New York Books

this is the best book i've ever read. amazing primer on the movie business. BUY IT!

I just finished this book, and Cliff Robertson is actually a very minor character. In fact, the subject of him being "blackballed" is barely mentioned. (It receives one paragraph in the Epilogue.) Robertson was the first person to suspect something was amiss at Columbia, but the book is actually about the power struggle between the President of Columbia, Alan Hirschfield, and the controlling interests of the shareholders, led primarily by Herbert Allen Jr. This is a long book, but it was so riveting that I found it difficult to put down. It is really well written, even if it does not paint any of the characters in a terribly sympathetic light. I can't help but think that if Hirschfield had shown more backbone in the beginning and stuck by his decision to fire the check-forger Begelman instead of caving in to Allen's demands, none of this epic battle would have happened.

This is not really a tale of embezzlement and disgrace - it is the store of power struggles between the Board of Directors for Columbia Studios, who were clearly had personal loyalty in their underlings as their top priority, and the CEO, Alan Hirschfield, trying to do what he needed to do to save the studio.

I don't have access to people at this level, so I appreciate the peeping-Tom aspect of viewing the thought processes and actions of people who normally hide behind lawyers, secretaries, and call-screeners.

The author obviously interviewed many many people to put this book together, and I appreciate how he reported on the media coverage, as well. I never really thought of how people manipulate the news as part of the story, but course it is.

The book is like a newspaper story in that it is filled with information, but the narrative reads like a novel - very easy to read. The author does a good job of developing story-lines, so we have a sense of completeness, and a sense of an overview, while also sprinkling the famous names and the glamour that makes Hollywood so compelling to people.

I've never understood why Hollywood turns out bad movies month after month, year after year, when it is so easy to tell from the beginning that a movie is going to be awful. Why make awful movies?

This book doesn't directly address that issue, but it shows how irresponsible and irrational the leading powers that control Hollywood on both coasts are, and how corrupt the whole system is. It's obvious that normal things like making a good product become irrelevent to their attention span.

I guess it's not really corruption, if everyone knows it's happening, and it's just a way of getting things done.

My only complaint is that I wish I had more of a reality on the Board Directors. Their actions seem so irrational, but I'm sure it's because they were not forthcoming in their interviews, and did not take the opportunity to express their points of view. People at that level are notorious for avoiding the press, so it is not surprising.

I bought this book when it first came out and have reread it every year or so. Tends to be a bit long and sometimes slow, but it's great. Buy a used copy, or check at the library.

Being from the Washington D.C. area I kept constantly asking why someone didn't leak this to the press and blow the whole compiristy.

The only comparable book is "The Great Salad Oil Swindle"

David Begelman, powerful head of a studio thinks he is above the law, until an actor by the name of Cliff Robertson exposes him. This book is a well written tale of immorality in a town known for it's lack of scruples. Hollywood insiders should not be surprised at this tale, but I was. The check Begelman forged was for a small amount. The man made more than that in a month. The book exposes the reasons why a man who had it all, would choose to commit such a crime and fall from grace. I was quite disappointed by Robertson's treatment by Hollywood's hierarchy when he was the victim, not Begelman. But it proves just how far studios will go to protect the bottom line. I read this book when it was first published years ago and I'm reading it again. The list of books I will read more than once is a short one. I highly recommend it.

Sparse language in a surreal world. This book will make you ponder about what is real, what is perceived and what is in-between.

I discovered this book in the library. I read the first few pages and was captivated. Christopher Priest will introduce you to an impossible world - and make you believe it.

Years later, the book was out of print. I searched the internet to find a copy. When I got it, the book did not let me down, though I already knew its secrets.

Probably the finest sci-fi book I have ever read.

Hey you guys that loved Ringworld, Dragon's Egg or A Mission of Gravity, you will be HOOKED by this one! A REALLY original alternative world, VERY nicely hidden under a bulk of myth and a secretive guild system. Sociology - B+; Mathematics - A; Physics - B. The ending is the only minor flaw, but after all the real thinking starts after reading...

