A few Queens-born and Queens-loving writers from New York Calling: From Blackout to Bloomberg, the new anthology of essays on New York City before gentrification, are coming to the Barnes and Nobles near St. John's University next week to read from the book.
The book has raised a few eyebrows as some of the writers look back wistfully at the 1970s as a high-water mark for culture and life in NYC. Huh? Doesn't sound right to you? Or maybe it does as the increasing gentrification of the city creeps up on you.
New York Calling essayists Brian Berger, Kevin Walsh, Robert Sietsema, and Joseph Anastasio will be in the store on November 28, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. (176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows). I haven't read the book yet, but I'm a fan of Walsh's Forgotten NY and Sietsema's eating explorations in the Village Voice. It should be fun to hear what they have to say (if you're going, try restaurants near St. John's).
The same night in Astoria, new school is trying to meet old school. Let's say it's the same theme, but in a real situation. A group from Astorian.com -- mainly neighborhood newcomers -- has spearheaded a community meeting that brings together long-term residents with newcomers and local politicians to talk quality of life. Good luck to the Astoria Renaissance Committee. What a name! More at Joey in Astoria.
Comments
I went to the promo panel a few weeks ago at the Gotham Center for New York History. 5 of the co-authors discussed their writing and took questions from the audience. It was filmed by a crew (PBS, maybe?) so should be aired well … somewhere, someday.
I got the book at the panel, and it’s been my subway commute reading material for the last week. FANTASTIC reading so far!