Hello Readers,
Just Kids From the Bronx, one of our March Picks, is a beautifully nostalgic collection of stories about the perception of one’s childhood. Arlene Alda met with sixty-five Bronx natives (herself included) and asked them to talk about their childhood and how life in the Bronx propelled them from childhood into adulthood.
Here are a few excerpts from some of the interviews:
“This recognition that there’s something other than material issues in life. It’s what bonds the species.” – p. 41, Milton Glaser (Artist and Graphic Designer, Creator of the I <3 NY logo)
“Things changed when television came around and families went inside to watch TV. They didn’t go outside anymore. And you had air-conditioning, so you didn’t have to go outside to cool off. Suddenly you didn’t know your neighbors. The world began to evaporate for us. The reason it seems so magical in memory is that it’s a world that’s gone.” – p. 140 – 141, Rick Meyerowitz (Artist/Illustrator, Writer)
“There’s something great about this town, New York. You feel it. You see it. It has the highest level of intensity, of humor, of creativity. And none of that gets separated from where we grew up. As you grow older, you can grow in any environment because you have exposure and the possibilities of learning every day. And I’m still learning. The way I grew up is the best thing that ever happened to me.” – p. 148, Millard “Mickey” S. Drexler (Businessman, CEO of J Crew)
“Your whole life is gong to school. When you stop being educated by the educational system and you walk into life, you don’t realize that that’s part of another educational system and that you have to continue to grow and evolve on a daily basis.” – p. 228, Jamie “Jimmy” Rodriguez Jr. (Restaurateur)
I was touched by each of the stories Alda collected. Even if you did not grow up in the Bronx, these stories are sure to remind you of your own childhood – the games you played, the people you knew, the rules you broke, and the lessons you learned.
Just Kids From the Bronx is a must read for every New Yorker. It’s sweet, it’s intimate, it’s raw, it’s real. Alda’s work capturing these stories of generations of Bronx natives is a precious gift. Get a copy. Read it slowly. Savor the stories.
Did you get a chance to read it? What is your reaction? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and be sure to tag your copy of the book on instagram with #TWTBookshelf.
Live, Love, Learn,