I was looking for The Glamour and noticed unfortunately that most of Priest's books are out of print...how sad, as most are truly original. I then noted that The Inverted World had only been reviewed 4 times and wanted to add my thoughts. READ IT. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Imagine an encapsulated city trying to survive in a strange world where mysterious "optimum" is moving and the city has to keep moving on it's tracks trying to reach it. Every natural obstacle in this unfriendly environment has to be solved and the city has to keep moving or else... People in the city refer to the landscapes ahead as "the future" and to the landscapes behind as "the past." Everybody is working hard, for the optimum must be followed at any price... Is the ending of the book (which is one of the best endings in SF) going to reveal the real truth? What is the real truth anyway? The one you perceive? Or the other one, the one you can't see...

I bought this for my daughter's birthday. We are having a Jenny Linsky party with everything from a JL cake to invites to party favors. This book will be one of her presents, along with a knitted red scarf with six pom poms of course.

It is a delightful story about Jenny's friends giving her a birthday party in the park. It is a tad steep for a 32 page book, but it does have adorable illustrations. Most of the other books are packed with more story, but this one has lots of full color illustrations (not all are color though) rather then black and white. Great for your cat loving kid.

Don't miss the other books in the series either. Boys will enjoy the book "Pickles the Firecat" about a boy cat who wants to do "big things." Classic story, classic drawings, and to a boys delight, FIRETRUCKS.

My daughter loves cats so I got this to give her for her 6th birthday. The characters in it are a hoot.

Another sweet story involving that shy, black kitty named Jenny Linsky. I can't imagine a little kid not loving this story and wanting to read it again and again.

I was delighted to find these books again. For years I have been searching for the books about the little black cat, Jenny.

Recently, I was at Books of Wonder and was jokingly testing the salesperson's knowledge. She knew! I couldn't believe it.

These books were a pleasure to me as a child and spurred my love of reading. I intend to buy all of them for my daughter.

Well Oct. Is not only my Fav. month.
Buuut also my friend Jenny J.J.I.'s
Birthday! For those of you who know
Mrs. Fab. She is really GREAT! She is
a New Yawker and a loving wife/mother.
She gives WONDERFUL reviews on all
sorts of books and film with her
own,own....pizazz! So Jenny girl
from the bottom of my heart hope
you and your family are enjoying Friday!
Stay who you are and never change!
Your friend Clint!
By the way Jennys Birthday book
is a fantastic read for youngsters!
Thank you.
p.s. Oct. 5th what a SPECIAL day. I remember when
I turned 23 yrs.old Take care J.J.I.

Early '80s new York (specifically Queens) is the setting for this loose novel following a 12-year-old Korean-American over the course of two days as he roams the 'hood with his little brother, and two friends. It seems someone broke into his apartment and stole his Atari 2600 and 40+ cartridges, and he aims to find out who. Well, sort of... he actually seems rather resigned to his loss until his friend's continual irritating prodding provokes him into finding someone to blame. All of which makes the book sound a lot more plotted than it is.

The framework is basically picaresque, as Peter, his introverted little brother Steven, the incredibly obnoxious Fatty, and quiet Africa, rove the neighborhood getting in fights, shoplifting, pranking their super, and generally being kids. Along the way, their home lives flicker into view -- and the general sense is of outsiders trying to find their own identity. Steeped in the New York streets, these kids are all about stickball, b-boying, and proving how tough they are. But as busy as they are assimilating the culture of others (for example their little clique is called "The Warriors", after the seminal film), they are perfectly happy to spew racial slurs about blacks, Hispanics, and other Asians. Paradoxically, Peter is utterly contemptuous of his own Korean community, and this self-loathing is reminiscent of much immigrant fiction.

Over the course of the book Peter's anger at himself, his parents, and the world grows less and less interesting, even as it escalates. Peter and Fatty rat-a-tat insults in authentic early-'80s lingo for 180 pages, and yes, it can get pretty funny, but the shtick also gets repetitive. The book does a good job of capturing the foolishness of youth and the heightened sense of frustration adolescence can generate, but it never leads anywhere interesting or unexpected.

Park has done it again. Las Cucarachas is a modern urban masterpiece. From the very first line, his reader is blown away by highly stylized writing and is transported into the mind and world of a 12-year-old boy from Queens. It is amazing that in a book where almost nothing happens it seems that everything happens. Park's voice is incredible and uncomparable to any other writer. This is a wonderful read that has the ablility to pull you in and make you remember what it felt like to be a kid.

