New York Books

My husband and I just love these Jenny Linsky stories, and we have no kids! We had never heard of Jenny Linsky until my husband brought home a very badly beaten up copy of it from the dump of all places. We are now HUGE fans and plan on collecting all of Jenny's charming stories.

We are purchasing this series one at a time for our daughter, who is also named Jenny. She is eating them up! The stories are simple and sweet, but include lots of old-fashioned adventure, just perfect for young kids. We own several titles now and I have not been disappointed by any of them. Charming illustrations and great stories makes for a perfect combination! I recommend this series highly. Probably up to a fourth grade reading level.

My daughters love the Jenny Linsky cat books. All of the drawings are extremely charming and the writing is so fluid that my nine-year-old reads them to her younger sister.

I picked up a Jenny and the cat Club book at a yard sale in the late 1970's. It quickly became my favorite book, and I still have it today. I tried to collect other Jenny books over the years, but they are hard to find in good condition - and expensive - so I was happy to see them all republished in hardcover! My collection grows!!

These books are wonderful - hope you will buy one for your kids - or yourself! :)

I thought this story would be far fetched being that Jenny goes to a "camp." But she actually goes to a kennel and it made more sense to me (talking cats, cat who drives--perfectly normal to me). Nonetheless, the story keeps in balance with the rest of Averill's series. My five year old truly enjoys this series. He loves cats and enjoys the fun adventures Jenny the cat experiences.

A wonderful collection. Full, beautifully presented, with interesting narrative incorporating Nevelson's personal history with that of her creations. Prints - some color as well as black and white - are lusciously entwined with the essays.
A MUST HAVE volume for all art lovers.

The review from "Publishers Weekly" is not just hype but rather an excellent summation of this gem. Though another reviewer wished for more close-ups of Nevelson's sculptures, I was pleased with their number and really don't think more would have added much. I was also pleasantly surprised to find good coverage of Nevelson's etchings and metal sculptures. And it is always an added bonus when the text is well-written and insightful. All in all, THE SCULPTURE OF LOUISE NEVELSON: CONSTRUCTING A LEGEND is a must-have book for those interested in both the person and her oevre.

An excellent book on an extrordinary artist. There are not many books available on Louise Nevelson so this one is the most important. It has extensive examples of her work over her whole career. It is beautifully printed and finely bound.

Nevelson's work, as I had seen it in books and other photos, never really impressed me. Then I saw a show of her work, for which this book is catalog - what a difference.

Size matters - I knew that intellectually, but standing in front of these imposing works creates a subjective experience that no photo can capture. Walking around them changes perspective, too, giving a sense like one of those Zen gardens where no point of view presents all of the work's features. Then, at least in the "black" works, there's an odd paradox. If the works had been perfectly, 100% black and non-reflective, then there would have been nothing to see. Only the fact that they're not truly black exposes their mystery.

The static museum display, even more than the book's photos, left me knowing that I had missed at least two aspects of these majestic works. First, their depth and structure only half-defines the shadows deep inside these works. The other half of the shadow's definition comes from the light - a constant in the museum gallery, freezing the shadows like insects in amber, whereas natural lighting would change throughout the day and let the shifting shadows come to life. Second, some of the installations seemed incomplete. Oh, the pieces of Dawn's Wedding Chapel were all there and presented well, but I felt that there must have been some original placement of the pieces that would define the interior of the chapel - the pieces' placement in the display that I saw lacked the consistent logic that I expected of Nevelson.

More than just a catalog of the Nevelson show, this book provides insight into her origins, life, and career. Almost as much as Salvador Dali, Nevelson might well have been Nevelson's greatest creation - once success allowed it, her extravagant clothes, mask-like makeup, and signature scarf on her head worked together to create a unique persona. Beneath that, we still see the remarkable person and her groundbreaking work.

-- wiredweird

Just when I was interested in learning more about Louise Nevelson this very fine book appears in publication. The quality photographs show all facets of her career and the writings reflect in-depth scholarship. Some more detail views of the sculptures would have been nice also, like those on the front and back cover. This fresh and thorough book is the kind that gives great artists the continuing attention they deserve. Like her contemporary Georgia O'Keeffe, Nevelson was a truly unique American woman artist.

