Heart of New York: Stories of Loss, Redemption & Family by Emil Rem continues the author’s shared journey of taking a walk down memory lane, gaining a new perspective on his present-day life (in the story, of course), and reflecting on the past. Yes, this is technically a holiday-themed novel, but at the end of the day – Heart of New York, you’ll see is so much more.
Heart of New York: Stories of Loss, Redemption & Family tells readers from the start with its cover that this book takes place around Christmas time. In New York, obviously. LOL! You get the holiday trappings with the Christmas tree, snow (but let’s be real, snow can happen almost anytime these days), the Statue of Liberty, fireworks, and the iconic New York skyline. It’s a beautiful cover that will put just about anyone in the mood for the holidays. For sure, it will pique your interest as to what author Rem has to say.
Heart of New York: Stories of Loss, Redemption & Family begins with a foreword by author Rem himself. The point of this foreword is to share with readers some of the reactions that he initially received from some of his readers when they started this book. You’ll be surprised at some of their reactions.
Author Rem says that Heart of New York is not a travelogue. He says this in comparison to his first book, Chasing Aphrodite, which he says is. For any reader who has not read Chasing Aphrodite, we’d probably argue that he’s right…yeah, no. Not really. Heart of New York in a sense is a travelogue, but at the end of the day…it’s so much more. It’s a travelogue of life and reflection.
Heart of New York details a trip that author Rem and his family made to New York City for the holidays. It’s not the destination that author Rem had in mind, but when you get outvoted by your family – what are you to do? Seriously? LOL! Author Rem wanted to go to their usual vacation location, but it would seem if this story is any indication, that it was a blessing in disguise to wind up in New York City.
Those who know about New York City know that winter is tough there. You go there to have a good time, enjoy yourself and see the sights. Well, that’s not exactly easy when the weather is rainy, snowy, cold, windy, and just downright miserable. Ah, where are the beautiful sun-kissed beaches with temperatures that are just right? Right? LOL!
Well, despite all of the “misery” that author Rem would leave you to believe they all suffered so profusely, you’ll oftentimes see the silver lining. These moments of redemptive situations will bring a smile to your face, and if you’re not careful…a tear or two to your eyes.
One favorite element of this book that we truly came to enjoy were the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. They depict some of the key elements that would be found within that particular chapter/story. You wouldn’t know exactly how they would all come together, but come together they would. As Heart of New York progresses we find ourselves trying to decipher these clues to see if we could discover the meaning before reading the next chapter. These illustrations took this book to another level of delight.
The way that Heart of New York is written is almost like author Rem is writing this book for a friend. He’s sharing his life’s stories with us in ways that make us feel like we are a part of it. As though, we the readers are becoming an extended part of his family as he shares highs, lows, memories, and feelings from past moments and situations. It’s truly beautiful.
Especially the “author’s note” and the “illustrator’s note” at the end of each chapter. They each come back and give readers some more things to mull over with their brief explanations concerning the chapter you just read, and the meaning of the illustration. It’s truly fantastic and such an unexpected element to enjoy. Each note and illustration drives you to want to read and discover more.
It is truly delightful to be able to discover the meanings of some of the images in the illustrations in the chapters themselves. While each chapter reads like a separate story, they are still interwoven and connected to the overall story and flow together flawlessly. On a level, you’d expect there to be some disconnect here and there as author Rem flits from one era of his life to another in memory, but there is none to speak of! You’ll see the attention to care and detail to make sure that he gets it all just right.
Deep diving back and forth into the past and “present” day for author Rem allows readers to get to know more about him and the things that he has been through in his life. Author Rem tells his story in Heart of New York and does it in such a way that even readers who normally skirt “non-fiction” will want to pick this book up. Yes, people, it’s that good. Because this reader? Yeah, we’re one of those who normally skirt non-fiction. LOL!
Sprinkled throughout Heart of New York are moments of humor that will have you literally laughing out loud. From author Rem trying to outwit the hotel staff with random and ridiculous requests, to frazzling situations with overly demanding family members. Then there will be moments that will draw your ire as he faces down individuals who have no qualms taking advantage of him for their own gain, to tax agents guffawing at his sad predicament. But there will be moments that bring a tear to your eye whether it’s from a kind gesture from a bus driver or a judge subtly standing up for the underdog in a situation.
What we’re trying to say is – Heart of New York is going to bring out the feelings when it comes to this book. There will be smiles, there will be frowns, and yes, there will be tears, but when you close this book for the “final” time, there will also be a sense of satisfaction for a story well told.
Whether you are an avid reader of “non-fiction”, someone who enjoys a good holiday read, or a reader who typically avoids the genre altogether, this book – Heart of New York: Stories of Loss, Redemption & Family should be one that you dedicate some time to and read. We promise you, it will touch your heart, and you will finish it before you know it. It is a true delight of a story.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline
- Beautiful illustrations
- Very informative
- Delightful storytelling
- Page-turner
Cons:
- None of Merit
Scribble's Worth 
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