New Jersey Books

I opened this book expecting to see the same old information written in guidebook form. Instead, what I found was a book that proved as enjoyable to read as it is helpful. I can't believe there are even stores mentioned that this veteran New Jersey shopper didn't know existed. I'm very happy I purchased this book!

My wife and I had some extra time on a combination work/pleasure trip recently. We picked up this book before leaving based on the reviews and found several places that had exactly what we were looking for. Wish Sue would publish a version for Colorado!

The Great New Jersey Shopping Guide has been very helpful for me. I have lived in New Jersey all my life and I still learned new places to go and new sources for shopping. This book is not only good for the serious shopper but also for those who want to try someplace new.

As a seasoned shopper, I thought I knew just about every worthwhile retail destination in the state. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up this book and discovered interesting locales even I wasn't aware of. Everything is included--from shopping malls to museum shops to gourmet food stores. Best of all, The Great New Jersey Shopping Guide isn't written in standard guidebook form, but rather includes personal anecdotes from the authors, which are quite enjoyable to read. I especially liked Sue Bruskin Clarke's tales of mall shopping in the '60s and '70s and I related to her downtown shopping experiences in towns like Hoboken and Princeton.

This book is a must have for all New Jersey shoppers.

I've read just about every book that I could find about shopping in New Jersey and this one is by far the best.

The thing I love the most about it is that it pointed out fabulous shoping trips that you wouldn't think of on your own. It really opens up fabulous new shoping advantures.

I've also gone on a few of the trips and have been very happy with the results. The book is right on the mark when describing each of the shoping excursions.

I say get this book, you won't be sorry.

The Newark Teacher Strike was an exhilarating book and it actually made me feel the
emotions that the teachers were going through. It astonished me to see that over 200
people were imprisoned due to this strike; although after reading further other actions
were more astounding. This book should be read by every teacher and soon-to-be
teacher to truly understand the command these teachers took upon themselves.
This book portrays the struggles of the teachers not only against the Board of
Education, but also against one another. There are powerful excerpts pertaining to
equality and differences. There is a lot to learn from this book, and some parts I found
so interesting that I actually read them again to make sure I was taking everything in.
This book transcends the ultimate message that no matter how difficult something may
be you should stand up for what you believe in.

Steve Golin takes great care as a historian to report the perspectives of the teachers who went on strike in 1970 and 1971 in his narrative "The Newark Teacher Strikes: Hopes on the Line." Emergent is the fact that what started the strikes is not what ended them and what teachers had begun fighting together for ended in their battling against each other because of their differences.

The first strike was almost inspiring. Teachers of different backgrounds banded together under the brotherhood of the union and fought for its say in decision making for schools. In his reporting, Golin uncovers the underpinnings of the teacher's tensions by the time of the second strike, which ended in nearly two hundred people arrested or placed in jail. Black, Jewish and Italian teachers were all seeking betterment for themselves and/or the quality of education, however, they grew to feel differently about the union. The ubiquitous issues of race, gender and class snuck up on the strikers. The equality of men and women as professionals in the workplace became a contributing factor to the increased tensions between teachers. Adding insult to injury were the pay differences between elementary and secondary teachers. Race, however, was one of the most powerful and destructive factors affecting the second strike. Golin also retells accounts of those sentenced to jail after the second strike and how their experience has changed their lives.
For the novice urban school teacher this book is an invaluable reality check revealing the extent to which our predecessors were willing to go to fighting for what they believe in. It made me question to what extent I would fight for what I believe in, should I be called upon to do so.

Steve Golin's The Newark Teacher Strikes is a thought provoking book which allows people from all walks of American life to get into the minds of the men and women who shaped the evolution of Newark Teacher's Union through the strikes that occurred. This book was not only about the efforts of Newark teachers trying to improve the educational system, but about teachers, men and women, "Blacks," Jews, and Italians alike, developing their own self identity and self importance in their career as educators in the public school system. Teachers tried to identify themselves as professionals yet were asked to join a Union which was typically organizations for non-professional.

The book also focuses on teachers in Newark in the midst of civil rights movements while trying to better the educational system for America's youth. In some cases, the changes the NTU desired were tied to the civil rights movement. Newark was a great example of how teacher unions developed during these times. The "Black" population grew from 11 percent in 1940 to 54 percent in 1970. Minority teachers were fighting for a place in society and for power and representation in governing, while at the same time working to improve education.

