Books to Read for Fans of New York

If you’re a fan of New York City, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in a good book that transports you straight to the heart of the Big Apple.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or an armchair traveler, here are some books that will give you a deeper appreciation of the city that never sleeps:

Non-Fiction Books

1. The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert A. Caro

This Pulitzer Prize-winning biography chronicles the life of Robert Moses, who had a significant impact on the development of New York City.

Moses was a master builder who shaped the city’s highways, bridges, parks, and public housing.

Caro’s book is an epic read, and it offers a fascinating look at the complex political and social forces that shaped the modern city.

2. The Encyclopedia of New York City edited by Kenneth T. Jackson

This book is a comprehensive reference guide to all aspects of New York City’s history, culture, and geography.

With over 4,000 entries, it covers everything from famous landmarks to obscure neighborhoods, from important events to fascinating trivia.

If you’re looking for a book that can help you understand the city on a deeper level, this is the one for you.

3. Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898 by Edwin G. Burrows and Mike Wallace

This Pulitzer Prize-winning book offers a detailed and engaging look at the history of New York City from its earliest days to the turn of the 20th century.

Burrows and Wallace bring the city to life with vivid descriptions of its people, politics, and culture.

If you’re a history buff, this book is a must-read.

Fiction Books

1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

This classic novel is a must-read for anyone who loves New York City. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who wanders the city after getting expelled from prep school.

Through Holden’s eyes, we get a glimpse of the city’s dark underbelly and its endless possibilities.

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This iconic novel is set in the 1920s and tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws lavish parties in hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.

The book captures the glamour and excess of the Jazz Age, and it offers a fascinating look at the social mores of the time.

3. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

This novel is set in New York City in the 1970s and tells the stories of several characters whose lives intersect on the day when Philippe Petit walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers.

The book captures the energy and diversity of the city, and it offers a poignant reflection on the human condition.

Memoirs

1. Just Kids by Patti Smith

This memoir tells the story of Patti Smith’s early days in New York City, when she lived with the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and pursued her dream of becoming an artist.

The book captures the excitement and idealism of the 1970s New York City art scene, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two iconic artists.

2. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

While not strictly a book about New York City, Trevor Noah’s memoir is a fascinating look at growing up as a mixed-race child in apartheid-era South Africa and later navigating life in New York City as a young adult.

Noah’s experiences in New York offer a unique perspective on the city and its culture, and his wit and humor make this memoir a joy to read.

3. The Andy Warhol Diaries edited by Pat Hackett

This book is a compilation of Andy Warhol’s daily diary entries from 1976 to 1987.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s life and the New York City art scene of the time.

Warhol’s observations and musings on everything from celebrity culture to politics are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Children’s Books

1. Eloise by Kay Thompson

This classic children’s book tells the story of a six-year-old girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Eloise is a spunky and charming character who loves to explore the city and get into mischief.

The book is full of whimsical illustrations and captures the magic of New York City from a child’s perspective.

2. Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery

This children’s book tells the story of a community garden in Harlem and the people who work to make it thrive.

The book celebrates the diversity and resilience of the Harlem community, and it offers a valuable lesson on the importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship.

3. The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

This beloved children’s book tells the story of a cricket who finds himself in the heart of Times Square and the unlikely friendships he forms with a cat and a mouse.

The book captures the energy and excitement of the city, and it offers a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure.

Whether you prefer non-fiction, fiction, memoirs, or children’s books, there’s a book out there that will capture your love for New York City.

So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and lose yourself in the pages of a great read that will transport you straight to the city that never sleeps.