In My Books: New York Edition

Here’s a roundup of books about New York City or set in New York City, to accompany the recaps I’ve been posting of our trip to the Big ‘Ol Apple last Fall!

1. All the Buildings in New York: That I’ve Drawn so Far by James Gulliver Hancock

This book is chalk full of beautiful illustrations and quirky tidbits about some of my favorite iconic New York buildings. It recently appeared on my radar and its on my wish list…it is my birthday this month! *hint*

2. This is New York by Miroslav Sasek

I remember first seeing this series in a bookstore in San Francisco. They are brilliant children’s classics, full of whimsical imagery that captures the essence of each place. This one for New York city features the hustle and bustle of Times Square, the ethnic neighborhoods and the awe-inspiring architecture. It is a must-own for any children’s book collection.

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

This novel tells the compelling story of Holden Caulfield. I read this for high school English and it has remained a favorite. Holden is an eloquent narrator that captures the essence of what it is to be a teenager, cynical of the world and most people in it. The narration of this book is set over three days that Holden experiences in New York City, with many references to favorite spots such as the Museum of Natural History and Central Park Zoo.

4. Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell

The iconic TV show loved by women everywhere was loosely based on the book written by Candace Bushnell. The book is a collection of essays drawn from a witty and wickedly funny column that Bushnell wrote for the New York Observer about the lifestyles of herself and her friends. This was the one tour we didn’t go on while we were in NYC – I didn’t think Husbie would go for the idea a SATC tour on our honeymoon…

5. Wallpaper City Guide New York by Phaidon

Featuring advice on where to stay, what to eat and what to see based on the amount of time you have to spend in the city. It includes tabs, color coding and maps for other organizational freaks like me! It doesn’t hurt that these books fit in a purse and are easy on the eyes either – you can feel cool pulling it out rather than feeling like a tourist when you fight with an over-sized paper map as the subway rips by. I want to collect one for every city that Husbie and I visit!

6. Bossypants by Tina Fey

The best biography I’ve read to date, hands down! Tina Fey is absolutely hilarious and self-deprecating, offering readers an inside view on her career and rise to fame on Saturday Night Live in New York City.