The Curious New Yorker: 329 Fascinating Questions and Surprising Answers about New York City

I bought this book at Rockefeller Plaza on my very first visit to New York City. It was an impulse buy, but one that has proved to be worthwhile. This is one of the few books I do not loan to any of my travel-loving friends. The contents of the book stem from a column about curious New York places, things, or elements. The questions and answers must have been sifted through since the ones published in this piece are compelling and not obvious. If you are visiting New York for the first time or even if you live there 24/7, this book can provide a new perspective of the Big Apple. It is a cute gift idea for someone relocating to the area or who has a deep affection for the city. I wish it had been updated with post-911 information, since the city has changed considerably since this book was first published.

Among my favorite books are Cecil Adams's pointed and funny "Straight Dope" series, in which, with wit and candor, he answers any stupid question a reader cares to pose him. Here's the New York City equivalent: an entertaining, educational, and enlightening collection of questions about New York City, answered with style and authority by the writers of the New York Times's "F.Y.I." column.This is an essential collection for any New York resident, expatriate, fan, or tourist. Ever wonder why subway conductors perform that wacky John Travolta pointing move before opening the doors of a train? What's that imposing-looking building with no windows in lower Manhattan? What's up with the Grecian urn design on paper coffee cups in New York delis? For anyone who's ever wondered about NYC mysteries like these (and many, many more), here's the ultimate resource. Like eating peanuts, it's addictive (I dare to you just read *one* question and answer!), and the Q & A format is brisk and entertaining, answering queries on subjects ranging from history, sports, streets, food, subways, and New Yorkers of all stripes. A thorough "New York Gazetteer" at the end is a quick almanac of all that info you think you need but don't know where to find (how to determine the nearest cross street to a Manhattan address, what's your police precinct and community board location, etc.) The only complaint? This book ends much too soon...sequel, please, FYI guys?If you live in New York or visit it, you *need* this book. After all, the consummate New Yorker is a know-it-all expert who always has the answers about the most arcane and obscure topic. With this book, you can be one too.

This book is a must-read for any self-respecting resident of the Big Apple. The only thing more fascinating than the answers are the questions themselves, things that may have briefly passed through the transem of your subsconscious and quickly forgotten about. Why, for example, does every building in NYC seem to have one of those wooden water towers on top? Why is West 4th Street actually on the East side? Who is Major Deegan, and if he was a good enough military leader to get his own highway, why have I never read about him in the history books? Read "The Curious New Yorker" and you will be able to answer these and hundreds of other questions - and achieve A-list status on the Gotham party circuit as a result. That's because there is no more fascinating topic of discussion in New York than the City itself. Instead of giving everyone a copy of the Yellow Pages when you move into an apartment, your superintendent should give you this book. You'll get a lot more out of it.