If you're new to New York City, you can be sure you're not alone. With more than 8.5 million residents, NYC is filled with natives and newbies alike.
As a NYC transplant myself, I've recently decided to ditch the travel guides for books that give a little more life to the concrete jungle.
Here are a few of my favorites.
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My First New York: Early Adventures in the Big City
The editors of New York Magazine compiled this poignant pocket book of first experiences in the city as told by a host of its most iconic residents — from Liza Minnelli to Andy Samberg. The 56 stories that make up "My First New York" are a testament to time and a reminder that even the most successful New Yorkers were once outsiders.
Every Person in New York
Jason Polan is an artist on a mission to sketch every single person in New York City. This recently released collection is the first what is expected to be a never-ending series.
Much like the portraitist behind Humans of New York, Polan's accounts of the folks he sees on subways, street corners, and in museums are both endearing and honest. "Every Person in New York" is a reminder that part of the charm of New York City is its inhabitants.
New York in a Dozen Dishes
Written by veteran New York food critic Robert Sietsema, this whimsical dining guide takes eaters off the grid to discover the best food in the five boroughs. Through tales of NYC's storied and diverse food scene, Sietsema reveals where New York's best and most iconic dishes came from and where they're hiding.
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