Well written, faith-filled, hopeful and rich in insights. A short read, but most worthwhile.

Fr. James Martin offers up a rare spiritual gem for those seeking an honest and simple account of the recovery effort. He offesr the simple yet profound story of one Jesuit priest's efforts to minister amidst the chaos at the WTC site. Highly recommended as the book to buy for anyone who wants to rememeber and reflect on this tragic day as we approach the fifth year anniversary of 9-11.

For the most part, Jim Martin was just like any other American on September 11th--desperate to do "something." But he had what most of us don't--a Roman collar and the knowledge that God's word would be needed the most in that place of unparallelled evil. A policeman escorts him to Ground Zero, and Father Martin is sure he has entered hell.

Frightened by the carnage around him, Father Martin struggles to minister to the firefighters, cops and paramedics frantically digging by hand to reach buddies and strangers alike. But in the end he finds that he does not need to reveal God to these heartbroken rescuers--instead, God's grace is revealed to the world by their tireless sacrifice.

Father Martin gives us a glimpse into the unseen world of Ground Zero in the weeks following the September 11th attacks--it is a story of horror and, surprisingly, of hope and grace. For anyone whose faith was sorely tested by September 11th (and whose wasn't?), this book offers inspiration and solace.

Father Martin describes the events of the World Trade Center tragedy of 9/11 in gently vivid, reader-kind prose. I felt I had a true, but down-to-earth description of how it must have been to have actually been on site following this terrible disaster, but without all the "must-sell" hype of news writers and television broadcasters. The scene described by Fr. Martin was descriptive without being gory or graphic. The whole experience of reading about the tragedy and its heros through the author's "eyes" was as a prayer. I want to give this book to all my friends and family, and recommend it highly. cbm/Atlanta, GA

As Sister Helen Prejean said on the back jacket, this is not just another 9/11 book. It is much more than that. Father Martin speaks of course about the heroism and charity of the rescue workers at the World Trade Center, but with this book he also gives the reader a profound meditation on the way that God can work during times of suffering. It is a deeply moving (and beautifully written) book.

Mostly biographical and great pictures with some very subtle commentaries on Kashmir Shaivism and tantra.

This book is a breath of fresh air in today's world of yoga and spirituality. It is unusual to read from a teacher who has not only gained intellectual understanding of a particular system, but has also experienced the reality of its practices.

The first chapter 'Fifteen Verses of Wisdom' went straight over my head, which shows I still lack understanding in this area. The chapter 'Talks on Practice' reveals the mechanics of meditation according to the system of Kashmir Shaivism. I found it clear and insightful. This was balanced by the chapter 'Talks on Discipline' which shows that Lakshmanjoo has the integrity to give clear guidelines to the spiritual aspirant on how one should conduct oneself on the spiritual path.

Finally in his last chapter 'The Secret Knowledge of Kundalini' Swami Lakshmanjoo gives real insight into the mechanics of the mysterious subject of kundalini. To date I have found other material on this subject to be rather nebulous and mere fantasy, based in the vivid imaginations of so called gurus and well read authors. Swami Lakshmanjoo takes this mysterious subject out of the category of fantasy and clearly defines how kundalini functions. His intimate description of the various modes of rising of kundalini, based on his own experience are truly fascinating.

This book is a revelation for the earnest seeker on the spiritual path.

Can hardly believe I wrote this review 6 years ago (it is now 24 Feb 2008).

Having delved deeply into the subject of Kundalini, I still find nothing to match Swami Lakshmanjoo's explanations on this mysterious subject. In my continued research I have found that almost all writings on Kundalini are based on what is known as the "Shat Chakra Nirupana," which elaborates on the six chakras in the subtle body. Everywhere you will find illustrations showing the chakra positions along the vertical axis of the spine and the various petals that emanate from each chakra.

After reading the last chapter in "Self Realization" I wondered why Lakshmanjoo made no reference to these commonly recognized lotus petals that surround the charkas. I found the answer in his earlier book "Kashmir Shaivism, the Secret Supreme", in the form of a small footnote which says: "in Kashmir Shaivism the lotus petals are neither experienced nor recognized."

