Ursina's Shelf - I Heart New York
Issue 33
Dear readers,
I miss New York. I really miss New York. Of course, the appeal of New York is that it is always changing and there are even so many different versions of New York at the same time, making the city so vibrant and also at times overwhelming. It is also a reason I keep returning to books that feature New York. This isn’t even the first newsletter on New York, I previously explored this theme in New York through the ages (Issue 23).
New York, New York in books
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010)
Description: This 2011 Pulitzer-prize winning novel travels between characters in different time periods and different locales, mostly in and around New York. The time periods not only include the past and present, but also the future. Across time and locales, we get to know the characters and how time catches up to them.
My take: What I loved most about this book, which I read shortly after it was published, were Egan’s vision of what a future New York and future world may look like, including the impacts of climate change and technology, especially envisioning what kids might perceive as completely normal. A small example is how everyone will be attached to their phone, but there are also more stark changes that are mind-stretching.
Bonus fact: There is an entire chapter written as PowerPoint presentation. Oh, and Egan went to Penn and dated Steve Jobs. Talk about someone who it would be fun to get a drink with.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride (2020)
Description: Set in a Brooklyn housing complex, the story launches with the surprising shooting of the local drug dealer by the protagonist, a grumpy old church deacon. McBride then starts to reveal more and more about the community and individuals and how they are connected, telling many stories within the story, while the plot accelerates toward an equally dramatic and satisfying finish.
My take: I adored the book’s writing and particularly how vivid single sentences are. I was amazed at how much description McBride would manage to pack into a single sentence. Beyond that, many characters become expectedly and unexpectedly endearing. If you still need convincing, I give you this sentence from The New Yorker’s review: “The sheer volume of invention in “Deacon King Kong”—on the level of both character (the first chapter alone introduces twenty individuals by name) and language—commands awe” (link).
Bonus tip: The Color of Water by the same author is also one of my favorites and was featured in issue 6.
Red at the Bone written by Jacqueline Woodson and read by the author and several narrators (2019) (previously published in issue 19)
Description: This books tells the story of a black family over several decades and as the narration jumps between family members and generations we get an in-depth experience at their experiences with parenthood, class, education, loss, sexuality, and more.
My take: While the book is short it is full of emotion and plot without ever feeling packed or rushed. And the writing—and even more so the narration—is more like poetry or theater. The voices and lyricism bring a depth to the story making it both more beautiful and heartbreaking.
Bonus tip: Definitely consider the audio version.
Currently reading: Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Thanks for reading this newsletter. As always please share your reading recs and let me know too if you have ideas for upcoming newsletters. Have a great weekend!