The concept of isolation is also addressed in this book: "Probably the worst thing in any strike is for the strikers to feel isolated." One of the biggest benefits of being part of a Union is the easing of the mind that a person is not alone in their feelings and thoughts. People can feed off each other's energy. People can listen to each other's stories and realize that they are not so different. Unions also validate the feelings and concerns in the minds of people.

Golin's approach to understanding the psychological aspect of people involved in the Union development in Newark was successful. Throughout the reading I found myself pondering the thoughts of the individuals who were brave enough in uncertain times to stand up for the principles of their convictions. Their thoughts and perspectives enlightened me. It made me prouder to be in education and realize that our work as educators is not yet done. Furthermore, I have concluded that our work does not have to take place just in our classrooms, but efforts outside the classroom in non-curricula arenas.

Brian R. Currie

Steve Gotlin's book, "The Newark Teacher Strikes, Hopes on the Line" explores the avenues and dilemmas placed on teachers within an urban school system. Fifty enticing and emotionally twisting teacher interviews touch all aspects of society. These enlightening dialogues pave the way for insights into the inner emotions and characteristics that create and symbolize a "teacher". The author delves into the many conflicts that arise between teachers and administration compounded by race, gender, class differences and other human characteristics that are prevalent within the once school district. Gotlin explores the feelings that churn up among educators during strikes and actions not only about higher wages or improved education for the students but also an instructors' concern for a say in the decision-making process. In the midst of two weeks of strikes, during 1970 and 1971, the Newark school system completely shut down and the consequences that filtered down to the children. Explore how all these quandaries were overcome within this astonishing book. With encapsulating scenarios and emotions running wild, I highly recommend this wonderful book to any person, teacher or non-teacher, to understand what teachers strive to accomplish everyday in school.

Steve Golin's "The Newark Teacher Strikes: Hopes on the Line" is an enthralling account of a paralyzing situation that landed close to two hundred teachers in jail. This book reveals the great effort of a Union trying to better the educational system in Newark, New Jersey in the early seventies. The author touches on issues that go deeper than politics, and teachers against administrators. He illuminates the great characteristics that the members of the Newark Teachers Union possessed. Golin uses interviews from over fifty teachers to capture the true reasoning behind the strikes - fighting for the rights of both teachers and students. The book reveals the humanity of the teachers in Newark. Struggling with an unfair monetary advantage for the teachers at the secondary level, those teachers fight to relinquish raises in order to equalize the pay scale for teachers at all levels. The ties that bind are delivered in an incredible account of an unwillingness to concede. I recommend this book to all who are in or interested in the education field as well as anyone who wants to learn about real life struggles and the uphill battles that the teachers in Newark would not give in to.

This is a great book of photographs of the old times in Newark
if you are from the area or had relatives there, the
pictures will take you right back.

I thank Michael Immerso for putting this book together. He puts together a history of the Italian-American culture that flourished in Newark. This culture that was so strong that despite the fact that the First Ward is vanished (as the title points out), its legacy still lingers in New Jersey (anyone remember 'Nicky Newark'?)

For fans of this book, there was an New Jersey Network documentary that accompanied it, which airs occasionally on NJN and WNET/channel 13. A copy of the video is available.

Also, the Newark Public library ran an exhibit concurrently with the release of this book, and if I am correct, the exhibit is now part of their archives.

My parents are first generation Italians who lived in Newark. I was born in Newark and lived there until I was five years old. To this day my parents still talk of how great Newark was back in those days. I read the book and loved it. I gave it to my mother who also loved it. Great work. I hope Michael Immerso writes a follow up book.

My wife gave me this book as a Christmas gift last year. I finished it that very day and have since variously underlined passages, highlighted sections and dog eared pages. This work by Michael Immerso reiterated all the stories I heard at the knee of my grandfather or in the kitchen with my mother, aunts and cousins.

Mt.Prospect and 7th Aves. came to life again where I often heard what it was like living in St. Lucy's parish and a few doors down from the Fire House and behind Rotunda pool.

Even those that have no personal identity with the 1st. Ward would be served well if they read this chronicle. It speaks of the way that the American dream can be earned. If a community value system exists, if simple pleasures count, and if a work ethic matters, than this Italian community wrote the book.

I'm just really happy that Michael Immerso had the historical perspective and vision to recount it.

I just finished reading Mr Immerso's book "Newark's Little Italy-The Vanished First Ward". All I can say is WOW. Not only was it a great trip back to another day and time, but I also found some of my ancestors in it. If your Italian, you need to read this book.

