Library Journal
Charyn is a New York novelist ( War Cries Over Avenue C ) whose jaunty, vivid style is perfect for evoking present-day New York, which he considers ''America at its rawest edge . . . the city as psychopath, energetic, nervous, full of danger, like some hidden heartbeat of the country.'' His is a strongly autobiographical, subjective, and lyrical view of the city, featuring Ellis Island, Times Square, Jewish crime, Bellevuewhatever has seized this artist's imagination. Of course, there is an insider's chapter on Mayor Ed Koch. In spite of all the grubby places Charyn visits the tone is upbeat and each page is full of verbal fireworks. For public libraries. Priscilla E. Pratt, York Coll. Lib., CUNY