LAS CUCARACHAS BROUGHT BACK WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF BEING A KID IN NEW YORK CITY. I REMEMBER BEING YOUNG AND HAVING A SUMMER HOUSE ON LONG ISLAND. THE KID'S IN THAT AREA WOULD WHISPER ABOUT HOW MY FAMILY AND MYSELF WERE FROM "THE CITY." THEY'D ASK QUESTIONS LIKE, "DO YOU RIDE THE SUBWAY?" "DO YOU GET MUGGED FOR YOUR JEWELRY?" "ARE YOUR FRIENDS BLACK PEOPLE? LAS CUCARACHAS TOUCHES ON WONDERFUL IDEAS ABOUT A PLACE THAT USED TO BE HOME. ALSO IT RECALLS THOSE ADOLESCENT ISSUES THAT MADE US WHO WE ARE TODAY. THAT FIRST BEST FRIEND WHO BECAME YOUR FIRST ENEMY JUST SIX MONTHS LATER. OR WHEN THE STREET GETS HOLD OF YOUR FAMILY PROBLEMS AND COLDLY AND INSENSITIVELY THROWS THE CONVERSATION AROUND LIKE YOU'RE NOT IN THE ROOM.
CHARACTERS LIKE FATTY ARE TO NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND PETER WHO WE HAVE ALL BEEN AND STILL ARE INSIDE. IT IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LAUGH, RELATE AND REMEMBER.

Although I probably read more than the average person, I've never written a review before and in fact I avoid reading them in general, particularly before picking up the book or seeing the movie upon which a review is based. I just finished 2 of this author's books, "Las Cucarachas" and "Boy Genius," and out of curiosity I decided to read what others had to say. Interestingly, many of the reviewers take time comparing this book to other books. I'm going to frankly describe what I myself thought rather than make these comparisons.

First of all, both of this author's books are worth reading, and they should be read as a pair. I would recommend reading "Las Cucarachas" and then "Boy Genius," in that order. I was born and raised in New York City, and I'm from approximately the same generation as the main character in "Las Cucarachas;" to me it's incredible how well the author brings to life what my own childhood was like, growing up and hanging out in the streets of New York- not desperately poor, but poor enough so that the kids from what was called the "middle class" seemed rich by comparison, and were luckier than any of them ever seemed able to see. It's as though the author lived this NYC childhood, with all its obstacles, frustrations and pains, freeze dried it, moved on in his own life, and then went back to it and set it down exactly, precisely, missing nothing, not a single thought, feeling, experience or idea. You read "Las Cucarachas" and you experience the raw, real life of a tough, smart street kid in a big city where money is everything- absolutely, totally everything- and where the kid knows that it's not that society wants him to fail; rather, society is so completely and profoundly indifferent that it can't even be bothered to have an interest in his success or failure either way. Nobody from any middle or upper class background can ever truly know the alienation this situation creates, but by reading "Las Cucarachas" they can sure get a good goddamn taste of it. "Las Cucarachas" is the story of a boy that's forced to gear everything around slickness and toughness, and who's trying to make something happen against impossible odds and what seems like an endless stream of jerks and idiots holding him back and getting in his way. When I finished reading "Las Cucarachas" I felt a strange urge to contact the author, congratulate him for making it through, and thank him for creating such an honest, vivid, and truly touching testimonial to youth.

"Boy Genius" should be read after "Las Cucarachas;" in fact it's remarkable to me that "Boy Genius" was actually written by the same author. "Boy Genius" is so completely different, and not just the subject matter, but the whole style of the book as well. "Las Cucarachas" is raw and gritty; "Boy Genius" begins right off the bat with fantastic events that continue unfolding throughout. The narrator in "Boy Genius" gets you to suspend your disbelief so completely that I myself often looked up from the book while reading and felt an embarrassed smile on my face, as though realizing once again that I was the victim of this author's ongoing, intelligent, playful mischief. Bringing this together- the surreal storyline, the narrator's ever present, eccentric, hilarious and intelligent take on things- and you've got a book, "Boy Genius," that once again is not only wonderful, honest and real, but that's also simply enjoyable to read... and that's something that's important to me for any book that I pick up! I'm still a New Yorker, and I know I've got a book I love when I can take that book onto a crowded train during rush hour on my way to work- and lose myself in it totally and completely, in spite of the fact that I'm being jostled and crushed by stressed and impatient New Yorkers who'd prefer I put the book away, hold onto the handrail and stare at the ceilings and walls like everyone else. Both of the books written by this author passed my test, and I enjoyed both of them enough to not only recommend them and pass them on (I've lent out both of my copies) but also, to look forward to reading the author's next book too.

