I wanted to like this book, but I found the trite stereotypes and forced metaphors got on my nerves after awhile. This book didn't feel like it had an authentic voice, and I therefore didn't enjoy it much, despite the potential of the subject matter.

This book is a series of essays about Gopnik's life in New York for five years pre and post-9/11. His son ages from 5-10 and his daughter from birth to five, so many of the stories are about life as a parent of young children. For me, it brought back many wonderful memories of raising my children since they are just a little older than Gopnik's son. I found these stories delightful and actually laughed out loud a lot, probably because he reminded me of that age of childraising so well. Gopnik also share his observations about the changing nature of New York, from the gritty 70 and '80s to the much cleaned up era of this new millennia. Having spent some time in NY during both those eras, I enjoyed his observations about the arc of the city. They naturally led to for me to thinking about how past policies have led to the NY of today--which is still a beacon for young, not yet childbearing people. And he touched on 9/11 in just the right way-giving us a sense of the impact and continual aftermath for New Yorkers but not staying there too long.

Good writing, pleasant stories about living in New York City with children post 9/11 and post living in Paris.

A little more philosophical than the last...