups to share together and bond over the ever-unique experience that is New York City.

A good picturesuq view of New Yorl City and a Great topic starter. Also great for ESL students to get them to talk and expand vocabulary. :)

I haven't found any picture book of Manhattan that's as sharp, descriptive and beautiful as this one. Unfortunately, it is a bit outdated--for those seeking a realistic portrayal--because of new construction and destruction in New York City.

This book is really great. I recommend it to anyone who loves NY!

Let me first say I love New York, it is quite simply the most energetic, vibrant, alive place on earth. This book does the city such a service, it is spectacular and photographs just amazing. Mr. Cameron is such a singular talent and he does it hanging out of a helicopter. This book really captures the city and lets the viewer see the hidden New York, that very few see. I love the photos of Central Park, you have no idea what an oasis it is until you see it from high above. Some photos are in summer some are in winter and you get to see the city in all its various incarnations. Mr. Cameron also includes some vintage photos to let the viewer see how much the city has changed. I only wish that Mr. Careron had been able to photograph my city of Houston, she would have welcomed him with opened arms. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.

Robert Cameron's "Above New York: A Collection of Historical and Original Aerial Photographs of New York City" sets itself apart from other similar books. In no particular order:

a) the photos are unbelieveably crisp and the printing is of top-notch quality;
b) don't ask me how, but Mr. Cameron makes the city look like a place where human beings actually live and work, rather than making the cityscape look like an architectural diorama;
c) other boroughs are represented! New York is not just Manhattan, as so many other books would have you think.

The contrast of the modern skyline with the older photographs is very effective, as others have mentioned. But what is also appealing is the changes of the skyline between the time these photos were taken (ca. 1988) and today, as we New Yorkers would notice. The images of the World Trade Center are poignant, but I'm glad that the publishers did not update the book, in order to remove them. As time takes its healing course, we can look back fondly on those buildings--still with pain, but now with some acceptance. "Above New York: A Collection of Historical and Original Aerial Photographs of New York City" remains a glorious collection that has yet to be eclipsed in quality.

Rocco Dormarunno
author of The Five Points

This is the best photographic book I have ever seen. Its pictures of The Big Apple are magnificent! Comparative pictures taken in years past, many in the 1920s, show how sections of the city have changed. Whether one is a fan of New York and who isn't, you will enjoy this book. It makes me want all the other "Above" books now.

After reading the reviews, I was looking forward to reading this book. I was very disappointed. It was predictable and trite. I was singularly unimpressed with the never-ending brawls. I got the feeling he was simply rewriting macho movie action scenes we've all seen ad nauseam. And of course, there had to be the beautiful women in distress that only Devlin could save. I found it interesting this "moral" man slept with the other woman character just hours after learning his love interest had been nabbed by the bad guys. But I guess we're supposed to accept that Jack Devlin just can't help himself and the ladies just can't resist him. This book is fine for those who enjoy this genre, I guess. From the reviews, I thought it was going to be a bit more cerebral and thought-provoking. It wasn't.

I purchased this book in 1995 in a drugstore. It is the best action novel I have ever read! I have looked in vain for another action novel of the same caliber for years. I have now read this book 3 times over the last few years and I never grow tired of it. Devlin is what every man wishes he could be. If you are looking for high art this is not the book for you! If you are looking for a double fisted, .45 caliber, ride of a novel, this is it.

having read all of Mr. Clarkson's book as well as hundreds of other action dramas I'd rate him right up there with anyone. Well written, hot, furious, and fun. It's a one day read, PERIOD!!!

John Clarkson has it all - terrific prose, interesting characters, intricate plotting and all the action I could handle in one novel.I am now off to read the rest of his novels!!!

If you want a book loaded with action, interesting characters, and very fast-paced get yourself a copy of And Justice For One. You'll be glued to the edge of your seat throughput the whole book!

This play is an absolute joy to read, with characters who come into their own, If anyone loves the movie or enjoys theatre, this has quite alot for everyone, funny dialogue, romance, murder and of course Teddy... after reading this I was tempted to run up the stairs shouting "CHARGE!!!"
Shipping to the UK was brilliant too came on the expected delievery date.

This is an enduring classic comedy that has been staged with actors of all ages including those in high schools, community theaters and professional productions. The script contains jokes based on the status of "the theater" at the time (common discussions among critics at that time parallel the line in a Simon and Garfunkle song, "is the theater really dead?") The story line is built on a wonderful array of eccentric characters. A great deal of the comedy is based on dramatic irony, where the audience knows something that some or all of the actors on stage do not. Great to stage and fun to see.