Very rarely can an author capture the range of emotions and epiphanies a normal human being can go through, let alone a child, without becoming verbose and oversentimental. Peter Kim and his gang, the Warriors, live in a tough part of Queens and are bound to each other not by some heart-warming tie of friendship but simply as a means of survival. Does Peter like Fatty, the crass and selfish pathological liar of the bunch? Does he even like his own weakling of a brother Steven?
Ask yourself the same questions about your gang, your family, and your identity and you'll start to scratch the surface of what Mr. Park is able to accomplish in his delightfully brief but infinitely insightful second novel. Especially for those of us who grew up in America as sons and daughters of the lesser represented immigrant community (i.e. Asian, South-Asians, or Arab), the author is able to take the cliche, 'on the outside looking in' and chapter by chapter, peel off the coexisting, but conflicting emotions of community pride versus the self-loathing one feels for being identified with that community; the emotional attachment of family that is continually tested by the faults and shortcomings of those providing for it. Peter's Dad is useless, he lost his store and he is increasingly slothful in Peter's eyes. Yet amidst this pathos, Peter and his buddies accept their respective harsh realites, even embrace them at times, ultimately giving all those who stand responsible for their plight the proverbial finger. Is it fair? No. But does it feel good? Yes. And who doesn't like feeling good? Las Cucarachas reminds us that no matter who's responsible for our misfortunes, whoever stole Peter Kim's Atari, whoever smashed up my bumper in that parking lot and didn't leave thier info, whoever..well you get the point. Yongsoo, thank you for telling it like it is. People, hear this man. Long live the Warriors.
Kesav

This is a book I will take with me whenever I visit our grandson. It has everything! I can read to him, do activities with him, cook with him, and as a result of this book, I'm sure he will look forward to our visits. Thanks you, Lena Tabori and Alice Wong, for putting this book together.

This book along with a companion book were purchased as a gift for my wife. She was very pleased with them, so naturally was I. These were not to be found locally. Thank you for your operations and we hope to use your services again soon.
N. Sharp

Beautiful illustrations! This book will be used a lot with the upcoming birth of my grandson. Wonderful stories...full of great ideas.

After buying the Little Big Book for Moms for my daughter in law, I discovered the Grandmothers version. I treated myself and I just love it. I've tried several of the recipes- home made bread and honey glazed chicken wings to name two. They were delicious! There are also bunches of crafts, nursery stories, some with Grandmother theme, songs and games. I have a seven month old as well as 18 year old granddaughters. There are good things to share with both.

I gave this book to a friend who is a first time grandmother. It is a unique and different gift that she and her grandson will enjoy for years to come. She was excited about the songs and stories included in the book that she remembered as a child and can now share with her new family member.

Scott Stein successfully brought the absurd intricacies of the city to the page. In Jeremy Keller, he explores the American dreamer, but one that does not lose himself in the wave of numbing habit, but instead finds the strength to be content with the difficult reality of relative nonexistence. The elements of a man's life that shake and mold him are all woven into Jeremy's story. They are given a subtle humorous twist at each step, and make this one of the funniest books that I have read on the level of "Catch 22". However, beyond the exciting style and the unique insight, "Lost" has a message that must be extracted and not forgotten. It is a serious novel on man's absurdity first, and a fast-flowing satire about the lost city residents second. I enjoyed Scott Stein's work immensely, and recommend it to everyone.

This is really a well-written novel, a satire of sorts. Its a fun read and delivers powerful messages if you look beneath the surface. Its at its core a powerful representation of the human condition through the eyes of a naive narrator in New York city. Jeremy, the narrator, is on a quest for fame and glory, to become a recognized hero. A search that results from the feelings of insignificance that we all face.

