Well, big milestone. I got published for the first time in NYC. Wrote an essay on the play Exit Cuckoo, which I've covered on this blog but not in quite this delicious a length. I am beyond thrilled.
In New York City, a walk down any side street holds promise of the ultra quirky. You never know what bizarre, super-specialized store might be lurking. Today I wandered by a shop advertising out-of-print, antiquarian, and unusual cook books. Nothing but cook books. Cook books galore. Joanne Hendricks, Cookbooks... and books about food and wine, etc. is a gem of a destination, offering one of those 'only in New York' finds where the store itself is like performance art - visually stimulating, unique-unto-itself and strangely soul enriching.
Nestled among the cuisine how-to's lovingly displayed around this early 1800's shop were exquisite kitchen antiques, tea services and art glass. These appealed most to this anti-cook (you'll find my microwave resting atop my stove in my small NYC kitchen, which I consider a brilliant spacial compromise) as did the comic, tongue-in-cheek writings about culinary exploration. Really, it is a miracle I even ventured into a cookbook shop, but the antique feel of the place seduced me. If you are a foodie, check the store out at 488 Greenwich Street.
One of the best things about living in New York City for any lit chick is the plethora of book events on any given night. Usually, these talks featuring the often famous & usually bestselling author are free (or at the very least, major-cheap.) Tonight, my love of science coupled with the draw of a well-crafted biography led me to shell out 15 bucks to hear Walter Isaacson speak about the famous subject for his book Einstein: His Life and Universe. This enlightening talk briefly explained Einstein's evolution into a radical physicist, focusing on high points in his mammoth scientific career and impact on historical events in the 20th Century. Isaacson's biography is the first to utilize all of Einstein's papers since they have become available, so there are new insights to be had.
We all feel we know everything there is to know about Einstein, so rather than rehash all that Isaacson wisely followed a succinct theme - the imperative nature of creativity in both Einstein's scientific output and in the development of any revolutionary thought. Einstein's quote of "Imagination is more important than knowledge" and his practice of "thought experiments" (which Isaacson explained as daydreaming to you and me) reinforce the philosophy that creativity and a certain non-conformity are what spur advancement in a thinking society.
Bonus: Learning more about Einstein's spiritual belief that god is manifest in the laws of the universe and the harmony of all that exists. Also seeing live-and-in-person journalist extraordinaire Walter Isaacson, former chairman of CNN and managing editor of Time (what a career!)
Major Bonus: Isaacson's observation that New York City has the electricity of a town filled with people who think creatively and differently, affirming my belief that I am in the right place. Also, the fact that this event took place just a block from my apartment, at the NY Historical Society. Easy walk!!!
Thank gawd there are still parts of New York that are like New York, as evidenced in the Bowery on 2nd ave near 4th st. The clubs are gritty, the guys sport purple mohawks, the gals dress all sexy/funky, and piercings & tattoos are had by all. After a visit to a thrift shop & a psychic, I was in a perfectly blissed out mood, ripe for a voyeuristic night of listening to memoirs. The KGB Bar's non-fiction Pour Your Heart Out event was remarkably entertaining, as the authors' talents weren't just confined to a page. Each offered humorous and poignant material with just the right amount of punch-sometimes straight to your gut:
Bonus: Conversing with Ellen Perecman next to me, and learning of her work to discover and revive Yiddish theatrical gems through the New Worlds Theatre Project. Somebody fund this puppy!
Tonight's treat was hearing the great and gritty crime novelist Richard Hawke (aka Tim Cockey) read from his newest work Cold Day in Hell at the Chelsea Barnes & Noble. Much of the story takes place on the Upper West Side and in Central Park - my neck of the woods.
Think yoga and PI's never mix? Think late night talk show hosts could never be pegged for murder most gruesome? Think that crime noir could never be au courant? Read the first few pages of the book and throw out such silly notions. This is a damn good read.
Bonus: The folks at the reading were fantastic New Yorkers. Great conversation before and after (but not during!) the reading. And a shout out to writer/caterer/chef extraordinaire Chris Fisk and her book Sneaky Veggies: How to Get Vegetables Under the Radar & Into Your Family.