I received the product very quickly and easily as is usual with Amazon.

It was hard to read this without thinking of the wonderful movie. In a nutshell it is a play about a family where mental illness (insanity) is rampant. One character thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt and is building the Panama canal in the cellar. Two characters think they are performing a charity by poisoning lonely elderly men which the Teddy Roosevelt character perceives to be victims of yellow fever and buries them in Panama canal locks. These characters are perceived by neighbors as kind and gentle souls. Another character is an escapee from a hospital for the criminally insane. It is understandable why the sane member of the family is afraid to get married. He finds out that he is not related by blood to this family. The play is wonderfully written. I found it disturbing that these kindly gentle elderly women were serial killers. It just goes to show things are not always what they appear. Also, torture was alluded to in the play. All in all a good read.

Although these words refer to Teddy Brewster in this hilarious play by Joseph Kesselring, they could have applied equally to most of the other members of the Brewster household. Teddy thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt, always "charging" upstairs when he is not in the basement digging "locks for the Panama Canal." His two elderly aunts, with whom he lives, also have their own bizarre secret, for which the hand-dug "locks" in the basement are employed to good effect.

Jonathan, Teddy's "disagreeable" brother, who disappeared many years ago, returns during the play with secrets of his own. With his face altered by plastic surgery, he is accompanied by Dr. Einstein, with whom he plans to set up an operating room in the house so the doctor can give new faces to criminals. The only normal person in the family is Mortimer, a drama critic who hates plays, engaged to marry Elaine, the innocent daughter of the minister next door. Mortimer is particularly upset by Jonathan's return--"the most detestable, vicious, venomous form of animal life I ever knew."

The frantic action, the ironies, the comic routines, and the dramatic surprises all center around two bodies, hidden at various times in the window seat of the living room, and the reactions to them by the various people within the household. The local police, friends of Aunt Abby and Aunt Martha, stop by to chat, have coffee, and protect these "sweet" old ladies, often at the worst possible moments, while Mortimer tries to decide what to do about his strange family and the bodies in the house.

Arsenic and Old Lace is such a strong play, with so many hilarious moments, that it is not surprising that this is a staple of local theaters and high school drama groups. Much of the play involves sight gags, contretemps, and weird characters behaving outrageously. Careful delivery of lines and subtlety of gesture are far less important here than the high- speed action, over-the-top characterizations, and split second timing of entrances and exits. One of the funniest and most often performed plays of American theater, Arsenic and Old Lace is as delightful in the twenty-first century as it was when it was first performed in 1941. Mary Whipple

Often I have said my gender cannot write. Louisa is an exception. I bought her book because the ancient black madonna interests me very much. The famous gothic cathedral of Chartres in France is dedicated to her. In this book you see the veneration for the black madonna come to life. The author keeps you in suspense as the story line unfolds, and I find her style of developing the characters and plots very charming. She presents wisdom of life and humor, that made me laugh out loud. The reason I read is to be entertained, and I was truly entertained from start to finish. I even learned a thing or two.

My mother grew up in the area where this book takes place. I bought her this book, and she was said it was wonderful and brought back many memories. The sites mentioned are all real, and some of the people remind her of those she grew up with. If anyone is nostalgiac for that area and era, this is a must-read.

What a terrific group of people to "meet" and easily get to know. This story takes place in the row houses in Little Itlay in NY. The author does a great job of making the reader feel like part of the "family" of neighbors and tight-knit family. Reading this book was like sitting on the front stoop with these characters catching up on the neighborhood gossip. There are the old world Italians that are actually from Italy and this particular group stick with old customs and beliefs and don't wander to far from Little Italy. Then there are the young, new Italians born in Little Italy but tend to wander out of the neighborhood and meet new friends not from Little Italy or even Italian. We get to meet the overbearing, Italian mother of a son who has a hard time being independent or even wanting to be independent. This story made me laugh at times. I wouldn't call this a comedy, I'd call this a look at a different ethnic culture but also being able to recognize someone familiar. This was an excellent book and story with a lot of people to enjoy. A fun education of "the old ways".

I loved this book. I read it during a 20-hour bus ride, keeping my above-the-seat light on well into the night. Not so much to see what would happen (although you really don't know that until the last pages); more because I just wasn't ready to say good-night to the characters. This is the best part: Unlike many books I read, the ending was just as good as the beginning. I'll read more of her books.

"The Black Madonna" is loaded with stereotypes -- the overbearing Italian mama, the rich Jewish family; however, this book is so hysterical that political correctness must, thank God, go by the wayside. Filled with scenes of life in tenement housing in "the old neighborhood," Louisa Ermelino has written great atmosphere with colorful, memorable characters. There is no deep plot, just a delightful splash of life, love, religion, friendship, and aging.

