Some love New York City or at least find it interesting. Some love to hate it. Some don’t care much one way or another. Unless you are in this last group, you probably will like this book.

I am now reading A History of New York in 101 Objects by Sam Roberts. Now has been several months. I am enjoying this book slowly, in pieces. It is an easy read with 101 chapters, one for each object. Easy to pick up, read a about a few objects, and put down into you are in the mood again.

Sam Roberts, a well-known New Yorker and media figure, has picked 101 objects that to him illustrate the history of New York. Others well-versed in the history of the city might pick other objects. But my guess is that there would be much overlap in the lists of chosen objects. But few would argue that the objects he picked are unimportant to the history of the city and might actually agree after reading his reasons.

I especially enjoyed the chapters “Ruiz Marathon Certificate”, “Artichoke”, “Drop Dead” and “Spaldeen”.

Looking for a gift idea for that hard to please person? Maybe this is it. And while you are buying, get one for yourself. You won’t regret either choice.