This explains why Lakshmanjoo only talks about the chakras spinning with great velocity and power as the energy of kundalini rises from one chakra to another. Obvious isn't it, since the word chakra actually means wheel.

In this book Lakshmanjoo also explains the difference between prana kundalini, cit kundalini and para kundalini; subjects unique to Kashmir Shaivism. Based on his own personal experience, Lakshmanjoo elaborates with great clarity, leaving the reader convinced of his total authority on this subject.

For those interested in Kashmir Shaivism in general, and Kundalini in particular, I highly recommend this book, and the earlier one: "Kashmir Shaivism the Secret Supreme" which has two chapters on Kundalini.

This book took me to the heart of Kashmir Shaivism. It covered concepts and included both practice and experience. The authors have also provided transliterated sanskrit verses for those who are interested. This is a good begining for any one intending a study of Kashmir Shaivism.

One of those books you devour in one sitting! Too cool for words. A kind of quick overview of Shaivite philosophy and practice. An excellent beginning for those wishing to start the Shaivite path.

It is the first book of kashmir philosophy which covers all the aspects of the title.It is the complete informative book about pre-history age of kashmir.

Eva Marie Everson has given readers an enormous gift: a trilogy of novels with characters to love and hate, and a plot that keeps you tapping your fingers from one chapter to the next. From the time Katie Webster wakes up hazy in a filthy apartment, to the moment of her final celebration in a Hamptons mansion, Ms. Everson keeps the reader engaged in a suspenseful tale of desperation and success, betrayal and loyalty.

I especially enjoyed Katie's relationship with her best friend Marcy, and the fact that her marriage is not all bliss and romance. Katie evolves from a young girl not quite sure of her own self into a powerful woman who fights for, and finds, a place of her own. Her cat-and-mouse game with a man determined to destroy her makes for many moments of cover-clinching, while her self-depreciating humor and intelligence will make the reader both admire her - and want to BE her.

Katie is a woman to love reading about - and remembering.

Eva Marie Everson has given her readers a satisfying conclusion to the "Shadows" trilogy. Her portrayal of Katie Webster's search for her husband, who had mysteriously disappeared, and her quest for inner peace made this book a page-turner. I found it difficult to put it down. "Shadows of Light" is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.

If you've read the first two books in this series, you no doubt are eagerly waiting to read this one! Up to this point, we've read about Ben & Katie Webster, who, on the outside, look like they live an idyllic life. But there is always a past to everyone's present. Then Ben disapears and Katie must learn to mature and become the woman God intends her to be. What I especially like about this last book, is that it answers our lingering questions early on, and the plot only thickens from there! Yipee! Good reading! I was only perturbed when I had to put it down to get other work done!

Shadows of Light is a wonderful conclusion to the series. It shows growth both in the characters and in the writing. It is a most satisfying ending to a riveting trilogy. I love how the author brings to life characters that are just like real life. Although Katie and Ben are wealthy business owners, they face the same problems you and I do; the pain of loss, sickness, separation, and yet through the strength that comes from faith, they can rise above those problems. Thank you Eva Marie Everson, for a book that is endearing and encouraging, AND a delight to read.

Eva Marie's series is fabulous. I couldn't wait to find the time to read the next page. I fell in love with Katie and hope there are plans to read more of her. Eva Marie's 3 books in this series is filled with exciting plot twists, suspense, and drew me closer to the Lord, plus making me even more appreciative of my wonderful husband. These books are delightful!

If you have every been a New York tourist, cluelessly wandering the streets looking for a cool bar in which to hang out only to end up in a cheesy "Night at the Roxbury" reenactment, you must buy Shecky's. The guide has never failed me. You can find a bar for any occasion or mood, with helpful information such as which places sell the strongest drinks. I only wish they'd write one for San Francisco!

I once was lost but now I'm found.Accurate, outragiously funny reviews. A must have if you're going to assume the overwhelming task of finding the best spots in town. Great value if you're looking for the perfect gift.I Love Shecky's!

This book is a great idea, simply because New York is one of the world's great drinking towns and hasn't had a very good guide (if at all) to put it all together. This guide can only get better, since there are some notable omissions, but the task is indeed daunting so I can understand how difficult it is to include everything. For instance, New York City does comprise of FIVE boroughs, not just Manhattan.

