New York Books

The authorship of this book was clearly a monumental task. In reporting on the young people who form the core of the work, Ms. Lewnes was faced with the task of first gaining the trust of her subjects, then retaining that trust as she interacted with the parents, social workers and other authority figures who were at least nominally in charge of the subjects' care.

The book has three biographical segments. Each part deals with one or two misplaced children, who Ms. Lewnes follows through the streets, the social services system and often the courts. In each case both the circumstances and the subjects' reactions to them are different, which helps the reader understand the broad scope of the problem at hand. On the surface, the issue occasionally appears to be little more than a severe case of disaffected youth, but it becomes apparent that this can be a defense mechanism employeed by an otherwise intelligent but immature and frustrated child wandering aimlessly in (and out) of a system too complicated for someone so young to navigate.

Misplaced is far more than just a narrative. The book is filled with information about the services available and their benefits and limitations. In this manner, it serves as a reference guide for designing programs and procedures to streamline the care and guidance of children who have fallen through the cracks of the existing system. I would highly recommend that anyone involved in policymaking in youth social services read this book.

A warning to the faint of stomach: this book does not sugarcoat life on the streets. The subjects are at times thieves, drug addicts or dealers, and, when necessary, prostitutes. They are abused and beaten and suffer drug overdoses. The reality of their day-to-day lives can and should disturb the reader.

Alexia Lewnes is a writer for the United Nations Children's Fund, and in Misplaced: New York City's Street Kids she follows five street children from their homes to their street corners and the harsh realities of their world: drug addiction, lack of shelter, the underlying threat of violence, and worse. Especially recommended reading for child welfare advocates and governmental policy makers, Misplaced is a highly personal and revealing testimony of a very real social problem rampant in every major America city today.

As a transplanted New Yorker, I read this book about the troubled lives of kids living in the streets and was completly shocked about the things that were going on right in front of me. In day to day life we find ourselves closing ourselves off to those fending for themselves on the streets. If anything, we avoid them as much as possible. This book gives an penetrating look at what these kids "fringes of society" are truly having to deal with to survive. There seems to be no limit to what one will do to get through a day. This author appears to have spent several years living in their world and has given a raw look at what drives these kids into the streets and how society has dealt with it. If anyone would like a eye opening look at these kids lives in the streets read this book! You will embrace these kids as you see what hurdles are placed in front of them and how they struggle to get over them. I know that I will never look at a street kid the same way again. This book will open your eyes!

Anyone who is raising children should read this book. It is a reminder of how critical it is to love our children and provide them with the support they need to grow as individuals. No one believes that their child will run away, but Ms. Lewnes reminds us that all our children could be at risk.

Misplaced is a remarkable account of the lives of children who are living on the streets of New York. These homeless kids are invisible to most of society. They come from all economic backgrounds, but they all suffer from low self-esteem. And, these kids have all been abandoned in someway by the people who they loved and relied upon.

While this book is a wake-up call for all parents, it is also a testament to the extraordinary resilience of those kids who are already on the streets. These kids survive daily acts of violence and humiliation as they struggle to maintain their dignity and hold onto their dream of making something of their lives. While some fail, others triumph in the end.

Misplaced covers difficult issues yet leaves the reader inspired.

Misplaced is the most informative book I have read since David McCullough's biography of John Adams.

This book should be read by anyone who wants to know what is really going on in today's world with homeless children.

definitely worth the price tag. Book is packed with period medical photographs, which while grotesque are also very artistically framed. All of the pictures are together, a page per picture so you can flip though the images without text interrupting the artistic presentation. The back of the book is devoted to thorough captions for each photo. Some of the photos look staged but this too fits the period represented.

This collection of photographs and plates are some of the most concise findings on the medical world I have ever seen. It has opened my eyes to these people and has given me something new and interesting to learn about. I really enjoy seeing how far we have come in the field of medicine but also the advancement has diminished the frequency of medical oddities that are found in this book. I really recomend this to anyone who has an interest in the medical field and all of its mishaps.

This book of stunning, yet disturbing, photographs of medical anomalies spanning 100 years from the mid-19th c., may not be for everyone. It is a comprehensive visual essay into things that we find fascinating, yet repulsive. Unlike a carnival sideshow, however, the purpose of this wonderful book is not to cynically trivialize the individuals illustrated. Like the Mütter Museum, (Mütter Museum: Philadelphia College of Physicians, 19 South 22nd Street, between Chestnut and Market Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm), Stanley Burns' book is a window into the 19th century propensity to gather esoteric information of all types, organize it and, ultimately, to exhibit it as the means to greater knowledge.