I definately recommend this book and its message. I actually read this book while taking Scott Stein's course in Drexel University. He is a great teacher and a very creative writer. Also, if you enjoy this book, or would prefer to read essays and short stories, I recommend the compilation "When Falls the Coliseum". Its a compilation of modern short works (many of which are by Scott Stein) on the problems society faces. It is also available here on amazon and is worth the time and money!

Quite simply, I loved this book. Scott Stein has an amazing talent and I look forward to reading his next novel.

Unlike most writers, Scott Stein takes the time to develop his characters. He does not use stereotypes and other cliches. Instead Mr. Stein uses unique details and his command of the written word to bring a sense of realism to Jeremy Keller and the other characters in "Lost."

Mr Stein respects his audience. Instead of force-fed, over-the-top comedy, he use his subtle sense of humor to tell us this story. It is very easy for a young writer to fall into the trap of going overboard. Writers who do this lose their identity and become machines producing drivel for the masses. Scott Stein is truly an artist. He takes the time to create a work of art and not just a novel.

If you do not read this book, you are missing out on an experience that will not only entertain you but will teach you how a good writer writes. Mr. Stein should be proud of his art and his ability.

I have been a fan of Mr. Stein's work from his essays, humor, and commentary on his website... Although his book is advertised on the site, I was reluctant to buy it without reading any reviews beforehand. Intrigued by the advance praise it has received, I decided to buy it anyway. The book blew me away on all counts. First, this book is damned funny. I laughed out loud in many places, and drew stares from people riding on the bus with me as I went to work. His wit is sharp and truthful. Second, his prose is muscular, swift, the narrative pushing the story forward without calling attention to itself. But what blew me away the most was the story itself. Despite some hilarious scenes, there's a palpable menace lurking just below the surface in Mr Stein's tale. He manages to excavate and reveal the subterranean underpinnings of life in the late twentieth century without anger, self-righteousness, sentimentality, or cynicism. LOST provided me, a voracious reader, a splash of cold reality that sets him apart from most of the books I've read in a long time. This book is hysterical, unsettling, and, in an odd way, comforting. It will write itself into you. Buy this book. You won't regret it.

What struck me most about this book, beyond its deadpan and sharp wit, is that upon having finished it, I realized how much was said "between the lines", as the saying goes - brilliant omissions, implied strongly and otherwise, serve to produce some of the funniest undertones I have ever read, or, more accurately, not read. This is to say that Scott Stein, while never making it obvious, serves up a wicked economy of words which keeps this fast-paced novel twisting, turning, and intelligent. The reader's intelligence is never insulted.

At the same time, this economy of words (as well as to-the-point, unembellished narrative) makes the experience of travelling with the protagonist, Jeremy Keller, through his strange and ridiculous adventure, surprisingly deep and rewarding.

One of the other reviews here said you'll never put the book down. I have to disagree, since I did actually put it down when I finished it. However, I picked it up again later to go back and reread a few favorite parts.

Read it and be prepared to laugh out loud. Unless you don't like that kind of thing.

Joyce Mendelsohn gives an excellent walking tour of the Lower East Side pointing out landmarks with interesting facts and accurate accounts of the rich history here. Anyone who lives on the Lower East Side or whose relatives came from the Lower East Side should read this book complete with period and modern photographs. I loved it.

Even if you can't visit the bakeries and restaurants of the Lower East Side (and you should) you can enjoy the ethnic flavors by reading Joyce Mendelsohn's book. Like the best historians, she tells stories of the past from a present-day perspective. New York is a city of remakes, architectural and cultural--Mendelsohn combines both. As a former History teacher, I recommend it for a good read.

Whether you live in New York City and want to understand how to synchronize your life with the city's rhythm, or you are just a visitor eager to taste both the past and the present of one of America's most vibrant neigborhoods-the Lower East Side-this book is an excellent companion.

I found this book to be an incredible resource for me, in my wanderings around the City. From the history of the African burial grounds to finding the best doughnuts, this is a great book. I read most of it from my couch, but then took it with me when I went looking for Napoleon Le Brun firehouses. The details of the history are among the best I've seen published.