Sam's insight to the era of the Bronx shows the underlying warmth and respect he has for his family. I could not put the book down; reading well into the night; hours passing quickly. We can all relate, Jewish or non- Jew. They were tough times, not necessarily blessed with opportunities; and especially so for a bright woman with what could have been an even brighter future had she been born in more contemporary times. Thank you for sharing your Mom's life with us. You did it in a beautiful and literary way.
I gained insight into Fannie's family; folks I have known, loved, respected and whose friendship I have cherished for almost 50 years.
Thank you, Sam. Great job.

This is a moving tribute. The author makes the effort to know and understand his mother after she has died, in part because he senses he has been unfair to her while she lived. Freedman writes with understanding and sympathy of a woman who according to her son reached the peak of her emotional life at seventeen in a love forbidden her by her mother. Freedman tells of how his mother had to sacrifice her own wellbeing and desire for an education in order to help support her very poor family. He blames his grandmother for some of the dissatisfaction in his mother's life. At the same time he praises his grandmother for being the strong and ethical member of the family who cared about what was happening to her relatives in Europe during the Holocaust.
Freedman blames himself for his behavior as college student and teacher in refusing to acknowledge his mother's presence in the class. He does however indicate that there were many times in their life when he tried to do his best for her. For instance he tells of a story where he bought his mother a special kind of plant , and how disheartened he was when after a few weeks it wilted. His mother comforted him in this.
It would be nice to think that she knows of his devotion to him and looking down from Heaven is filled with pride and happiness for her son's devotion to her in telling her story.

My mother grew up in the Bronx not all that far (in time and place) from Freedman's mother Eleanor, so I found this book both nostalgic and deeply touching. Even if I didn't know first-hand about shopping at Alexander's, going to Loew's Paradise, and commuting to City College, I would find this book engrossing.

By tracing his mother's teenage and early adult years and the shifting relationships with family and friends, he shows how her decisions and attitudes influenced who she became--and why she kept her earlier life a mystery from those closest to her. Insightful, with a powerful yet very personal ending. Highly recommended.

I found Freedman's account of his mother to be melacholy and moving. All our parents remain a mystery to us when they live, more so when they die. Freedman's rejection of his mother in life and embrace is death is deeply touching.

I could not put this book down....it's fantastic! The author, whose mother died when he was a college student, pieces together her pre-motherhood life to create a wonderful story of a complex young woman...a woman who, to paraphrase his words, peaked at a young age and spent the rest of her life trying to capture that success. I appreciate the emotional and literary efforts Mr Freedman put into this book...it was a joy to read and gave me lots of food for thought. Highly recommend!

Author Eric Konigsberg grew up in a prosperous and socially conscious Midwestern Jewish family, descendants of east European immigrants who had settled and made their living and reputation in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Sometime during his young adulthood, the author is surprised to learn that his father's uncle, Harold Konigsberg (Koyo), is a violent and notorious Mafia hit man accused of some 20 murders. Not satisfied with simple murder, he is infamous for permanently disturbing the surviving family members.

While writing a magazine story on mob crime, despite his family's objections, Eric becomes acquainted with Koyo, who has spent the last 40 years in jail on a never-ending self-led legal battle. Soon the author is being manipulated by his uncle to aide his crusade for freedom. His association with the crime figure ends when his life is threatened.

This intriguing story is told through the uncovering of family denial and lore, historical facts, statistical data on Jewish immigrant culture, narrative from victims families, facts from FBI and court reports and commentary from Koyo himself.

It's hard to say whether Konigsberg (Uncle Heshy) is a brilliantly manipulative businessman, a remorseless criminal, a loyal family man or just plain psychotic.

Maybe the moral of the story is: There are some basic issues children should take advice from their parents about--and forging a relationship with family members connected to the mob might be one of them!

Armchair Interviews says: Intriguing story that was most interesting to read.

Having known a great deal about the people depicted in this book, I do have to say that the author did a superb job. The only thing I did not care for is that 1 of the "accused" mentioned in the book is still living. I happen to be a "blood relative" of that person mentioned in the book. Although it is all a matter of public record I have to say that it is very uncomfortable knowing that Mr. Konigsberg would write this book knowing that there are other families out there who are not familiar with the events that took place,like he was. Mr Konigsberg is digging up alot of skeletons for some of the other families mentioned.

Blood Relation is a superbly written account of one family's secret connection to Mob violence in America. The characters are as sinister, vivid, and intriguing as any fictionalized "good fella" novella, but more frightening because every fascinating detail is true. Immersed in discovering his uncle's horrible history, Eric Konigsberg confronts his own perceptions of himself and his family. Best of all, it is a page-turning adventure for the reader.