Stanley Burns is a physician and a collector of medical history photographs. You may remember his previous book of mortuary photographs entitled "Sleeping Beauty" which is long out of print and fetches incredible sums among used book dealers. (Fortunately, a sequel - "Sleeping Beauty II" is more readily available.) "A Morning's Work" is a collection of 127 vintage medical photographs from 1843 to 1939 along with a helpful narrative explanation of the photographs and their cultural significance. Although some of the pictures are more historically significant than interesting, the bulk of the images are of medical curiosities - and some of them are absolutely head-scratchingly bizarre. Among the images featured are mortuary photographs, images of amputations, surgical procedures, disfigurement, and a wide assortment of congenital and acquired diseases. The title "A Morning's Work" is taken from an image of a pile of amputated limbs taken during the Civil War, when the horrific wounds inflicted by the large leadshots used at the time resulted in amputations for even the most minor of injuries. Many of the photographs take us back to the Dark Days of medicine, before antiseptic procedures were implemented, and when a small wound could result in a deadly infection in a matter of days.

The narrative explanations of the photographs add a special poignance to them. For example, a photograph of a dead man would not be nearly so interesting were it not for Burns' explanation that the man was Dr. James Howe who contracted Cholera while treating patients during the St. Louis epidemic of 1849 and was fatally afflicted. That one sombre portrait seems to symbolize the bravery and sacrifice of physicians the world over during times of pestilence, and if there's anything that you come away with after viewing this book, it's a newfound appreciation for modern medicine. All told, "A Morning's Work" is a fascinating book - and a must for enthusiasts of the bizarre and medical historians alike.

This book is very harsh, unpleasant, but impressive. Not at all for anybody because you need to have the guts to keep your glance at the pictures mirroring the abnormal, the illnesses, the horror of nature, the facts of the old times of surgery. As Bacon's paintings these pictures have a very sui-generis aesthetics, based upon the ugly and the deformity.

Desiree Shapiro, a Manhattan PI who loves food, throws her niece Ellen a bridal shower with Allison Lynton, mother of the groom, at Silver Oaks Country Club. Unfortunately Bobbie Jean, Allison's sister-in-law, takes a few bites of her green salad and keels over.

Desiree believes this to be a homicide and begins investigating. She discovers many people didn't get along well with Bobbie Jean. Bobbie Jean had stolen many fiances and husbands over the years. The suspect list keeps growing and changing.

Allison's husband Wes, Bobbie Jean's brother, has a tough time accepting her death. This adds to the tension in the family.

A new love interest starts calling Desiree. This makes it quite difficult, at times, for her to concentrate on the investigation.

Unfortunately Chief Porchow has set his sights on one suspect, and Desiree has to speed up her investigation before they arrest an innocent woman. She also finds Chief Porchow is not very receptive to her help and information. But, narrowing down the suspect list is not an easy task.

Desiree is the type of PI I'd want to hire if I ever needed one. She is very down-to-earth and loves food. We get to know her strengths and weaknesses in this series. She is a three-dimensional character. She also has a great relationship with Ellen -- who is a character in her own right.

The society ladies that Desiree investigates are very realistic. It is easily believed that they could be hiding something and adds to the overall mystery.

At the end of this book is a tasty new recipe for Desiree's Wild Mushroom Croustades. Food is a big focus in this series.

This cozy is one of my favorite series. I highly recommend this book. When you read one book, you'll want to read the whole series.

