This book, designed for the large-living single woman, is full of light, sisterly descriptions of some of the most indulgent spots in New York. They are lots of fun to read and provoke wild imaginings of frozen hot chocolate and long massages and all the many (expensive) pleasures of this wonderful city. The listings are also useful if you live in the city or are planning a visit--some of the places mentioned are truly great, often underappreciated spots. Each section contains "Not to Miss", a list of the runners-up, also great. And after some listings the authors write "Psst..." and give an insider tip.

The problems are as follows: this book is very clearly written for women in a specific, Sex and the Cityesque niche. Though people outside this niche can certainly benefit from the suggestions, they will find the language (which doesn't go a page without mentioning weight management or how to get your boyfriend to propose) perhaps less amusing. It's also poorly edited, with some spelling and grammatical issues and not-always-excellent writing. Some reviews are too short and say nothing useful (one review for Me Kong, a restaurant, reads, "Innovative yet simple Vietnamese in disappointing portions but at satisfying prices. Probably not chic enough for the terrain, but enjoyable all the same"). There is also the problem, as another reader mentioned, of the organization. The scatterbrained quality makes this book useful only as an idea bank for when fancy strikes, and not as a resource for looking up things you actually need. I worry that this book is not exhaustive, either--where, for instance, is H&H, widely-accepted home of the best bagel in New York? It seems that by reading New York magazine you could get, for a lower cost (or free online), the same sort of reviews as are in this book.

But if you can deal with these things and still want a cute, witty, stylish guide to New York, this book is a good option. Most of all it's fun to read and will provide you with hours of dreamy pleasure. And it would make a great gift!

This book, designed for the large-living single woman, is full of light, sisterly descriptions of some of the most indulgent spots in New York. They are lots of fun to read and provoke wild imaginings of frozen hot chocolate and long massages and all the many (expensive) pleasures of this wonderful city. The listings are also useful if you live in the city or are planning a visit--some of the places mentioned are truly great, often underappreciated spots. Each section contains "Not to Miss", a list of the runners-up, also great. And after some listings the authors write "Psst..." and give an insider tip.

The problems are as follows: this book is very clearly written for women in a specific, Sex and the Cityesque niche. Though people outside this niche can certainly benefit from the suggestions, they will find the language (which doesn't go a page without mentioning weight management or how to get your boyfriend to propose) perhaps less amusing. It's also poorly edited, with some spelling and grammatical issues and not-always-excellent writing. Some reviews are too short and say nothing useful (one review for Me Kong, a restaurant, reads, "Innovative yet simple Vietnamese in disappointing portions but at satisfying prices. Probably not chic enough for the terrain, but enjoyable all the same"). There is also the problem, as another reader mentioned, of the organization. The scatterbrained quality makes this book useful only as an idea bank for when fancy strikes, and not as a resource for looking up things you actually need. I worry that this book is not exhaustive, either--where, for instance, is H&H, widely-accepted home of the best bagel in New York? It seems that by reading New York magazine you could get, for a lower cost (or free online), the same sort of reviews as are in this book.

But if you can deal with these things and still want a cute, witty, stylish guide to New York, this book is a good option. Most of all it's fun to read and will provide you with hours of dreamy pleasure. And it would make a great gift!