I knew that I'd buy Blood Relation after reading the excerpt in the New Yorker magazine, but I had no idea how much better the book would be. Konigsberg's voice is very subtle, almost plaintive and self-abnegating, and maybe it's because he's not a hard-seller with a typically annoying therapy issue to work out that his point gets across so poignantly: how weird would it be to have a mass murdering psycho's genes double-helixed alongside yours and those of your whole family? What is it like to deal with shame, to have your family shamed, to feel somehow (if irrationally) responsible for gruesome, venally, crudely performed acts of murder that you yourself had nothing to do with, but must somehow, however tangentially, live with for the rest of your life? The story itself is fascinating for anyone who's into the fifties and sixties and the whole mafia scene and great crime stories in general. I mean, the main subject here is a true and fascinating psycho. The murders and the glee with which he executes them is beyond compare. But I think the most interesting thing for me is the delicate and evolving relationship between the writer and his uncle, the mass murderer. As a story about family, as a story about a journalist, the depiction of what it must have been like to go visit this creepy guy in jail over and over again, this guy who's manipulating you, but desperate to get his story out, who at one point gets angry at you and threatens to kill you, then later on, berates you, "Hey, you jerk, why don't you come visit me more often?? Everyone ignores me!! Where's the love???" -- it's just too odd of a scenario and too well-written not to titillate and fascinate. I'd definitely give it a ten, whatever your background is. I think for anyone with any kind of immigrant backround, which is to say 99% of America, it's a fascinating story about how hard we all try to fit in and what happens when a real weirdo/loser enters into the picture. I loved it.

Konigsberg's book is a success on many levels--as a period piece, a crime drama, and most impressively, as a profound investigation into what it means to be related to someone, anyone. Konigsberg does not flinch as he looks into what his murderous great uncle means to his family, his religion, his aspirations, and himself. An elegant, courageous work of art.

I just finished reading Cold Rolled Dead by Paul D'Ambrosio. I am very impressed with his accurate description of the area where the story takes place. The author is obviously aware of all of the wonders and problems that are prevalent in South Jersey and takes you along to the unique Pine Barrens, the beautiful Long Beach Island vacation spot, the crawling summer traffic on the causeway, and clamming from the garveys in Barnegat Bay. The characters are real and the tension is great as you go with them from Harvey Cedars to Barnegat Light, etc. looking for the murderers. It is a very exciting and satisfying read. I would highly recommend it and look forward to his next book.

Cold Rolled Dead is one of those gems you find in a blue moon. This is a surprisingly taut, suspenseful and slightly off-center thriller that is almost impossible to put down. I bought it for myself, but my wife grabbed it first and I couldn't pry it out of her hands. The novel is packed with key details about computer forensics and stock scams that is rare in today's superficial book market. The twists and turns are enough to shake a seasoned roller coaster rider, and the ending will come as a Hitchcock-like shock. The plot aside, my hat is off to the author for creating a slew of strong-willed female characters to play against the crop of menacing male villains. Highly recommended, especially if you like scoping out new authors or love the Jersey shore.

This book is fantastic! It was fast paced and kept me guessing throughout. Each chapter brings fresh suspence enhanced by the authors knowledge of the latest forensic breakthroughs. The characters are so real,long after you've turned the last page, your still wanting more.....

Paul D'Ambrosio's debut novel is a fast-paced thriller wrapped in a thinking-person's plot. "Follow the markers" with cop-on-the-edge Matt Forge, and have a delightful time enjoying the suspense and wry humor along the way. If you enjoy reading about the Jersey Shore, good cops and bad cops, organized crime, or even nuns on retreat you will love Cold Rolled Dead.

A thrilling mystery that I couldn't put down. This book held my interest from cover to cover. The characters were interesting and I would love to read the future adventures of Matt Forge and Sister Maris. This could be a great series. A great book for the beach or a cruise.

I had this book when I was a teen and lost it. I've read it a few times. I can't say that about many books. I've also read More Forgotton Town a few times as well. A must have for anyone interested in Jersey history.

Henry Charton Beck spent much of his spare time in the 1930s traipsing around the rural areas of New Jersey searching out local history and lore. He wrote about what he learned in newspaper articles and then in full-length books. This book is the first in a series, published in 1936 (always in print since then, but never revised).