Plus-size Manhattan private eye, Desiree Shapiro, may be scrimping on luxury items for herself, but when she learns about her absolute favorite - and only - niece, Ellen's upcoming wedding, Desiree does the unthinkable...she breaks the bank and gets together with the mother of the groom-to-be, Mike, to throw a fabulous bridal shower to ring in the special occasion. Making arrangements at Connecticut's extravagant Silver Oaks Country Club, Desiree keeps things under wraps in an attempt to surprise Ellen. And surprised she is. For amongst the lavishly laden table full of scrumptious treats lies a killer salad that literally does Ellen's aunt-to-be, Bobbie Jean, in. Having known the woman for an extremely brief time, Desiree is clueless as to why someone would want to do Bobbie Jean harm. However, when Mike hires her to investigate the woman's death, Desiree can't say no. After all, they're practically family, and she doesn't want to rock the boat before he and Ellen have said "I do." Contrary to popular belief, Desiree instantly learns that Bobbie Jean was not the saint that Mike and his father may have believed her to be. Quite the opposite in fact. Upon digging up the dirt, Desiree actually learns that Bobbie Jean was an extremely manipulative woman who was hated by many for various scandalous reasons - namely the fact that she was an adulterer and a home-wrecker who left many women without spouses and in tears. The police, however, are not as convinced as Desiree that Bobbie Jean's death was a homicide, and refuse to treat it as such until they get their lab reports back. But Desiree refuses to wait. Dragging her dimpled behind through the streets of Manhattan, and all the way out to Connecticut various times, the pudgy PI begins interrogating her four prime suspects - Carla and Robin Fremont, Lorraine Corwin, and, worst of all, Mike's own mother, Allison Lynton. The process is slow-going, considering each woman appeared to hold a very strong grudge against the deceased, but Desiree is determined to solve the crime no matter how long it takes. After all, aside from some canceled dates with the irresistibly nerdy, Nick Grainger, who just happens to occupy an apartment in Desiree's building, as well as hold a place in her heart, Desiree doesn't have much to do on a Saturday night. And, if she plans on reviving her love life, she'll have to first muddle through her awaiting case before making dates that will undoubtedly leave her mind somewhere else. But as Desiree navigates through the world of love and death, she begins to find clues leading to a suspect she hoped would escape without a mark on her record. Now, however, Desiree must gather as much evidence as possible to convict her for the crime, otherwise a seemingly innocent women will be thrown in jail by the hare-brained police who refuse to look deeper into the mystery at hand.

As a die-hard fan of the portly Desiree Shapiro, as well as an avid Food Network watcher, I instantly knew that MURDER CAN RAIN ON YOUR SHOWER would be scrumptious - and it was just that. As always, Desiree's signature self-deprecating humor is at an all-time high; while her adventures out of city limits through bad weather, bad food, and bad company are not only humorous, but original, and laugh-out-loud funny, as well. While Ellen is quite often featured within the pages of the Shapiro novels, Selma Eichler made her a much more prevalent character in this particular installment, most likely because it's her bridal shower where the murder takes place, which was extremely enjoyable. Ellen is such a fun character, whose freak-out sessions really illustrate a vulnerability in her character, making her even more appealing; while her penchant for shoveling tons of food into her tiny frame makes you green with envy. The supporting characters in this particular installment are also quite enchanting - in a semi-evil way. Eichler has created four society ladies whom you absolutely love to hate. Each one is privy to her own quirks and feelings regarding Bobbie Jean's death, which makes it impossible for the reader to solve the mystery on their own; while their ability to remain so passive over the woman's death is not only surprising, but extremely convincing to the reader, as we attempt to navigate through this sordid world of money, scandals, cheating, false accusations, and so much more. Eichler has certainly outdone herself with this Shapiro novel, not only crafting a delightful, hard-to-solve mystery, but inserting a gem of a recipe - Desiree's Wild Mushroom Croustades - as well. A mouthwatering addition!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Selma Eichler continues to write good mysteries involving this plus-size detective who is comfortable with herself and her love of food.

In this one, Desiree is helping her niece Ellen plan her wedding at a posh country club. When one of the guests keels over dead, Desiree is asked by Ellen's fiancee to look into the matter.

Despite the snobbery of the society ladies and bogus clues galore, Desiree manages to solve the crime.

If you like a cozy mystery with a little meat on its bones, be sure to check out this Desiree Shapiro mystery. You'll be sure to read the rest.

Ok, so it isn't exactly a *love affair* but I adore Selma Eichler's books. I'm currently reading my way through all her books and with my busy schedule I only have time to read before bed each night. Thank you Ms. Eichler for giving me that *something to look forward to* each day.

Desiree Shapiro, a Manhattan PI who loves food, throws her niece Ellen a bridal shower with Allison Lynton, mother of the groom, at Silver Oaks Country Club. Unfortunately Bobbie Jean, Allison's sister-in-law, takes a few bites of her green salad and keels over.

Desiree believes this to be a homicide and begins investigating. She discovers many people didn't get along well with Bobbie Jean. Bobbie Jean had stolen many fiances and husbands over the years. The suspect list keeps growing and changing.

Allison's husband Wes, Bobbie Jean's brother, has a tough time accepting her death. This adds to the tension in the family.

