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Top 5 New York City Books to Read Before Your Next Trip to the Big Apple

Published: April 19th, 2019

April is Library Month (as well as National Poetry Month!) so the “librarians” team at the Library Hotel,   thought it would be a great time to share with you some of our favorite New York City books to read. We believe the books below represent what New York is all about. For travelers planning their vacation in New York, these books showcase life in the city from various points of views, from a child’s to a chef’s. We are sure these books will help you get excited about your New York City getaway. Check out the Library Hotel’s top 5 picks for books to read before your trip:

New York by Edward Rutherfurd

New York by Edward Rutherfurd

1. New York by Edward Rutherfurd

This historical novel depicts life through fictional families from New York City’s beginnings all the way through its current glory. It explains the waves of growth New York endured to transform from a small port to the largest global city in the world while explaining the stories of immigrants through the eyes of various inspiriting characters.

 

Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant Cookbook by Sandy Ingber

Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant Cookbook by Sandy Ingber

2. Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant Cookbook by Sandy Ingber

Although not a story book per se, a book none the less. You will find it hard to describe New York without mentioning its fantastic food scene and you cannot talk about New York City’s food scene without speaking of the Grand Central Oyster Bar! Located within the second level of Grand Central Station, serving up the most delectable and fresh seafood available in the city, this historic restaurant is a staple of NYC. Enjoy a book which not only explains the story from 1913 but also allows you to try the food yourself.

A History of New York in 101 Objects by Sam Roberts

A History of New York in 101 Objects by Sam Roberts

3. A History of New York in 101 Objects by Sam Roberts

Think of this book as your walking history book of New York City. The original context was actually only 50 items and was an article in the New York Times which depicted New York throughout the ages. With so many reader responses, Roberts expanded the series into a novel and explored the 101 objects which helped craft New York into the city is it today.

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

4. Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

While the movie may come to mind first, if you haven’t read this book set in New York City, we believe you are missing out on a classic. Capote captures the glamour of New York City, along with the dark side of living in it. It is a gorgeous tale of reinvention within the city’s ever-changing self.

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

5. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet who lives in Manhattan spends her days spying on friends and family. This look into childhood innocence is what New Yorkers always find themselves intrigued by their neighbors at the local coffee shop.

 

Looking for more book recommendations? Be sure to check out of the Library Hotel Collection team’s favorites here! Library Hotel is known to be a book lover’s paradise. Plan your getaway with our Book Lover’s Deal and Best Rate Guarantee! If you are looking to add more stories to you stay, see how you can enhance your stay and add our Guilty Pleasure amenity which consists of “Books by the Foot” by Strand Bookstore, which is one foot worth of books handed selected by our Honorary Librarian!

Should these books spark a desire to add some more adventure to your stay, do not hesitate to ask the  Library Hotel Concierge team to assist you in planning the perfect NYC activities! Click here to send an email!  

Happy Reading!

If your a Sports Lover or Music Lover, Library Hotel Collection has something for your too! Check out our newest addition, Hotel X Toronto, Downtown Toronto’s newest urban resort with a 90,000 square foot athletic centre, 3 level SkyBar, resort-style amenities including a year-round rooftop pool, art gallery and more! Our glamorous Aria Hotel Budapest, is the perfect duet of music and luxury! Experience the year round rooftop, High Note SkyBar, offering 360 views of Budapest and their newest culinary experience Liszt Restaurant, then be sure to relax and unwind with the perfect spa treatment at  Harmony Spa.

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