Beck is concerned with the tiny settlements that grew and died mainly in the Pine Barrens, a huge, sparsely settled area that stretches across a good portion of southern NJ. Beginning with Ongs Hat, he tells about 37 different places, one per chapter. The chapters are short, and all the places were visited by Beck, with much of his narrative told through his own eyes. Many of the places are still identified on larger topo maps (there are no maps in the book, unfortunately); very few of these places were ever large enough to support a post office and were merely placenames. Photos grace the book, though what is depicted in them has long disappeared for the most part. Also missing, though it would be very helpful, is an index.

Beck's style has the effect of drawing the reader out into the field to see what he's seen. I've been to quite a few of the places mentioned in the book and have enjoyed having the book along with me. Being almost 70 years old, the book is somewhat outdated (some isolated areas he writes about outside of the Pine Barren reserve are filled with housing developments and strip malls now), but it's still a great book on the local history of southern NJ of long ago.

Including Forgotten Towns of Southern New Jersey I also owned 4 other books by Henry Carlton Beck.
I purchaded these books in 1982 and read them over and over until the pages became worn.
There is no better way to study and get to know the ghost and forgotten towns of southern New Jersey than through these books.
Henry Carlton Beck put his heart into every word and deed, the information coming from that is wonderful.
There is no better reading on southern New Jersey that can be found on book shelves.
These books will live on forever and to experience his windom in these is a real blessing.
I lost all my books to a fire but plan to replace them next month.
If your interest is in southern New Jersey these are the books to have on your shelf.

Beware that once you read this book, you'll be hooked on trying to find these towns.

An excellent reference for those looking to disover the history of Southern New Jersey.

Need a brief escape from the modern world? Want to know what life was like a hundred years ago in Southern NJ? This is the book for you. Mr. Beck wrote in a beautiful, yet folksy style about the people and places that once existed in what we now call the Pine Barrens. After reading this, I am anxious to go back and look for some of these places myself.

I could hardly put this book down. The mystery is gripping and the characters are realistic, with believable emotions and problems.

I especially liked Natalie Joday, who turned out to be a very practical and well balanced human being despite her difficult childhood.

The book is well written with a dash of humor and a hint of romance, and some very surprising twists.

I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Move this one to the top of your TBR pile! Very well plotted. I particularily liked the way newspaper reporter Natalie Joday reflected on her past difficulies with the police, but didn't let her bad experiences cloud her decision making. I'll be watching for the next in the series to see how the hint of romance developes.

The murder of Lydia Dow is intricately and deftly woven into the emotional lives of Natalie and Daniel Joday. Daniel, the wayward brother who is short on confidence but long on compassion, has a history with the deceased. That added to his prison record put him high on the list of suspects. This is a story about relationships, family betrayal, greed, with just about everyone involved being a suspect. A tightly woven mystery in the first of the Natalie Joday series. I look forward to the next.

THE HATCH AND BROOD OF TIME is the first in a series of Natalie Jorday.

Natalie lives in the corner of northwestern New Jersey called Bergen County in a town called Haworth where she has lived her whole life. She is a newspaper reporter that has a talent for getting all the facts.

Natalie has a brother Daniel, who has been in trouble with the law most of his life and now an ex-girlfriend is found murdered, 26-year-old Lydia Dow who was very pretty and obsessed with danger and the high that it gave her, was found semi-frozen beneath the Parkway, she had been missing since Feb 8th, and police suspect that is the same day that she died. Daniel is a suspect because of his past with the police. Natalie feels that she is the only one to clear her brother. This story is about relationships, family betrayal, greed and Natalie must sift through this maze and clear her brother.

The unique characters are all real to life and any one of them could be the murderer. The author has created a woman (Natalie) as fascinating as her world is haunting. Natalie manages to uncover secrets of the past, even though some of them may hurt her and Daniel. What a fabulous character she is!

This is not just a mystery of "who did it?" but "why?" Ellen Larsen's first outing is a force to be reckoned with, expect big things from this author.

Don't miss this one, mystery lovers! Ellen Larson is an author to be reckoned with, as is her protagonist, Natalie Joday.  This well-paced puzzle-mystery builds and builds, weaving an intricate plot with intelligent writing and emotions that ring true. I was amazed at the dovetailing of details in this story.  Having been a detective, it drew me in as did the various characters, all real and delightfully unique.  They, combined with the ever-changing situation, wouldn't release me.  I had to keep reading. Larson understands people, so hold onto your seat, she may be profiling a bit of you in one of her players.  She captured my attention.  Can't wait to read her next book.