A new love interest starts calling Desiree. This makes it quite difficult, at times, for her to concentrate on the investigation.

Unfortunately Chief Porchow has set his sights on one suspect, and Desiree has to speed up her investigation before they arrest an innocent woman. She also finds Chief Porchow is not very receptive to her help and information. But, narrowing down the suspect list is not an easy task.

Desiree is the type of PI I'd want to hire if I ever needed one. She is very down-to-earth and loves food. We get to know her strengths and weaknesses in this series. She is a three-dimensional character. She also has a great relationship with Ellen -- who is a character in her own right.

The society ladies that Desiree investigates are very realistic. It is easily believed that they could be hiding something and adds to the overall mystery.

At the end of this book is a tasty new recipe for Desiree's Wild Mushroom Croustades. Food is a big focus in this series.

This cozy is one of my favorite series. I highly recommend this book. When you read one book, you'll want to read the whole series.

This is one very large suprise, I usually can figure fairly close who the killer is before it is noted by the author. This was not happening is this book. Cant wait for the next in the series, Go Victoria!!!!

Victoria Thompson outdid herself on this book. Finally a Sarah Brandt mystery that didn't reveal itself several chapters into the book. She kept me guessing until the end and now I am anxiously awaiting her next installment in the Gaslight Mystery Series.

I am a big fan of Victoria Thompson's. I found her through Amazon when I finished all Anne Perry's books and was trying to find something else.
I love Thompson's books. They create the atmosphere, they have good humor and excellent character descriptions. As you read the book you smell the smells, hear the sounds and feel the emotions.
Cannot wait to hear that a next book is on its way. I highly recommend this as well as all her other Gas Light Mystery books.

wonderful series. have enjoyed all thompson's books in this series. if you enjoy period mysteries, then give this writer a chance! can't wait for the next one.

Excellent read. I enjoy this series immensely and this latest book is the best one yet.

This is an easy read text, organized well for quick reference and very helpful in counseling.

Excellent book, those written more recently have different agenda, but this book was excellent in terms of creating a way to understand issues specific to Native people and counseling.

This book gives a brilliant insight into the issues that Native Americans are facing as a colonialized people. I don't believe America as a whole has come to the realization of just what it did to the indigenous people and the traumatizing effect the American Dream has had on the original inhabitants. To make matters worse, these people are normally treated by individuals that only come from the Newtonian-Descartian worldview of present day mainstream psychology. When treating people from another cultural background, you need to take into account WHERE they are coming from, and what their worldview are. To not do so, is just to continue the cultural genocide that has been going on for far too long. A highly recommendable book.

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I see it as basic material for any counselor or therapist. While the focus is on Native Americans, it is relevant for work with clients of all cultures. The discussion of intergenerational trauma and the soul wound is particularly well done. Highly readable and it can change the way you practice. Profound!

It's been many years since the first time I read this book, it was, and remains, a very powerful and very relevant analysis of anger turned inward in the Native American community. It is, nevertheless, a work that confronts a very sensitive issue in the United States of America - the impact on current generations of genocidal colonization practices against long-established Native American communities by European colonizers. Do not read this book if you believe the Americas were pristine, unpopulated lands waiting to be "discovered" by Columbus, or Erikson, or any other European. Do read this book if you want to understand why other colonized cultures have turned to violence and dogma to seek revenge for the foreign imposition of arbitrary and intentionally destructive rulerships.

I became introduced, and subsequently hooked on the Wolfe books through watching the A & E series a few years ago. While I own all of them I have thus far only managed to get through half of them. As I began reading the books I thought to myself if ever a series begged for a cookbook it was this one, and, much to my delight, there was one.

I recieved the cookbook as a present and have thouroughly enjoyed cooking meals from it. I have yet to make some of the more adventurous dishes such as the Starlings, Grouse (raised on fresh huckleberries), and turttle soup; due both to lack of fund$ and lack of supply. However, I have enjoyed making both the melon and crab salads. As well, I highly recomend Wolfe's Onion soup [especially if you have a cold], Cornbread Griddlecakes, Spareribs and Cassoulet all are delicous and finger-licking good. I warn you now the Nero Wolfe Cookbook is not for those who are on a diet Atkins or otherwise, the character of Wolfe is not known for his sveltness and, besides his relatively sedentary lifestyle, his epicurean nature is a clear indication as to why.

