Max Millard's book isn't a novel with a plot, but an incredible collection of real-life snapshots. In the 1970s, he took his tape recorder around New York City and simply talked to people. The result is 100 first-person accounts from a stunning cross-section of city life.

The Story

There's no single narrative. Instead, you jump from one person's world to the next. One page you're with a panhandler explaining his philosophy, the next you're in the kitchen with a diner cook, and then you're hearing from a social worker about the struggles of the Bronx. Each interview is short, often just a page or two, but they build a mosaic of the city's heartbeat during a time of financial crisis, cultural change, and undeniable street-level energy.

Why You Should Read It

This book has magic because it's unfiltered. These aren't polished celebrities reminiscing; they're everyday people caught in a moment, sharing their dreams, frustrations, and jokes. You get the pride of a veteran tailor, the weary wisdom of a cabbie, and the wild dreams of a punk musician. It completely bypasses the romanticized, postcard version of NYC and gives you the city that New Yorkers actually lived in—messy, loud, and fiercely alive.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves oral history, New York City, or just brilliant slices of human life. It's a fantastic book to keep on your nightstand and dip into for a few portraits at a time. You'll come away feeling like you didn't just read about the 1970s, but that you actually walked its sidewalks and met its people.