The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot (2002)

Sometimes I love Meg Cabot, but she writes a lot of books and sometimes she's just phoning it in.  This novel, however, is adorable.  Columnist chick has romantic troubles and hilarity ensues. Told completely through emails sent by and to gossip columnist Mel Fuller, this laugh-out-loud funny novel is an absolutely delightful read.  The follow-up novel, Every Boy's Got One has more emails and notes from characters tangentially related to those in The Boy Next Door. Girl cartoonist travels to Italy for her friend's wedding. Romantic troubles and hilarity ensue.  Also cute.

Social Crimes by Jane Stanton Hitchcock (2002)

Tale of drama and revenge, set in New York society.  A jilted millionaire's wife attempts to get her money, her social standing, and her power back. Dishy and delicious, this is like a fifties women's movie (i.e., Mildred Pierce) in book form.

Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier (2002)

This novel about a first generation American daughter of Indian parents finding herself is narrated with the charming voice of Dimple, who plays with language in an endearing and interesting way. Also, a fascinating look at Indian immigrant culture.  If you liked Bend It Like Beckham and Monsoon Wedding, you'll love this.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron (2007)

Coming of age novel about a young man living in New York, working in his mother's gallery, and trying to find his way in the world. Compelling characters, particularly that of James, the main character and narrator who has a fascinatingly eccentric voice and outlook.

A Time to Be Born by Dawn Powell (1942)

Witty, atmospheric novel set in New York City just before the U.S. entered WWII. Powell reminds me somewhat of Dorothy Parker, though she's more subtle and less acerbic.  Her work is filled with really beautiful, poetic passages.

Broadway Babylon by Boze Hadleigh (2007)

More like a primer to Broadway than a trashy, babylonish collection. Interesting essays on all sort of Broadway luminaries, and fabulous quotes on Broadway in all its forms. Great fun reading, excellent for the theater enthusiast.  Perfect reading on the plane on the way home from NYC.

Making It On Broadway by David Wienir (2004)

Subtitled Actors' Tales of Climbing to the Top, this is a completely realistic look at the not-so-glamorous side of acting on Broadway—from dirty dressing rooms to audition nightmares to co-actor relations. Really interesting and sure to make any actor give his dreams of Broadway stardom at least a second thought.

Blood is the New Black by Valerie Stivers (2007)

Chick lit about the world's dumbest intern who starts at the hip Manhattan fashion magazine Tasty. It takes her a REALLY long time to discover that the fashionistas are all vampires. (No spoiler here, I mean, check out the title.) Very cute idea, well executed.

Super in the City by Daphne Uviller (2008)

Charming chick lit novel about a young woman who becomes the super of her parents' building in NYC. A bit of a mystery ensues, but it doesn't get in the way of the real charm of this novel, which is the young woman's hilarious inner monologue.

Service Included by Phoebe Damrosch (2007)

Subtitled Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter, this is an engaging and very readable behind-the-scenes glimpse at the world of four-star dining, courtesy of Damrosch's experiences working on the wait staff at Thomas Keller's Manhattan restaurant Per Se.  Very entertaining.

Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl (2005)

Subtitled The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, this is the third in a series of food-related biographies by Reichl.  The first, Tender at the Bone: Growing up at the Table, is a lovely family memoir;  Comfort Me With Apples: More Adventures at the Table is about her beginnings as a food writer and her romantic relationship.  This is my favorite of the three because it covers her work as the New York Times food critic and the disguises she adopts to dine incognito.  A fascinating look into the work of a restaurant critic.

Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart (2007)

Charming slip of a memoir about a woman who spent a summer during college working at Tiffany in New York. Lovely look at life in New York during wartime, quite evocative of the period. She was in Times Square on V-J Day!

The Birthday Party: A Memoir of Survival by Stanley N. Alpert (2007)

From the cover: "On January 21, 1998, federal prosecutor Stanley Alpert was kidnapped off the streets of Manhattan. This is the story of what happened next . . ." Amazing memoir, unbelievably riveting and wonderfully written. Impossible to put down.

The Year of Yes by Maria Dahvana Headley (2005)

Maria, who is blessed to be much in demand in the dating world, starts at NYU and discovers her dating taste is not what it should be. So she decides to spend a year saying yes to anyone who asks her out. The consequences are completely hilarious. She's very funny in a quiet, self-deprecating way and has a love for New York City that makes this book a special treat for Manhattan lovers.

Helene Hanff - Adored Author

Adore all of Hanff's works, starting with 84 Charing Cross Road, a series of letters between Hanff and the proprietor of the London bookshop of the title. Charming for any lover of books. Hanff's books are all genius, especially for anyone who loves books, reading, London or New York City.  The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is all about Hanff's first (eventual) trip to London.  Other outstanding Hanff works include Underfoot in Show Business, The Apple of My Eye (about New York City) and Q's Legacy, a sequel to 84 Charing Cross Road.

Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom by Steven Wilkes (2006)

Absolutely fascinating book of photographs taken over a several year period at the long-abandoned hospital at Ellis Island, where new immigrants were housed if they did not pass the medical test. The photographer used no artificial lighting and no retouching in any way and the photographs are amazingly beautiful. At the end of the book, he provides a fascinating look at the conditions under which each photograph was taken, including stories of rather haunting experiences.

Three Girls and Their Brother by Theresa Rebeck (2008)

The three girls of the titles are the granddaughters of a famous literary critic who get their picture in the New Yorker and become media sensations. Told first by the brother, then by each of the sisters, it's a wonderful look at family relationships, as well as the culture of celebrity.

Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani (2003)

Charming story of a seamstress in fifties Manhattan. A lovely portrait of mid-century New York City with lush descriptions of clothes, social life and featuring a strong, independent woman while still remaining within the cultural realities of the time period.

Tepper Isn't Going Out by Calvin Trillin (2001)

Quirky and deadpan, this novel is all about NYC. Tepper likes to park on the street and read his paper while other motorists curse and swear at his "not going out." He soon becomes a celebrity and hilarity ensues.

Ground Up - Michael Idov (2009)

A novel about a New York City couple pursuing their dream of owning a Viennese coffeeshop on the Lower East Side. Even though it's essentially about annoying intellectual hipsters, the writing is excellent and it's filled with "mordant wit" (as Elinor Lipman says).