My only other criticism is that it is a bit biased...you can clearly tell by reading the descriptions and classifications of the various bars, clubs, and lounges what type of people are contributing to all the reviews. That being said, the "Shecky's Picks" denoted by a happy face next to the name of the bar generally are excellent choices.

Definitely worth buying.

Shecky's really spells it all out.With all of the bars listed in this book, I was able to pick out a perfect spot to have a large group for some drinks. The reviews are hysterically funny, and the descriptions are right on the money. Essential for any one who goes out at night. Anyone.

Shecky's Bar, Club and Lounge Guide is the greatest. Before SHecky's, there was no guide to drinking in NYC, and lets face it, NYC is a nightlife, drinking town. All of Shecky's reviews are right on, funny, hip and always accurate. The icons are great as well as the lists in the back of the book. All of my friends love the guide and we all live by Shecky's Bar, Club & Lounge Guide.

This is the greatest book I've ever read and that includes the classics. And, for all of you cynics out there, I'm not just saying this because I'm the senior editor (P.S. The 2004 guide is hitting stores this week).

Shecky's makes it easy to pick a watering hole. All the reviews are funny, hip, and, most importantly, true. Whether you live in New York or are just visiting, this book will help you find refreshment.

The funniest New York guide book i've ever read! The description s are right on and the jokes are awesome!!!

Shecky's is by far one of the most useful recreational/night spot resources I own. While I do not always agree with the reviews, the comments are definitely worth taking into consideration and are usually rather amusing (especially the review of the Gemini Lounge). At the very least, this guide can help you eliminate the frat boy bars from consideration!

Sheckys is by far the best guide to all that New York's nightlife has to offer. Its to the point reviews are both entertaining and right on the mark. Sheckys is a great way to avoid a bad night.

Trigaboff has indeed done it again!! A terrific read.

Joe Trigoboff explored both the emotions and driving motives of his complicated characters and the outer world of crime and punishment, to create an almost mythic saga. The story lingers long after the book is closed.

excellent sequel to the bone orchard

Trigoboff tells a very good story. He's got a way of describing the streets, the monumental setting of New York City, and the criminal underbelly that learks beneath the survice. In the Shooting Gallery, he conveys a very compelling story. Along with the criminal action and the description of big city corruption, Trigoboff weaves a large amount of biting and incisive social commentary into the story. The book is also rich in black humor, with some very amusing scenes.

NYPD Alvin Yablonsky returns in this book. He is faced with the political murder of a reporter, one who has crusaded against powerful interests for years, in the employ of a liberal paper. The cities limosine liberal establishment is outraged, and storm clouds soon surround the investigation. Yablonsky is faced with a political administration that doesn't exactly want the case solved, a shadowy force willing to kill anyone close to the case, and a group of liberals that don't trust the police at all. All together, it makes for great modern urban noir.

The only reason I didn't give it the full 5 stars is because I found the actual mystery fairly obvious, and I figured it out almost right away. Still, it was a very entertaining read.

Alvin Yablonsky is a New York detective assigned to investigate the murder of a Skinny McPherson, a reporter for "The Village Guardian", a left-wing newspaper with strong connections to the Big Apple's elite of among the literary set and their judicial allies. Yablonsky runs afoul of the corrupt "powers that be" in the drug infested East Village neighbor. It takes a tough minded, quick thinking, street savvy cop like Yablonsky to go where he must go and do what needs to be done to identify and then bring the guilty to what justice can be done under the circumstances. The Shooting Gallery confirms Joseph Trigoboff's as a tightly disciplined mystery writer who plays hard but fair with his readers and his characters. Also highly recommended is Trigoboff's earlier Detective Alvin Yablonsky novel The Bone Orchard.

From LONDON FIELDS [1989] by Martin Amis: "Features include fool-the-eye dent-marks, a removable toupee of rust on the hood, and adhesive key-scratches all over the paintwork. An English strategy: envy-preemption."

From SHOW AND TELL [2001] by John Lahr: "In fact, [Wallace] Shawn, who admits he's actually 'a very arrogant and vain person', preempts envy by constantly spoiling any picture of his own distinction."

