Two new books about New York City

As much as us New Yorkers complain about tourists, they do serve one purpose — they remind us to look up and around us once in a while and notice the things we often walk by without taking a second glance at. Two new books are doing the same thing. Check them out and remember how #blessed you are to live in a city that serves as endless inspiration to so many people.

“Penn Station, New York” by Louis Stettner

Out December 7 is a coffeetable book with large, beautiful glossy photos of one of the city’s most iconic — and busiest — places, “Penn Station, New York.” The black and white photographs capture the little every day moments that took place there in the midst of the hustle and bustle during the 1950s. Photographer Louis Stettner was born in 1922 in Brooklyn, served in World War II and taught photography at several universities here in New York. Step back in time with his stunning photos.

“Brooklyn Secrets” by Triss Stein

Not only is “Brooklyn Secrets” a murder mystery that will keep you guessing, it gives a real inside look at what Brooklyn was like in the 1930s, and how it has changed over time. The book is about a grad student and single mom named Erica who is researching Brooklyn organized crime that took place in the 1930s, specifically in Brownsville. While doing field research, she weighs what has changed and was has stayed the same about this particular part of the burough. But she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when one of the women she interviews is killed. The juicy plot is peppered with real life facts about how Brooklyn, then and now. Get lost in this captivating and informative read.

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