Inserted througout the cookbook are but a minutia of the plethora of food references found throughout Stout's, arguably most successful, series. These mouth watering recipes and qoutes make the cook/reader want to go and read more of the books to see what else Wolfe ate which in turn makes you want to go make more of the food because the books are so detailed about what is served. My only reget in reading this book is that Stout did not publish a second volume of Wolfe's dishes since readers of the series are left wanting more of the recipes to Wolfe's great feasts

If you are a fan of Nero Wolfe, then this is the book for you. REAL recipes used in the stories, the recipes that Fritz Brenner and Nero Wolfe cook with and sometimes fight over, while Archie Goodwin just sits down and enjoys it all. With a forward by Fritz, the book has everything from how to make the pie crust (for the many pies)to griddle cakes (which Archie loves). It even has Nero Wolfe's salad dressing!
ENJOY!

"I beg you not to entrust these dishes to your cook unless he is an artist. Cook them yourself, and only for an occasion that is worthy of them. They are items for an epicure, but are neither finicky nor pretentious; you and your guests will find them as satisfying to the appetite as they are pleasing to the palate. None is beyond your abilities if you have the necessary respect for the art of fine cooking - and are willing to spend the time and care which an excellent dish deserves and must have. Good appetite!"

The above quote from the account one of Nero Wolfe's first investigations ("Too Many Cooks," 1937) serves as one of several introductory notes to this compilation of recipes from Rex Stout's famous mystery series involving the New York epicurean, orchid lover and heavy-weight detective whose exploits have long become as indelible a part of literary history as those of Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and Lord Peter Wimsey. And the quote not only sums up to perfection Wolfe's view of the meals served in his house; it also - consequently - provides a taste of the approach one should adopt in using this cookbook. For unlike many other literature-related recipe collections, "The Nero Wolfe Cookbook" need not rely on a great many third-party sources to determine what the great detective might have consumed; a key part of the mysteries themselves are the descriptions of Wolfe's meals, and Wolfe's (as well as his Swiss chef Fritz Brenner's) attitude towards food in general.

All of the recipes presented here were initially developed by chef Michael S. Romano and tested personally by Rex Stout and "New Yorker" food critic Sheila Hibben. And it's all there, from Eggs au Beurre Noir, griddle cakes, and apricot omelet to Fritz Brenner's various duck, duckling, and pork dishes, Wolfe's "relapses," and even the complete menu served by Fritz on the occasion of the annual Ten for Aristology dinner in "Poison a la Carte:" Blinis with Sour Cream (of course without the fatal dose of arsenic someone had added, to Fritz's eternal horror and shame, to one of the guests' plates!), Green-Turtle Soup, Flounder Poached in White Wine, Mussel and Mushroom Sauce, Roast Pheasant, Suckling Pig, Chestnut Croquettes, Salad with Devil's Rain Dressing and Cheese. As you would expect with cuisine as refined as this (and given that we're talking, after all, about the culinary arts of the early and mid-20th century), not all ingredients are easy to track down or even still available; turtles being the obvious example - and frankly, I don't quite share Wolfe's predilection for such things as starlings and marrow dumplings, either. But even foregoing those recipes, there are plenty of others to try your hand at, and to get a flavor of the culinary delights that fueled Wolfe's and his "legman" and chronicler Archie Goodwin's investigations.

In addition to the recipes, the book is lavishly garnished with quotes and excerpts from Rex Stout's - err, excuse me, Archie Goodwin's - narrations, providing the context in which individual dishes were served, as well as an array of photographs by renowned photo artists such as Norman and Lionel Wurts, Roy Perry, Samuel Gottscho, Andreas Feininger, John Muller, and Bernice Abbot; displaying the New York of the 1930s through the 1950s (by many considered the city's golden years, and the heyday of Wolfe's and Archie Goodwin's career), with brownstones like Wolfe's on West 35th Street and other fashionable residences (seen both from outside and inside), 5th Avenue, the Financial District and Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park and other green spots, Madison Square Garden, Fulton and other markets, the Staten Island Ferry, Grand Central and Penn Stations, and New York restaurants of various degrees of elegance and refinement. Thus, this is much more than "just" a cookbook - in fact, it's an introduction to Wolfe's entire world and style of life; tastefully uniting the essence of Archie Goodwin's manifold accounts in a single volume.