This is an essential book for anyone who lives in or plans to visit New York City. The first 22 pages give a succinct but by no means shallow history of immigration to New York, beginning with the earliest slaves arriving in New Amsterdam in 1626 to the latest arrivals of Hispanics and Asians in the later years of the 20th century. The remainder of the book consists of four self-guided walking tours, each approximately 2 hours long, through 4 different neighborhoods of the Lower East Side. The description of each tour begins with directions for arriving at the starting point by public transportation--a helpful bit of information. Among the various sites on the tour are the birthplace of Eddie Cantor, the first municipal-built playground in the U.S., the place where Arthur Murry took his first dance steps, the library that Leon Trostsky used when he lived in NY in 1917, and the Wah Mei Bird Garden, where caged Asian song thrushes fill the morning air with song. The book is small enough to carry around easily. The index is especially good. The photographs, new and old, give a sense of the city both today and yesterday. This is a friendly book.

This author has written many TV top-notched scripts for Emmy award shows.
This was a true story on his life growing up and it was insightful and entertaining. If you like to read, you will like this one!!

Excellent. Easy reading with obvious research and facts that made the book even more entertaining.

This book is a non-stop read for those who think they know New York City but have a lot to learn about the reality of life for kids on the wrong side of the tracks. Vincent writes from the perspective of being there, with a fondness for detail and language that is so vivid you really think you are hanging out with one of them. Not to be missed by the serious student of the urban scene.

Vincent does a nice job of tying his characters in with gangsters that really existed. The story is an unlikely one where Vinny the leader of his local gang also befriends a Jewish boy next store and starts going to the library with him. One never gets the sense of a real friendship, or that Sidney is really a member of his crew. Their relationship doesn't really need to exist for the story Vincent is telling. How many mobsters are in to reading? Vincent a few times tries to keep the suspense by telling the reader that an event would change the rest of my life, or the summer, or whatever. Then he never gets there on the subject. The treachery is typical Mafia stuff, and the violence is restrained for these type of people. Vinny and his father are just pawns in the power struggle between Costello and Genovese as this story is set in that era. A decent read for ganster story fans.

Chances are that if you've turned on a television set during prime time in the last three decades you have encountered the work of E. Duke Vincent. Vincent has been involved in the creation and/or production of television series ranging from "Dynasty" and "Vegas" to "Melrose Place" and "Charmed," among others. MAFIA SUMMER is his first attempt at a novel, but he brings to it the same assured and steady hand that has made so many television shows with which he has been involved compulsory and compulsive viewing.

While ostensibly a work of historical fiction, there is so much that rings true to life here that it has more of a biographical feel to it than a work of the imagination. Indeed, Vincent notes in his acknowledgments that this is a story that he has been turning over in his mind for some 40 years. If Vincent was not a participant to at least some of the events in MAFIA SUMMER, he was no doubt a close observer; the narrative's main strength is that it puts the reader in that position as well.

The events in MAFIA SUMMER take place over the course of a week at the end of August 1950. New York City is caught in a heat wave, which serves as a metaphorical backdrop for the Five Families of the New York City underworld, the members of which are the subject of Federal scrutiny that came to be known as the Kefauver hearings. 18-year-old Vinny Vesta, the son of Mangano family caporegime Dino Vesta, himself has a street gang that is on the bottom tier of the gangland hierarchy. The Vesta family maintains a low profile, living in a modest Hell's Kitchen apartment during the week as a front while spending their weekends at a luxurious farm outside the city. Vinny's gang, known as the Icemen, is an interesting set of individuals, each with their own particular and peculiar talents that are applied to legitimate purposes and otherwise. Their specialty involves heists to order, if you will, and they are quite good at spotting and evaluating situations that present merchandise ripe for the taking, either on their own or on a referral basis.

Two occurrences, however, are to provide a catalyst that will change Vinny's life forever. The first is his meeting with, and befriending of, Sidney Butcher, a sickly but booksmart Jewish boy whose family has just moved into an apartment across the hall from Vinny. Vinny introduces Sidney to life on the streets, providing Sidney with an excitement and friendship that previously had been denied to him. But the introductions aren't all one-way. Too ill to attend school regularly, Sidney has been teaching himself at the New York City library. While Vinny is at first dragged reluctantly into the stacks, he quickly becomes enchanted with the works of the Renaissance painters, as well as the world of John Steinbeck and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Vinny slowly comes to realize that there is a better place, perhaps a better way, beyond the crime-ridden streets that have become the locus of his life.