As a lifelong subscriber to The New Yorker, I have especially enjoyed reading Lahr's various "Profiles." Fifteen of his best are anthologized in this volume. The subjects are Woody Allen, David Mamet, Frank Sinatra, Arthur Miller, Liev Screiber, Roseanne, Irving Berlin, Wallace Shawn, Eddie Izzard, Neil Labute, Bob Hope, Ingmar Bergman, Mike Nichols, and the author's parents, Mildred and Bert Lahr. My personal favorites are those which discuss Sinatra, Miller, Roseanne, Hope, Bergman, and Nichols but I was pleased to re-read all of the others also. Lahr has a somewhat specialized form of genius for crafting what are indeed "profiles" rather than portraits, much less in-depth character analyses. Even when fondly discussing his own parents, he seems to have no limiting biases, "baggage" or predilections. It is high praise to note that the reader feels as if she or he is a "fly on the wall" during Lahr's conversations with his subjects...and at other times, as if the reader can hear him thinking aloud while alone and in reflection. Lahr's is a naturally casual style (so sophisticated that it seems effortless), perhaps most evident when discussing Bob Hope. According to Lahr, Hope's wife Dolores and the children were "extras" in his life. "It was hard for anyone in the family to get much of Bob Hope." Lahr shares this without judgment, suggesting implications without manipulating inferences.. With Hope as with each of the 14 others, Lahr's objective is to capture the essence of his subject, the esential qualities and characteristics which are revealed in "defining moments" of inimitable behavior or utterance. Lahr's reader (at least this one) is left to wonder what he would have to say about so many others such as Saul Bellow, Hillary Rodham-Clinton, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Fosse, Jackie Gleason, Sam Peckinpah, Jackson Pollock, Martha Stewart, and Oprah Winfrey.

In these days when performers are celebrated -- and demeaned -- for being famous, every little tidbit of information is up for grabs by the media. I say this as someone who was a journalist for nearly 20 years (and is now an entertainer). What's missing on the market: candid performers' profiles that still convey WHY great performers are GREAT performers and -- sometimes -- great people or great creeps. Show and Tell contains 15 of John Lahr's BEST New Yorker show biz profiles. The zest and verve of these creative folk and Lahr's excitement writing about them is all here. The subjects: Woody Allen, David Mamet, Frank Sinatra, Arthur Miller, Liev Schreiber, Roseanne, Irving Berlin, Wallace Shawn, Eddie Izzard, Neil Labute, Bob Hope, Ingmar Bergman, Mike Nichols, and his parents Bert and Mildred Lahr. You don't have to even know who these celebrities are (you'll enjoy this book if you're in your early 20s) to love these profiles: each chapter tells you how they got from point A (childhood) to point B (becoming great entertainers, playwrights etc) -- and about all the joys and obstacles along the way. Don't expect simplistic tabloid journalism but more detailed interviews. The Bob Hope profile was controversial when it was first published since it not only hinted at adultery but etched a portrait of a man who created a corporate comedy machine -- and even needed cue cards when performing at a private party. But there's tons of info amid these revelations. My other favorite profiles and tidbits include: Woody Allen (his casting method for movies sometimes boils down to him looking at someone for a few seconds), Bert Lahr (his frustration at not having made many movies, unlike some of his vaudeville colleagues), Roseanne (her rage-based comedy; how she wrested control of her t.v. show from what would have been sit-com mediocrity),Irving Berlin (the 20th century's most prolific and perhaps great composer adapting to all kinds of music from the century's beginning UNTIL rock...which finally did him in). There are many others but the point is: these are unlike any other profile's you'll read. They celebrate the joy, creative "juice" flow, toil, and heartbreak of show biz and performing arts creativity -- and you'll want to read them again and again.

Celebrities are fair game it seems for every hack, two bit journalist, and paparazzi. Their names are money and their pictures, weight loss, ageing, personal crises, and habits appear to be of endless fascination to the reading public or a fair proportion of it. What about Sinatra's links to the mob? What about Woody Allen's prediliction for young women? What about Mike Nichol's anger? What about Igmar Bergman's womanizing and tax evasion? Give me a break! There is much tosh, pap and babble written by those not fit enough to sharpen the pencils of the subjects of these profiles by Mr Lahr, but you will not find it in SHOW AND TELL. Mr Lahr is a writer worthy of these legends and that, dear reader, is indeed saying something. Revealing, interesting, incisive, entertaining and gripping, Mr Lahr and his editor at The New Yorker, have done a brilliant job. Perhaps the best short pieces I have ever read on the subjects contained therein. Brilliant.