"I have not a great hope that many people will eat superior meals because they buy this book and use it," cautions Fritz Brenner in his own foreword. "The facts about food and cooking can be learned and understood by anyone with good sense, but if the feeling of the art of cooking is not in your blood and bones the most you can expect is that what you put on your table will be mangeable. ... But I do not think this book will make your food any the worse. At least it should help with some of the facts." And that, after all, is plenty already, I think. So savor, enjoy, and, in Wolfe's words - good appetite!

A wonderful companion to the Nero Wolfe experience, but the recipes are not for the inexperienced cook. We started with the baked scallops and were delighted, but there are several steps and you can screw up easily if you lack the right equipment or skills.

The excerpts are sly and the pictures are endearing. We wouldn't have minded a few images of the entrees, but the photos of period New York gently blur the line between fiction and reality, as does the whole book itself.

Buy this one if you are Wolfe obsessive, or (much better) if you can cook. But beware! Wolfe's tastes reflect a complete disregard for his health, so butter, eggs, and cream are in every second dish. A few call for ingredients you can't get (turtle meat, for example), but most rely on a short litany of spices and vegetables on top of easily found meats and fishes.

You will never really be able to have Fritz come visit your kitchen, but it's fun to imagine him watching over your shoulder, or peeking into your dining room, as you savor what might have been his own cooking (if you're chef enough, that is).

(Oh, our copy lacked the last page of the index, and it appears to be a printing, rather than binding error. Annoying, but we've given it 5 stars anyway.)

Yes, like the previous two reviews stated, this is a MUST for Rex Stout aficionados, but also for those interested the period. There are very nice photographs showing New York and the various locales mentioned in the books. I particularly enjoyed the pics of the brownstones like the one owned by Nero Wolfe and inhabited by Archie Goodwin, Theodore Horstman, Fritz Brenner and Nero Wolfe.

"Success in business is tied to the access of capital and information. New York Finance provides the methodology on how to write a write and sell a winning business plan to a lender or investor. It provides invaluable direction as to where and how entrepreneurs can access capital to start or grow their ventures"

"We hear from small businesses across the country that obtaining capital is one of the most intractable concerns of entrepreneurs. This book is an enormous help to emerging businesses, as they learn the fundamentals of creditworthiness, bank debt, and alternative sources of capital. We wish there were guides such as this across the country."

"A comprehensive road-map for the small businessperson to help them plan, grow, and prosper in business."

"Simmons' Book is more than just another how-to manual, more than just another directory of resources. It's informative, insightful, innovative. New York Finance makes a unique contribution!

"A unique book that can unlock the door to alternative and traditional sources of financing. A must for the economic development community, entrepreneurs and startups. New York Finance has become an integral part of my small business community."

Are you showing your out of town or out of country friends around NYC?...

Amaze them with this interactive keepsake.

it recommends truly New York places to see, things to eat and addresses to go...
all the while encouraging the user to keep a sketchy journal of their experiences. This book breathes and it is loaded with fun graphics and only gets better when scribbled and collaged while tooling around NYC.

Amongst the masses of sterile and status conscious books, it is such a relief to see this free spirited, heartfelt blend of chaos and opinion. Only a real NYer with true conviction would give you only ONE choice for the best of everything rather than a watered down list by neighborhood of popular top tens. Absolutely intimidating to use as a notebook as each page is a frameable piece of art. More people should let go this much. A true genius in our time is Laurie Rosenwald.

This is a great new idea, stylishly done.
A quick zip around the kind of shops, services,joints and dives that you would only know about if you lived there.
It's like a cheeky pal on the inside.

With room for notes!

I simply love this book. It's a witty mix of ideas, illustrations, photos, and typography. It's unconventional and playful, and every page is a creative and refreshing experience.

A fab guide for fab folk - experience the real NYC and get ahead of the pack. Get your kicks in all the cool spots and get the low-down from a true NY'er. A must-have!

This map was the best thing we took with us on our week-long vacation to New York. Small and pocketable, we could easily stow the map and conveniently pull it out and find our bearings without having to look too much like tourists. The map shows not only streets but theaters, shopping, tourist attractions etc.
However, the one thing the map lacks (and why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5) is that the subway stops are shown on a separate, smaller map, and it was quite challenging trying to overlap where we were on one map and where a stop was located on the other map--we certainly got our exercise circling a few extra blocks here and there! Also, by the end of the week, the map was showing some signs of wear and tear: one of the perforated folds ripped, and sometimes I'd struggle to get the map to fold back up to its flat size. Regardless, I would definitely recommend this map to anyone headed for New York. And, if you plan on traveling by subway, ask for one of the free (and very large and in-depth) subway maps from any subway station.