Meanwhile, a second event is brewing that will have an effect on Vinny and will resonate far beyond its conclusion. Gee-gee Petrone, an ambitious capo in the Luciano crime family, hires Vinny to steal 40 cases of sable pelts from a storage depot. The police though are seemingly tipped off to the job in advance, and almost catch the Icemen in the act. When Petrone insists that the order nonetheless be filled, Vinny and his father come to realize that Petrone is setting them up in an ambitious power-grabbing scheme that will advance Petrone and his mentor, a wily underboss named Vito Genovese. When a rival gang begins gunning not only for Vinny but also for Sidney, the level of danger reaches a new high for both Vinny and his father, who is interjecting himself into the action. Vincent builds his story slowly but deliberately to an apocalyptic ending that will leave everyone involved changed forever.

Vincent possesses that rare ability to make his characters come alive; indeed, each of the individuals involved in MAFIA SUMMER is memorable in his own way. And while much of the action is grim, Vincent nicely balances the action with some humor and even a few touching moments of friendship. Combining the best elements of "The Sopranos" and CATCHER IN THE RYE, MAFIA SUMMER may well be the surprise book of this summer.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

the first
a visual street photography book of new york city
my winnogrand's work set the standard
this is a great coffee table book

I recently took a class in street photography at New York's ICP and Winogrand's work is something I could never even hope to approach. Some of his images are startling, you feel like the crowd is STILL headed right at you and that you must somehow get out of the way. He was fearless in the street and this collection proves it.

Gary Winogrand was the type of photographer who had a very itchy camera trigger finger. When he died he left behind around 10,000 rolls of undeveloped film. If it moved he photographed it. Did he shoot so many good pictures simply because he took such an unbelievably large number of them, i.e. if you take a million shots aren't you bound statistically to get at least a thousand good ones? Good question, yet GW is one of my favorite people. If you like street photography with insight and humor he is almost unbeatable. These are candid portraits that catch people gawking, staring, laughing, having fun, showing pain, and often being oblivious to everything around them. Gary was not shy; he thrust his camera right into people's faces, and caught them in off guard moments. A man crawls along a sidewalk unnoticed by a group of American Legionnaires. Another man walks nude through a crowd without attracting much attention at all. Another man walks through a crowd carrying an immense poster of the Beatles. Why is he doing this; where is he going? A man with a bandaged nose stares strangely at his female passenger as he drives along. Is he angry with her or is he perhaps lusting after her. You decide.

It takes you forever to get through this book as you sit and look at each picture for a long, long time. How revealing are the faces, the postures, and the gestures; each shot prompts you to weave a story around the captured event. Winogrand seems to be made up of equal portions of Elliott Erwitt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Diane Arbus, and Andre Kertesz (if you are unfamiliar with any of these folks, and you like Winogrand, you had better check them out). The saddest thing is that almost all of Winogrand's books are out of print. This is a breathtaking collection of his work.

As far as I know, this is the only in-print book of Winogrand's photography available. For me, relatively young and new to photography, I am thankful for the opportunity to see some of his photos. They are a revelation. Even a cursory first glance through the book, I was struck at the complexity of the scenes photographed. These photos speak volumes, though I'm not sure what it is they say. In fact, the attraction of these photos lie in their mystery. Repeat viewings will reveal more nuances...so many layers emerge that interpretations will get lost in themselves. Well, that is TRUTH.

Regretfully, the printing quality of this book stinks. The duotone curve they used for this book is all messed up. Many photos end up looking like sepia prints rather than a black and white print. There are few pure, deep, dark blacks in the book. Instead you get this black-brown color which is really ugly and does a disservice to GW's work. True, Winogrand himself said "anyone who can print a photo can print my work" downplaying the importance of the printing process. And while the poor reproductions in this book does not take away from the strength of the photos, I still find it annoying and most of all...UGLY. All I can hope for is another book of Winogrand's work to be published. With all his millions of negatives, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

This book is worth reading by every person loving cities, not just photograph-lovers. A book so real, you feel you are walking through a cith while flipping the pages!

