For all of us drawn by current affairs, behind the scene politics and policy making – this book is educational and eye opening to a point. Seth Barron is a journalist who delivers a “chronicle of failed policy and bad leadership” when it comes to the mayor of New York – Bill de Blasio.

I have only been to New York once (the week after Trump won the presidential election in 2016) and I never left Manhattan. So as a European with an romanticized image of New York, the book served as a condensed stream of information covering over ten years - with a focus on the Black Lives Matter protests, the conflict between NYPD and fractions of society as well as the difficulties the city was faced with during the recent lockdowns and increased criminality.

I felt like the book tends to be “one-sided” – showcasing a long list of bad de decisions, incoherent policies and conflicting public statements from Bill de Blasio and his allies. It is obvious that the author does not support the mayor, his entourage, or his left-wing political views (campaigning to eliminate economic inequality).

For me the book was a collection of most relevant events of last few years and I did learn about the entire family history of the current mayor. I also believe that there is no black or white when it comes to politics, campaigning and fund raising. At times, I felt the need for a more neutral tone from the author, who minimized the race issues that triggered the BLM protests (focusing more on defending the NYPD and showing concern for the increase in crime).

As a former New Yorker, I found this book highly interesting.. Much of what I've read in here was stuff that I was already aware of. Even not being a resident in NY any longer, I tend to keep on top of current events, politics, etc. However, there was a great deal that I had either forgotten or wasn't aware of.and was not entirely shocked at, but none the less still sadden to read. New York at one time was getting back on track. Until Bill De Blasio., Yes, there are others to blame but much of what you'll read here is about him.

With the division in our country right now, it will be the same with this book. If your a Republican you will probably recommend it to others. If your a Democrat you probably will burn this book.

I believe Seth Barron did a fantastic job describing the state of NY, how it got to be that way and those who were key players. One thing is for sure I think all New Yorkers should take the time to read this. .

This book was very interesting, as it presented quite shocking examples with a very factual, detached tone. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Seth Barron's "The Last Days of New York: a reporter's true tale of how a city died" is not only a must-read for New Yorkers, but also should be read by anyone who has ever loved New York City. The book focuses on how the complete ineptitude of Mayor DeBlasio has ruined New York. This book is not full of generalities; rather, irrefutable examples are offered to support every proposition set forth by Barron. The book also explores other forces (NYC City Council, etc) that have been complicit with DeBlasio in enacting policies that have lowered the quality of life for New Yorkers and caused serious damage to NYC.

As someone who loves New York, I was both saddened and enraged by this book, because the problems it details are becoming so entrenched that the city may never recover. Hope that this book will lead to action by all of those who feel similarly.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

The author is an American journalist living in NYC who through especially his work, at the City Hall got a really good insight of the city's political decisions and how they impact people's lives.

This book was very interesting, as it presented quite shocking examples (particularly about mental health and races issues) with a very factual, detached tone.
As a Non-American, it's quite complicated to grasp how things work in the USA, particularly politics, and in my opinion Seth Barron did a good job to make it understandable (even if I get it that things are not done the same way in NYC than in Boston or Los Angeles). At least it's a glimpse of what is going on in one of the most famous cities in the world... and it's scary.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an eArc in exchange of an honest review.

This book has been written by Seth Baron, a journalist who has lived and worked in New York and is involved in politics on a grass roots level having worked at City Hall, as well as writing a blog ‘City Council Watch’. His book is a history of New York City covering the period from the recession of 2008-2009 right through to the triple threat of the global pandemic, civil unrest following the death of George Floyd, and the financial collapse of revenue in 2020. The author declaims Mayor Bill de Blasio as the worst Mayor in New York’s history and a key protagonist in the city’s decline.
I found this book to be fascinating and give a real insight into the local political system which is so drastically different in America to the UK. I found it eye opening that a Mayor could have such a profound and dramatic impact on the lives of the inhabitants of the city. It’s an easy and informative read, and the author has a relaxed style which makes some of the content even more disturbing in terms of the violence and the anecdote at the end about the guy with the crossbow makes you seriously concerned about the care available for those with mental health issues.
The alphabetical index at the end of the book is a particularly useful reference feature.
Well worth a read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Humanix Publishing for the e-arc in return for an honest review.

This book was not for me, Barron continually uses tropes to character assassinate Bill de Blasio, may I suggest changing the title? It is generally well written and forms some sort of cohesive argument, but being of a completely different persuasion removed from New York politics I couldn't really finish it with a clear conscience.

I very much doubt that this book would sell well in the United Kingdom market, given Barron's disregard for such things as "a higher minimum wage and paid sick leave" which are guaranteed rights in the United Kingdom and agreed by most people on the political spectrum of the United Kingdom.

This book purports to be insightful when it just uses the collapse of New York City as an excuse for Fox News-style propaganda. Disappointing.