I [Heart] NYC: Well, Not Really, but I'm Trying

I ended up with a second copy of this reluctant New Yorker's guide to New York City and so had to decide whether the second one would go to the Barnard zine stacks or come home with me. I've decided I need it on hand for all future house guests. In addition to providing excellent food, entertainment, art, and cultural recommendations, Amanda writes cute essays about helping tourists take better photographs and subway incidents (maybe a little less cute, but still somehow cuddly).

What I love so much about this guide is that unlike those "on the cheap" or "for less than $50 a day" or even "Lonely Planet" books, this zine was written exactly for me/my demographic. It's veg and queer friendly, offbeat, doesn't even consider expensive things while not aimed at freegans and scammers (nothing wrong with them, just those days are over for me), and written in an easy vernacular. Section titles include "Where I Get My Grocery on," and "Where I Pee." Plumb advises you what days the museums are free and writes equally knowledgeably about Brooklyn and Manhattan attractions. The main difference between us, other than her spending a lot more time in Brooklyn is that she ♥ karaoke, which she tells us about in an essay called, "No Show Tunes, Please." Even if I'm already set in this department, I appreciate that she addresses making friends in NYC, in a section called, "Finding Community in NYC."

The aesthetic is pure zine--all cut and paste, and each cover seems to be hand stamped (printed) with two different color applications.