My Favorite Novels Set In New York

So much has been written about New York that the city has become an overused setting in literary works. As a resident of the famed city, I am always in awe of the new things I discover every day. When it comes to novels, my city has served as a fitting backdrop for many stories. Let me share with you some of my favorite books set in the Big Apple:

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The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald

An American classic, this novel is a fitting tribute to the whimsical 1920s. Lavish, controversial, full of mystery, and burning with passion, the story truly illustrated the ups and the downs of the American Dream. Set in Long Island's fictional East and West Egg, Fitzgerald has blazed the trail for writers who want to explore narratives on the extravagant life.

A Visit from the Goon Squad (2011) by Jennifer Egan

While the interrelated stories also take place in different settings, I don't think the narrative will be as gripping if the New York element was left out. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explored the many characters' complex thoughts, dreams, and experiences through different timelines. It's pretty difficult to explain, but it's really worth your time. People say it's a collection of stories, but if you're a world-builder like me, you might also consider this a novel.

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Open City (2011) by Teju Cole

Set in Manhattan, Teju Cole's debut novel is about a medical student wandering the city he finds strange. While it describes the city in detail, some people might find the defamiliarization disarming. I enjoyed the author's description of what goes on in the city and in his character's lives. Though at times strange, this take on life in the concrete jungle can hit too close to home.

Have you read any of these books? What's your favorite novel set in New York?

Thanks for dropping by! My name is Ron Ozer, and my love for literature led me to New York where I'm currently studying. Aside from this blog, I also share my thoughts on this page.

Best snowboarding spots in New York

New York is a great place to spend winter in because of the many activities both adults and children can enjoy; an example is snowboarding. Not only are there numerous sublime spots to ride downhill on, but Amtrak also allows commuters to bring with them snowboard gear and equipment. Those going snowboarding can then have the option to either drive or board the train to reach ski and snowboard resorts.

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Here are some of the best places to head out to: 

Kissing Bridge

Glenwood, which is a half-hour away from Buffalo, is home to one of the most visited ski and snowboard resorts in New York. There are 39 trails, with many of them apt for beginners or children. Almost all the trails are also lit for night skiing or snowboarding. 

Hunter Mountain 

Families and thrill-seekers love visiting this four-season resort because of the variety of winter activities that can be done there. For snowboarders, 58 trails offer varying difficulties: huge learning areas for beginners, cruisers for intermediates, and steep and bumpy trails for the experienced ones.

Gore Mountain

The largest ski resort in New York, North Creek’s Gore Mountain also provides numerous choices of trails for snowboarders. There is also a snow sports school where any skier and snowboarder of all ages and ability levels are given lessons on how to ride the slopes. 

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World traveler and New Yorker Ron Ozer is always in search of the next adventure. Read more about one of his hobbies, snowboarding, by subscribing to this blog.