I loved this book. One of my favorite aspects is how emotionally human and vulnerable Sterry makes the beefcake sex symbol men, men who look so physically invulnerable. Prince Charming I find especially poignant. Even though I had wondered for a while whether Nick was gay, it still comes as a nice shock when the narrator and Johnny discover Nick's gay porn collection (nice touch that it's under tax returns). The romance with Johnny I find sweet and innocent, a nice contrast to the seedy surroundings. It brings to the surface an interesting fact--that beneath showbiz glamour everyone just wants to be safe and loved, and the Chippendales people were trying to mask that fact with sex, drugs, and big muscles. ROLLERSKATES makes clear how flimsy their mask really was while also describing that mask to the fullest vicarious extent. I find it fascinating that Nick de Noia established his company as a place for women to come and let loose, which is precisely what he would never let himself do. I see him as a sad, trapped person as well as a power-hungry tyrant. Sterry humanizes the Chippendales experience while simultaneously showing its faked, raunchy veneer. Each chapter of ROLLERSKATES had me flipping to the next one.
Sterry's unflinching honesty makes the reader trust his narrative perspective completely. I find the part where Johnny has the abortion and Sterry goes to the prostitute searing, sad, and brave to share. What a raw portrayal of how someone lashes out when they are in emotional agony. It seems like a concentration of one of the main themes of the book--that people run from pain they can't control and seek refuge in extreme pleasure. The book is glitzy yet deep. Highly recommended.

Just finished and I thought it was faaaaaaaaaabulous!

Favorite Line: But apparently he's too stupid to understand that, I, the Ugliest Man at Chippendales, am more important to the show than he, the second prettiest.

Favorite Character Description: Nick sees himself as equal parts Julius Caesar, P.T.Barnum, the Marquis de Sade,and Bob Fosse.

Favorite Object Description: An empty pizza box looks like a toothless empty mouth.

Favorite Chapter: The Saddest Girl in the World

Favorite Irony: Chippendales has been replaced by a Bed, Bath and Beyond.

I felt the characters were all well drafted from Nick de Noia to Fingernails with no please in her please. The story was completely engaging. I read the book in three days.

Inflation is a marvelous things. Human beings pumped to the max is a wonder to behold. In their glory days, the Chippendales jacked up the heat to unimaginable throbs. Nostrils bursting with cocaine, muscles ripped with flavor,the private parts elevated altars of glory. One day, we will run out of oil but we'll never run out of lust. Sterry's book is a catapult into the majesty of an era where lust was worshiped. It's a meteoric shower of brilliance. Baby, this book shines. Memoir at its best.

My favorite scene from this book involves a woman who asks one of the Chippendale dancers if she can snort a line of cocaine off his erection. In that one moment, Sterry perfectly sums up this era in the timeline of America. He had the ultimate front row seat in this fantasy world where women - at least for a few hours - were allowed to be as base as men. It's a true story that makes Sex and the City look like an episode of Barney.
---Kemble Scott, author of SOMA

"Master of Ceremonies" is the dizzying, tender, and true story of a fledgling actor whose first break results in a two-year stint as the emcee at Chippendales, in this work that is resplendent with seedy glamour, hilarious backstage madness, and unflinching honesty. Sterry chronicles his adventures as a struggling comic after he is hired as the host of the popular all-male strip show Chippendales in the early Eighties. He more than delivers on the promise of his title, and readers looking for sex, drugs, and New York-style debauchery will find it in spades. There is a tabloid-level sleaziness inherent in the material, which Sterry utilizes for maximum entertainment value. He avoids providing direct sociological commentary on the sexual power dynamics at play in Chippendales, preferring to let events speak for themselves. There are two underlying love stories, one between Sterry and a coworker, and one between Sterry and his craft; both enrich the narrative with genuine heart. Sterry possesses an engaging writing style, and fans of his earlier memoir, Chicken: Self-Portrait of a Young Man for Rent, will not be disappointed. Recommended for large public library collections and cultural and media studies collections.- Katherine Litwin, Chicago Library Journal (07/15/2008)