This book is about a boy named Henry Reed who went to a place called Grover's Corner for the summer. He and his friend, Margaret Glass, thought about different ways to earn some money. They decided to create a babysitter's service. This book is good because it helps kids learn about the different ways to earn money for the summer. It also helps kids learn how to babysit different types of children. I loved this book. I hope you will read it.

This was the first Henry Reed book I ever read, shown to me by my mother. Right away I got into the story, though I hadn't read the preceding books in the series. I couldn't keep my eyes off the predicaments of Henry and his best friend, Midge, as they went through their problems and misadventures while looking after children. Told from Henry's point of view in a diary format, he tells a story well and with bits of humour inserted in there additionally. Keith Robertson has made a good character.

Henry Reed, the thin and studious boy who likes to address problems in a logical manner, has set his sights on continuing his fledgling business. Reed and Glass, Inc. made Henry and his sometimes-obnoxious friend Midge Glass some money last year, and after a survey of the neighborhood, Henry discovers that there is a need for baby-sitters in the area. The bulk of the book focuses on the adventures that Henry faces as he tries to run a business with as many problems as rewards.

Even though this might seem like a somewhat dull premise, the character of Henry Reed is so indomitable that he maintains our interest throughout. Children will be impressed with his ability to apply his skills to seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and also with the way that Henry manages to earn respect from the adults that he meets. His intelligence and Midge's creativity lead to amusing solutions for outwitting the children that are determined to be disruptive.

The book is presented as Henry's journal, which allows us to experience the events through Henry's eyes. This works fabulously.

The Henry Reed series was captivating to me as a child in the early eighties, and remained a favorite of mine for many years. Anyone who gives it a chance will fall in love with it.

This book, like the other books in the Henry Reed series, is very enjoyable. Kids of all ages will enjoy Henry's adventures in babysitting. These books are timeless in their ability to provoke laughter and create a sense of fun for the reader.

Anyone who has ever babysat before will be all-too-familiar with the trials Henry and Midge have to suffer through in this third book of the Henry Reed series. Keith Robertson does it once again with wacky babysitting scenarios everyone can identify with. You'll be cheering by the end of the book -- I guarantee it.

Love this book! What a fantastic gift for anyone familiar with the Jersey shore - I bought several for friends and family (and one for myself). The beautful photos really take you back in time, while the author tells the story behind the photos as well. This is a book you'll want to keep on the coffee table and pick up again and again when you crave a bit of nostalgia.
~ Lee
www.sparkle-plenty.com
"making the world sparkle, one tee at a time"

This book really captures the bygone days of "Down the Shore". The photographs included are fascinating (esp. the annual baby parade, who knew)? A great book for residents, summer renters or anyone who has visited The Jersey Shore.

I'm a new comer to the New Jersey Shore and for a guide to its history: this is the book. From Cape May to Asbury Park it provides an excellent introduction to the history of all the important shore points. After a quick glance through Jersey Shore I felt full of great stories, fun facts, and general knowledge that I'll most definitely be inflicting upon my beach companions this summer. This book has it all: from high diving horses to beached whales. In addition to nature's wonders, through illustrations it captures a fascinating array of the contraptions, accommodations and carnival rides built to bring that boardwalk experienced to the next level. I picked up a few of Salvini's other New Jersey titles when I bought this one, and like those, Jersey Shore is carefully researched and passionately executed. Emil Salvini has a unique skill for selecting interesting and compelling images and I can only imagine he's quite the pale fellow for spending so much time in historical societies and in archives finding them. As an author, he clearly relishes this story. Perhaps best of all, Jersey Shore will make for great beach reading this summer. Each illustration is accompanied by short historical sketches and insightful reflections which keeps it upbeat and entertaining. Like the actual Jersey Shore, I'll be dippin' in and out of this book for a long time to come.

This book taught me so much about the "Jersey Shore"- things that I've never knew even though I grew up there.

Having relocated to the west coast, Jersey Shore brought back so many fond memories of childhood trips with my family. I hadn't realized how much I missed the area until now.

The meticulous research and attention to detail establishes Salvini as the quintessential chronicler on New Jersey history.

A friend gave me this book over the weekend and it was the perfect beach read. It is filled with great bits of history about all areas of the Jersey shore. From boardwalks, to presidents to "curious" beached whales, I found this book to be packed with wonderful photos that gave me a great sense of what the shore once was. I am inspired to read more about some of the history that the author touches upon. I'm sure I'll be lending my copy out this summer!