Comments on: Maybe New York Magazine Should Have Called This Article ‘Books That Are Essential to Men’ — ‘Fear of Flying’ Doesn’t Fly With Sam Anderson

By: 1minutebookreviewswordpresscom

1minutebookreviewswordpresscom — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:04:28 +0000

I’ve got to read her. In retrospect she takes on the added dimension of a certain historical interest now that the “old” Plaza is no more.

By: ggelliott

ggelliott — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:24:46 +0000

“Eloise” is just…delicious. This applies to the character as well as the experience of reading the book. She’s pint-sized, wry, and she swears.

Unbeatable combination.

By: 1minutebookreviewswordpresscom

1minutebookreviewswordpresscom — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:32:54 +0000

GG: How can I never have read the “Eloise” books? I’ve always thought I’d love them … and will try to review them soon. Thanks for the reminder.

Oh: Anderson was limited to books from the past 40 years because he was writing for the 40th anniversary issue of New York. But “Diary of a Mad Housewife,” “Sex and the City,” and “Slaves of New York” ALL came out within those four decades …

You could argue that, for example, “Diary of a Mad Housewife” isn’t literary enough, but what’s the rationale for leaving out “Slaves of New York”? It’s so good and was excerpted in The New Yorker. And “The Bell Jar” came out in the U.S. in 1971. Some of the omissions are just bizarre and evidence of a rare tin ear in Anderson.
Jan

By: oh

oh — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:14:19 +0000

Of course I had to rush to the list, looking more for memories of NYC books that I love rather than those that might meet his two criteria. I collect books, fiction especially, about New York.
And one or two of them, I’m not even sure were in NYC.
But New Yorkitude? Where’s Diary of Mad Housewife, Sex and the City, Emma Who Saved My Life, Slaves of New York, (ok, he gives small mention to the literati brat pack like Janowitz) and even, shall we say The Women’s Room which everyone, I mean everyone was reading on the subway that year…1979? but it probably doesn’t happen in NYC.) What about James’s Washington Square? Yeah, I know some of my choises are gonzo, like Skinny Legs and All, but I think some of the aforementioned kicked in genres, were time capsules, were…special…reflecting movements, moments,and multiple snapshots of the City.

I was thrilled though to see Halperin’s A Winter Tale on the list. Sometimes, I can’t believe that book even exists, it was so, so, ephemeral? I loved it. Can’t even say why.

And so, I LOVED today’s blog! which walked me right smack through the city I adore. That city of cities.
And yes to Ggelliott who mentions Eloise. Yes, we love her and thanks for the web reference!

By: ggelliott

ggelliott — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:25:00 +0000

And where, might I ask, is Kay Thompson’s “Eloise” on this list? By far my favorite New York book.

Here’s a link with some interesting notes:

http://www.eloisewebsite.com/books/book_eloise.htm