Morningside Heights

Hatred is not the first emotion that one usually associates with a favorite book, but for the first 250 or so pages of this 336-page book, I was convinced that I did, indeed, heartily dislike Cheryl Mendelson's Morningside Heights. The "typical" Morningside Heights characters that populate this novel can be extremely irritating, with their relentless self-made problems, inveterate narcissism, and attendant (and tedious) therapy sessions. Despite all of the promise for annoyance that Mendelson's first novel initially serves up, the author manages to offer something wholly ingenious and even brave: completely unadulterated optimism. I have yet to read a modern literary novel written for adults that believes so unrelentingly in everything turning out just as it should, and it is that quality that makes Morningside Heights one of the more original and memorable books I have read in quite a long time. Optimism does not normally strike me as a remarkable, or even necessarily admirable, quality, but Mendelson wields it without irony, shame, or sentiment, and the result is a story that is deeply satisfying in an old-fashioned way. Mendelson's application of a type of storyline (complete with a mystery, a buried treasure, and everyone getting exactly what they deserve in the end) derived from classic children's literature to adult literary fiction is absolutely inspired. Morningside Heights gives us what we all want: profound satisfaction dressed up in literary ingenuity.

Thank goodness this is just the first book of a planned trilogy. Once you meet the Braithwaites in this, Mendelson's first detour into fiction, you will want more and more of them, their family, and their extended circle of friends. Delightful Manhattan neighborhood ambiance, urban optimism, marital stress...what's not to love?Less than great literature, but way more than a good beach read.

A glowing review in Newsday inspired us to read this funny, insightful, intelligent, compelling and totally entertaining novel. The characters are so well described you feel as if they could be you or one of your friends in true-to-life situations both humorous and challenging. Reminiscent of Jane Austen's novels, the author's description of this NYC neighborhood and its inhabitants will captivate and entertain you thoroughly. One of the best books I have read in many years and I await her next with anticipation. I hope and expect this novel to be well-received and well-loved by many. Very highly recommended.

This novel held me captive, and was missed when finished. This is the kind of book you will want to read from cover to cover, not missing a single word. The characters and the neighborhood (the main character) come alive, and you will want to know them all if you do not already.

Morningside Heights was truly a pleasure to read. The characters were all well-developed and believable, the plot was clever and satisfying, and the writing was rich and thoroughly entertaining. I'm looking forward to more from Ms. Mendelson in the future.