A friend got this map for me when I went to New York for the first time and it proved to be invaluable. I studied it before I left on my trip to get an idea of the layout of the land. It was easy to read, folded neatly on it's own, fit in my coat pocket, and it was easy to reference it without having to call attention to myself as a "tourist". The subway map was indispensible at helping me navigate my way around town and it even shows you where the post office and public markets are around town.
This company makes the same types of maps for other major US and European cities so I'm investing in a few before my next trip abroad.

Hi,

I live in NY now. I am about to buy another 6 of these as our visitors keep going home with them because they forget they have them in their pockets! Simply the best maps of NY - I have tried about 5 other types.

These are great, small and detailed

This is surely the best map you could have of Manhattan. I will not go without mine. In fact, I have lost mine several times and always buy a new one before I go. This one has a wonderful layout of the subway system too. But I have used these popout maps in other cities as well. They are so small, convenient, and they show important landmarks/monuments and also hotels. I just bought five different popouts for my trip to Europe this coming summer. I'm sure they are going to be great!

The most annoying thing about maps is having to refold them, and heaven forbid they make you look like a tourist. With the Popout map series, the map is small enough to fit in your pocket and when you open it, it expands on it's own and folds back when you close it. Anytime I go to any major city I've never been to before, I buy a popout map before embarking. Can't say enough about them, just a darn good map! And as if that wasn't enough, Rand Mcnally goes on step further by offering a popout map with a compass and pen on the Deluxe Version.

I was a little disappointed at first in the book only because I thought there would be more of a story of someone in New York City with the song as a basis. Error on my part since the book was the "song". However, my niece age 5 whom the book was for was delighted and loved it. Each picture I read and described to her (I must admit she did a couple of twirls to the CD playing) was enjoying it and found all the pictures very descripitive with the song. As a New Yorker myself I was able to explain it with a little story of her "Aunt Re Re" in the Big Apple who has over the years been to all those illustrated sites.

If you like Billy Joel, you will like this book/CD. I am a big fan of Billy Joel's and have always wanted to visit New York. The book provides some great scenes of New York with labeling of all the featured sites. Makes me want to visit New York even more. It's a little goofy that a little dog is featured on all the pages, but small enough that you can ignore it and silly enough that you can enjoy it. It is a book that my two toddler children and I enjoy every day. They love the colorful pictures, and I love Billy Joel's bluesy, soulful music.

A cd single of the song accompanies musician Billy Joe's book of the same name New York State Of Mind, which receives illustration by Izak and imparts a passion for New York, from the Empire state Building to Central Park. From movie stars to newspapers and ice skating, New York State Of Mind imparts a fun and simple appreciation for the city's many offerings.

Born and raised in New York, this song always pulled on my heartstrings. Since Billy Joel, a master story teller, has put this famous song into print for kids, it has even more special meaning. The illustrations are fantastic, from the details of the lights of Times Square to the majesty of the Empire State Builiding, there is barely a corner of the city that is not captured in a colorful, realistic fashion. The pages are fun to look at (the Broadway theatres boast variations of the actual shows) and any native will appreciate the subtle story each page tells. This is great book to introduce a child to New York City, and a special keepsake for grown ups, whether residents or visitors here.

"New York State of Mind" has always been one of Billy Joel's most passionately-performed pieces. When witnessed live and in person, the song is a glowing tribute to all East Coasters and specifically to New Yorkers, from one of their own. But even the recording on the Turnstiles album is powerful. It pays homage to the concept of "home."

Joel's lyrics transfer nicely onto the pages of this picture book. The main characters, two small dogs, may remind some folks of the pair from "The Lady and the Tramp," another city story. Izak's illustrations portray the metropolis in fall or early winter, with leaves on the ground and ice skaters at Wollman Rink. Each double-page spread visits a specific location in the city, and each are identified by name. Look closely to find the irony in the signage. Theater-goers are standing in line to see "Movin' Out!" on Broadway. And the ice rink banner reads TROMP instead of TRUMP. Play the accompanying CD (containing the Turnstiles version of the song) while reading the captions, and you'll hear the soulful strains of the saxophone just as a sax player appears on the page. A captivating new book for children and adult fans of NYC and/or Billy Joel, particularly poignant in these post-9/11 days.