Only in New York.

M. G. Crisci was a successful businessman before becoming a successful author. Included in this book are mostly business and family/friend stories, plus quite a few slice-of-life New York City ones. (Think "New York Times" Metropolitan Diary stories, only longer.) Some were interesting, some amusing, some a bit confusing. I'm not sure why he started the book off with the one he did about a family Thanksgiving dinner in 1952. Was it suppose to be funny or serious or what? All and all, though, the book was a worthwhile read, and much more professionally done than so many of the self-published collections of recollections out there these days.

Only In New York: 36 true Big Apple stories spanning 5 years and 5 boroughs
by M.G. Crisci 
due 2-22-2019 
Orca Publishing 
4.0 / 5.0 

M.G. Crisci takes the reader on a journey through his 55 years living in the Big Apple, told in 36 funny and entertaining stories. From the grit of the harbors to the glamour of the elite, Crisci successfully brings to life the bustle and spirit of this diverse city. With memories of his heritage, lifelong friends, his wife and children; he visits restaurants, museums, and shopping areas he and his wife have enjoyed....or not. His life and adventures are colorful, humorous and perfectly capture NYC, its ethnic diversity and people in this memoir.

In the forward, Crisci says "this book wasn't just a collection of short stories, it's my life in all its imperfect glory.", and that is exactly what is here. Addicting and compelling each story is witty and has its own message. Wonderfully written, this is an original book of short stories that would appeal to many. 
Recommended.

Thank you to  Orca Publishing and M.G. Crisci for this e-book ARC for review.
#OnlyInNewYork           #NetGalley
Learn more about M.G. Crisci and his many other novels on facebook.com/worldofcrisci.

I'm a mid-westerner, but enjoyed these snippets of time in the author's life. He's charismatic and has a good sense of humor and is generous in his credit to others in his telling. I guess he's written a number of other books, of which I'll check out a few. Recommended. 

Thanks very much for the review copy!

A New Yorker is a breed unto themselves and nothing proves that more than this entertaining novel.  The humorous tone used to describe the authors childhood make this book an enjoyable read.  I had a smile plastered on my face throughout my entire reading experience

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Only In New York – M G Crisci

Summary:
A series of 36 short reminiscences, covering about 55 years of MG Crisci’s life in the Big Apple, New York. It is his love story to one of the greatest cities on earth.

Main Characters:
M G Crisci: He is the narrator, and we see a New York that probably is gone forever, but which is/was definitely hidden from tourist eyes!

Plot:

The author intends to give a viewpoint of New York, but really it is an insight into his own lie, from a stereotypical Italian-American Thanksgiving dinner, with lots and lots (molto e molto) of food, innumerable courses, and a swarm of related humanity. 

The first story sets the tone and pace of the rest of the book. By turns insightful, regretful, funny and mischievous, the life of a young, hungry original Mad Man (the author spent a large part of his career at Young & Rubicam, before defecting to make and lose millions on Wall Street) is laid out before us. From incredible expense accounts, to cheaper ways for two young execs to get their breakfast, and along the way we see the lengths he would go to keep a high-spending client, and the expensive suits that made up the all-so-important projected image.

Through the author’s reminisces, we visit high-end restaurants (he name-drops Sparks, where I have been a couple of times myself. I would totally recommend the place - it is one of the best steak-houses in the world - steaks are amazing, but you’d need to book!!), museums, and have an epic taxi journey. The author writes about the highs and lows, and frequently points to himself as the reason things did not work out as well as planned.

Throughout it all, however, there remains a strong sense of family, of the importance of working hard and never giving up, and all is leavened with humour and wit.

What I Liked:
-	The author is giving us his warts-and-all life-story, and delivers with excellent humour and vibrant writing.
-	The stories are excellently paced, and would withstand re-reading.
-	The author captures the variety and energy of this great city, and his love for it shines through.
-	Some nice anachronisms e.g. people on the train reading three newspapers on the way to work in Manhattan. It’s all so mobile now…

What I Didn’t Like:
-	There are some outdated comments, especially in the earlier chapters, which could have been edited out. We all know that’s how it was back then, but this is a 2019 book, and should reflect that. There is no suggestion the author holds any of these views himself.
Overall:

This is a nice read, and I’d recommend it. The author comes across as a good guy, a tough new Yorker who has the backs of his friends, yet will always look out for his own. He readily admits he is not perfect, and confesses to some small-time crime when a penniless kid growing up in a hard neighbourhood. 

The stories are necessarily short, but well-written, with an eye for local colour and an ear for conversation. His best stories, I think, are those where he makes random connections, which turn into friendships (e.g. the 89-year old Bennett).

Acknowledgements:

I received a free copy of this book from the author and NetGalley, in return for an honest and objective review.

What a great read!!! This book of short stories with the main setting being New York is a gem. Some of the stories are sad, some are funny. Well told and well written. All the stories were good and I have already looked for more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

I am a born& bred New Yorker I loved this collection snapshots of my hometown.The flavor the special aura of the people the place.. Stories  funny ,touching just a wonderful read.Thanks#netgalley #booksgo social.

Having visited NY a couple of times this book grabbed my attention. I enjoy reading the Humans of New York feed on Facebook, and this felt like an extension of that as you get a fuller picture.

I suppose, in some ways, even though I no longer live there I'm a New Yorker at heart. Reading these brought back sights, sounds, smells, and a nostalgia I haven't felt in a while. There's no place quite like NYC.  This collection brings the city to life over a span of decades. Some places still stand, some do not. No matter the decade you can almost feel the city wrap around you. Highly recommend.

This was a very enjoyable, light read.  I was drawn to the book by the title.  This book gets 4 stars!