Just as I feel about their first book, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this one too! Let's hope these true stories inspire others so be so kind. Enjoy.

Ginny's unique talents in locating sick and injured cats had rendered her numerous appearances in CNN, Animal Planet and major news. Her rescue stories were illustrated by two national best selling books: The Dog who Rescues Cats and the Blessing of the Animals. Ginny passed away on August 25th, 2005.



With the passing of Ginny, her unfinished mission of cat rescuing is continued by her caretaker Philip Gonzalez everyday. A non profit organization, The Ginny Fund, has been established to raise fund for cat rescuing in Long Beach New York.
For more information about Ginny, Pleas visit ginnyfanclub website.

Today's New York Daily News reported on the passing of Ginny, a/k/a the Mother Theresa of Cats, gone at the age of 17. She succumbed to old age yesterday afternoon on a blanket in Philip Gonzalez's care. As for Ginny's story, this is one of my favorite books. The stories are truly heartwarming and this book was a "gotta have it" purchase. Browsing the pet section in a local bookstore, I found this and it jogged my memory: Ginny's story was familiar to me due to a Reader's Digest article, but what happened next? This book captures all the tails...er, TALES, lol. I will definitely re-read this now. How could a dog love cats she doesn't live with? As a cat person, I've always been intrigued by this. How ironic that such incredible humanity could have come from one of god's furry creatures. Rest in peace, Ginny. Let us hope there are more of you in the world.

A continuation of a very sweet story. I have a few stray cats around my home and even though my inside cats aren't as willing to share as Ginny (LOL), I make sure to feed them and give them shelter. I highly recommend this book and also the one that came before it! (Not sure of the exact title).

I read this book in one afternoon and handed it off to my husband, who could not put it down. I relate to the author in one respect: after having animals all my life, I connected with one cat so profoundly that I have devoted my life and work to alleviating animal suffering and overcoming the devastating problem of pet overpopulation. It's bittersweet. I love animals with a depth that is so satisfying, and enjoy human and animal company more than I ever was able. But I am now so attuned to animal suffering (generally due to human neglect or abuse -- I'm not trying to fight the forces of nature) that it is difficult to focus on anything else. Just read this book. It feels so good!

I seldom reread a book; this book I have read twice and bought three copies to give away. I will read it again; the writing is so funny, so dazzling. The characters are so real, their stories so poignant. Jewish readers will especially love this book; we know these people though we have never met. I fell in love with Bummy Davis and when he died, I felt a loss. My gangster imagination loved reading about all the mob characters, though I am not a fan of violence or boxing for that matter. I read this book as my husband lay dying of cancer; it kept me uplifted during this difficult time. I loved that it was long and hated that it had to end. This is such a special book, and I haven't even mentioned the awesome research it must have taken to write it.

This book is a very satisfying trip down boxing's memory lane. Ron Ross resurrects here the color and drama of a very fascinating, tough NY prizefighter with a heart of gold--Bummy. Ross gives us in this welcomed work, devoted research, clearly a labor of love, and fine writing. Clearly, I see this book being optioned in Hollywood. Boxing translates to the screen in a big way and I see this book making a million bucks for some talented film maker.

The authur Ron Ross is at his best. I could not stop reading amd I recommended the book to all my sons.I lived in East New york during those days.Fascinating.
Harry Keller

Fantastic account of the life and career of Al 'Bummy' Davis, during the time of Mob rule in New York. Fascinating look into the ways and troubles of immigrant communities and their exploitation by gangsters.

Whether you are looking for a boxing or mafia book, this will do the job.

For anyone who loves a good story, written with wit, humor, and style, this book is for you. I couldn't put it down, and found something to chuckle about or a phrase to admire or an ironic comment I loved at least once on each page. I finished the book today (March 29, 2007)and did something I never did before (and I am 80 year's old). I noted from the book jacket that the author divides his time between Oceanside, LI and Boca Raton, Fl, and even though it is 4 years since the book was written and the author's name is a relatively common one, I called information for his Boca Raton number and took a chance that it was the right Ron Ross. I left a message that if this Ron Ross was an author, would he please call me, and I left my number. A few hours later I received a call from Mr. Ross and we had a delightful conversation for 10 minutes or so. For me to have taken the time to locate Mr. Ross and call him is an example that actions speak louder than words. Believe my action and go out and buy, read, enjoy, and love the book. It's cheap enough, and you'll thank me, and more so, will thank Ron Ross.

Ed Gold