The New Yorker is famous for its witty prose, "casuals," and most of all---its Profiles of famous and not-so-famous people. The New Yorker is also famous for unbelievably long pieces (sometimes taking up the entire magazine) and occasionally being so "in" that the readers are left "out."

John Lahr has all of the virtues: elegant, thoughtful writing, and he leaves you wishing for more. Mr. Lahr specializes in Entertainment Profiles, a difficult undertaking. He avoids the landmines of sound-bytes, scurrility, fawning and trivia. He delivers fifteen gleaming, sharp-edged Profiles on disparate personalities.

I feel the best are the ones that are not contemporaries and/or friends of the author with the exception of the lovely word portraits of his parents, father Bert, and mother Millie (who might or might not have had an affair with Joseph Cotton!) Mr. Lahr needs a certain amount of distance to do his best work. He is clearly an admirer of Woody Allen, and it shows. I felt we were seeing the brushed up and shiny side of this highly complex entertainer. Bob Hope is given the finest dispassionate treatment; Lahr steps back and allows Mr. Hope produce his own cause and effect. The reader can judge for himself. I was left thinking, as my grandmother would say, "this is NOT a very nice man." To me, Roseanne was frightening with her rage and skewed perspectives. It wasn't what Mr. Lahr said about her; it was Roseanne being herself. The Profile on Frank Sinatra left me with a emotion I would never, ever thought possible in conjunction with Ole Blue Eyes: pity.

I read this book straight through, almost at one sitting. I found it that fascinating. But it can be read at leisure. Just start anywhere; there's not a loser to be found!

This is a real page-turner, and absolutely fascinating. The author tells the stories of five immigrants to the U.S. and New York City around 1900, but what's amazing is the power of the voices here, plus the photos. The focus is on young people, but my adult book group read this and loved it. Everyone has seen photos of the crowded Lower East Side, but this book makes you think of the individuals and their families who lived there.

I finished this book in a spell. Hopkinson weaves the stories of young immigrants and the story of the growing city into a rich experience for the reader. Her choice of detail, her gift for story telling, and the wonderful and often poignant photographs make this (beautifully designed book) irresistible. In the end you believe-as Hopkinson clearly does-that the past has meaning because of the individuals that lived it, and that their stories must continue to reverberate. It isn't "just" the past; it's what we're made of.

If you've ever heard family stories about grandparents or greatparents who came through Ellis Island, this book is a must. Hopkinson follows the true stories of five young immigrants. She tells the story of life on the Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century using excerpts from oral histories and memoirs. Somehow the stories of the young Russian Jewish and Italian immigrants tie in seamlessly with information on coming to America, what it was like to live in a tenement, work (including conditions in the sweatshops and the Triangle factory fire), going to school, and what the future held for these young men and women. The historic photos are so evocative and powerful. Highly recommended.

My son loves history and when he brought home this book I immediately got hooked on the photos. Then I began reading the stories of the immigrants and I couldn't put it down -- I couldn't wait to find out what happened to the five young people whose stories are recounted here. Somehow the combination of the photos, the quotes and the personal stories all works together to let us into a world gone by. A wonderful book!

I hope by the time you read this review that you will be able to "take a look inside" this book on this website. Then you could really appreciate how beautifully illustrated and crafted this outstanding book is. For the time being, you'll have to take my (and other reviewers') word for it.

There are many books geared toward young readers on the subject of the immigrant/tenement experience in New York City at the turn of the last century, and many of them are quite good. But Deborah Hopkinson's "Shutting Out the Sky: Life in the Tenements of New York, 1880-1924" is far and above the best in recent times. The photographs are exquisite and exquisitely moving. The text is engaging, and, unlike other books aimed for this age group, Ms. Hopkinson's book doesn't dumb things down toward her audience. This is an admirable book that I would recommend to parents and teachers!

Rocco Dormarunno, author of "The Five Points"